The NSW and Federal Governments are working with Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils on a plan to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region’s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.
The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend were revealed today, delivering on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.
These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region, the Governments say.
“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future,” said NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley.
“These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state’s economic powerhouses.”
The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter’s skilled workforce combined with the proximity of strong rail, road, power and water infrastructure lay the foundation for the success of new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal mining areas will be transformed from supplying coal to providing new job opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.
“These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW,” said NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
Following the commercial decision by BHP to cease mining operations at their Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
- Total area of 5,400 hectares
- Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
- Approximately 5,900 new jobs.
“Coal mines in the Hunter have sustained communities and families for generations, and we want to make sure these sites can continue to support jobs even after mining ends,” said NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos.
The Macquarie Coal Complex, located just 20km south-west of Newcastle, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
- Total area of 1,160 hectares
- At least 500 hectares of developable land
- Up to 1,130 new jobs
- Around 36 hectares of new open space
Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said the progression of the project was critical for the community.
“We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work,” he said.
“This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz said the transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future.
“By working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we’re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves,” said Mayor Shultz.
A recommendations report is expected to be handed down based on these pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a clear reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.
The draft master plans are on public exhibition for 28 days from 14 July to 11 August. In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period, giving the community the chance to speak directly with the project team.
Community feedback received during this time will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. To view the proposals and have your say, visit Mt Arthur Mine or Macquarie Coal Complex.
