The NSW Labor Government is today launching the proposed model for the Future Jobs and
Investment Authorities, an important framework which will support workers and communities for a
future beyond coal mining.
This is the next step in the establishing the authorities and delivering on the NSW Labor
Government’s election commitment.
Led by the Future Jobs and Investment Advocate, it will play a central role in government to support
the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West as coal mines and coal-fired power stations
close in the coming decades.
Today, coal plays a crucial role across NSW, with more than 125,000 workers in the state either
directly or indirectly employed by the coal mining or coal-fired power sectors.
But it’s expected that by 2040 all four of the state’s coal-fired power stations, and 32 of the state’s
39 coal mines will close.
Under the proposed model, the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities will include:
- The Future Jobs and Investment Advocate, a statutory role established in legislation and
providing advice to the Minister for Natural Resources to lead strategic work with each
regional authority and coordinate the authorities’ work across government. - The Future Jobs and Investment Board, comprised of the chairs of each regional authorities,
unions, industry associations and relevant government agencies. The board will be chaired by
the Advocate. - Office of the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities, a central, dedicated delivery unit within
the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, staffed to support the work
of local authorities, the Advocate and the Board. - Regional Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in each of the Hunter, Illawarra, Central
West and Far West with representation from local government, community groups, unions
and the mining industry to ensure locally-led input and bespoke advice can drive government
decision making.
The Future Jobs and Investment Authorities will replace the Royalties for Rejuvenation and Expert
Panels scheme set up by the previous Liberal-National Government.
The authorities will play a central role inside the government to advocate for coal-producing
communities, unlike the Expert Panels which are isolated from the rest of the government and
unempowered to advocate or champion the issue across government.
Proposals and projects suggested by the authorities will be tailored for each region so they can:
- Drive investment opportunities which are aligned to competitive advantages for each region. In
the Hunter this could mean promoting renewable energy manufacturing, and in the Illawarra
industries like clean energy and defence. - Facilitate economically beneficial post-mining land uses. The authorities can help facilitate new
and innovative uses for coal mines after they close. Already this year, the government has
announced a former Hunter coal mine will be transformed into a motor park resort and
tourism centre, while others are exploring becoming pumped hydro and clean energy
facilities. - Support opportunities for local manufacturing. Often located on large tracts of land with
existing infrastructure, and with skilled labour already deployed, the state’s manufacturing
can be boosted by leveraging the history of coal mines. - Ensure a ready pipeline of skills to support the activation of new industries. Providing workers
with access to TAFE courses and other training to obtain the skills required for future job
opportunities.
Over the past year, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has hosted stakeholder
roundtables across the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West.
Having consulted widely and gained advice from hundreds of community members including unions,
industry groups, mining companies, and local and state government representatives, this is the first
time a model has been proposed for the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities.
The issues paper also includes a detailed analysis of planned coal mine closures, employment rates,
and economic data for each of the four regions.
Coal-fired power stations generated 71% of the state’s electricity in 2023. 87% of coal produced in
NSW in 2022-23 was exported. Global demand for coal is projected to decrease by 30% by 2050,
including among NSW’s key trading partners.
Earlier this month, Minister Houssos asked NSW Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on State
Development chair Emily Suvaal to undertake an inquiry into post-mining land use. That inquiry will
also inform the whole-of-government approach to assistance for the coal-producing workers and
communities.
The authorities will also work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority to
deliver real support for workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities.
The NSW Government invites submissions on the issues paper prior to the introduction of legislation
later in the year. Consultation opens Tuesday 28 May 2024 and will be open for six weeks.
To view the issues paper, go to http://www.nsw.gov.au/fjia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
“Coal mining will continue to support thousands of local jobs and underpin the state’s energy grid
for many years to come. But with global demand for coal projected to decrease over the coming
decades, we want to ensure workers, communities and regional centres are given the support they
need.
“Releasing this issues paper continues the government’s work with local communities for a future
beyond coal.
“The Future Jobs and Investment Authorities delivers on an important election commitment for the
NSW Labor Government to support coal-producing communities across the state.
“I’ve been hearing from workers, communities and industry about how important it is the government
provides the right framework of support.
“I look forward to receiving feedback on our proposed model and then getting to work to
establishing these authorities by the end of the year.
“Workers and communities across NSW need to know we’ve got their back.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:
“The Illawarra has always been a manufacturing heartland, having a strong network of production
and supply chains which has been a key part of not only the NSW economy, but the entire Australian
economy as well.
“Our highly skilled workforce has been making strides in transforming our region to be future ready,
transitioning skills to modern industries necessary to continue attracting investments and new
opportunities well into the future.
“The NSW Government is ready to support the thousands of skilled workers currently in coal mining
in the Illawarra, who will continue to be the cornerstone of our region for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
“Coal has long been a source of economic prosperity for the Hunter, but as the world evolves we
must ensure our region can continue to employ workers, provide good jobs and ensure people have a
good, prosperous future.
“The Hunter is Australia’s largest regional economy and today’s announcement will help support our
community go from strength to strength.
“A Hunter authority will ensure that local voices are heard and give us direct input to help drive
investment, develop new industries, re-skill workers and enhance our already great manufacturing
capability.
“Today’s announcement gives us a clear roadmap to building a prosperous future for the Hunter. I’d
like to thank Minister Houssos for the dedication and support she’s given our region.”
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