The New South Wales Government is exploring future opportunities for coal-mining regions, including creating new jobs, driving new investment and activating opportunities for future workers.
New South Wales Minister for Finance and Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, toured the Mt Arthur Coal Mine on 15 May 2023 and met with the Chairs of the Royalties for Rejuvenation Expert Panels the following day to discuss the future of coal-mining regions.
Ms Houssos said she has seen first-hand the scale of the operation at Mt Arthur and understands how important these local jobs are for the region.
“As the mine’s closure date nears it will be crucial to find ways to partner with the mine’s workers, use existing infrastructure and skills and achieve a balance of social, environmental and economic outcomes for the site’s next chapter. This is going to take a sustained effort from government and industry,” Ms Houssos said.
“There are great opportunities in New South Wales. The New South Wales Government is listening and committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans for these regions.
“The New South Wales Government will use the convening power of government to find innovative solutions which harness the opportunities in renewable energy and drive future investment in the regions.”
The State Government will also work with the Federal Government to coordinate the recently announced Net Zero Authority.
“By working with communities to find localised solutions, New South Wales will be able to support regional communities and economies to access new employment, skills and harness the opportunities that are presented by the industries of the future,” Ms Houssos said.
