{"id":39925,"date":"2026-07-14T17:08:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=39925"},"modified":"2026-07-14T17:08:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:08:37","slug":"securing-the-hunters-future-jobs-and-investment-from-mining-land-reuse-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/07\/14\/securing-the-hunters-future-jobs-and-investment-from-mining-land-reuse-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Securing the Hunter&#8217;s future: Jobs and investment from mining land reuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region\u2019s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 have been revealed today delivering on the Commonwealth Government\u2019s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The plans deliver on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments\u2019 effort in the Hunter that land previously used for mining can be transformed for new employment and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total area of 5,400 hectares<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approximately 5,900 new jobs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba\/West Wallsend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total area of 1,160 hectares<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At least 500 hectares of developable land<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to 1,130 new jobs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around 36 hectares of new open space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Next Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recommendations report will 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This complements other work by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments along with local councils, already underway to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state including Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au\/ppr\/under-exhibition\/mt-arthur-coal-mine-transformation-precinct\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mt Arthur Mine<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au\/ppr\/under-exhibition\/macquarie-coal-complex-transformation-precinct\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Macquarie Coal Complex<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia\u2019s next wave of economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation \u2013powering Australia\u2019s economic resilience for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese 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\u2019s economic powerhouses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The Minns Labor Government is acting now to plan for the Hunter\u2019s future, including making the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCoal 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is partnering with communities and industry to re-build manufacturing and industry across the Hunter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Hunter\u2019s next chapter has been built here, by Hunter workers, using Hunter skills. These plans are about turning former mine land into future job sites, with real opportunities in manufacturing, renewables, logistics and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019ve got the workforce, we\u2019ve got the know-how, and we\u2019ve got the infrastructure. Now it\u2019s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter, creating opportunities for local workers, businesses and communities as the region\u2019s economy evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe more than 7,000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunters skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis project is critical for our community. We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don\u2019t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBy working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we&#8217;re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region\u2019s shift from coal into a major industrial hub. The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/07\/14\/securing-the-hunters-future-jobs-and-investment-from-mining-land-reuse-2\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Securing the Hunter&#8217;s future: Jobs and investment from mining land reuse&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nswnews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39925"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39926,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39925\/revisions\/39926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}