Hunter coal sites set to create more than 7000 jobs in transition to new
Two former Hunter coal mines will be rezoned for renewable energy, manufacturing and warehousing, creating over 7000 jobs.
The Mount Arthur Coal Mine near Muswellbrook and Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend are being transformed. Both will change from mining sites to industrial areas.
New planning rules now let the land have renewable energy projects, advanced manufacturing and warehousing. The rezoning follows the federal government's $5 million investment and NSW government support.
Mount Arthur, owned by BHP, will stop mining in 2030. The site is already the preferred location for a state-owned facility.
It will build NSW's next generation of passenger trains. Both locations benefit from existing rail, road, power and water infrastructure and the Hunter's skilled workforce.
Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton called it "a vote of confidence in our future beyond coal." Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz said the rezoning could attract investment and create economic chances for decades.
- More than 7000
- Jobs expected
- $5 million
- Federal investment
- 2030
- Mount Arthur mining ends
- BHP
- Mount Arthur owner
Why it mattersHunter communities that have depended on coal mining for generations now have concrete plans. They will change their economy while protecting jobs and regional prosperity as coal phases out.
AustraliaNSW's Hunter region, hit by coal industry decline, gains a major pathway to economic recovery through new industries and employment tied to Australia's shift to renewables and manufacturing.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
