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The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Business owners on board with land use planning committee's proposed way forward
THE Hunter business community is calling for bipartisan support for reforms outlined in a post-mining land use report after the state government adopted all 13 recommendations. In the mix is a skills audit of the state's mining workforce and a review of three key pieces of legislation. Those measures will inform future needs regarding investment in reskilling, training, economic development and future site use, says Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes. "This is really important work to ensure our transition programs are aligned with both the existing skills base and future workforce needs," Mr Hawes said. "We hope to see bipartisan support for the reforms and actions outlined in the report." It will look at what wages and employment conditions are currently industry standard, opportunities for on-site training and skill development, and identify training and education shortages in mining regions. The Beneficial and Productive Post mining Land Use report, tabled in parliament on July 16, has identified three key pieces of legislation for review -the Mining Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Protection of the Environment Operations Act - to ensure they facilitate opportunities for post-mining land use, Mr Hawes said. The NSW Government has agreed to complete that review by June 2026. "This provides a pathway forward to untangle some of the complex issues identified by the committee to ensure we can unlock opportunities for economically beneficial reuse of mining and related lands in future," Mr Hawes said. The report follows a parliamentary inquiry into the best way to use hundreds of thousands of hectares of land left behind from coal mining closures. The recommendations include continued evaluation of security deposits to determine if they will be sufficient for meeting rehabilitation requirements. It suggests an audit and mapping of industrial sites, surplus and industrial lands for potential repurposing for housing, environmental, educational tourism, sport, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy purposes. It has recommended that the leadership of regional resource and energy transition be elevated to a ministerial and senior departmental working group. In adopting that recommendation, the state government has tasked the newly established Future Jobs and Investment Authority with leading many of the initiatives it has agreed to pursue. Mr Hawes said the Future Jobs and Investment Authority was well-placed to lead postmining land use initiatives given its terms of reference and status as a statutory authority with capacity to coordinate across government agencies. "The actions from this report will provide the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority with plenty of tasks and responsibilities," Mr Hawes said. "Business Hunter and other stakeholders in our region will be keeping a watching brief to ensure the Authority continues to be resourced to get on with the job in timely fashion." THE Hunter business community is calling for bipartisan support for reforms outlined in a post-mining land use report after the state government adopted all 13 recommendations. In the mix is a skills audit of the state's mining workforce and a review of three key pieces of legislation. Those measures will inform future needs regarding investment in reskilling, training, economic development and future site use, says Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes. "This is really important work to ensure our transition programs are aligned with both the existing skills base and future workforce needs," Mr Hawes said. "We hope to see bipartisan support for the reforms and actions outlined in the report." It will look at what wages and employment conditions are currently industry standard, opportunities for on-site training and skill development, and identify training and education shortages in mining regions. The Beneficial and Productive Post mining Land Use report, tabled in parliament on July 16, has identified three key pieces of legislation for review -the Mining Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Protection of the Environment Operations Act - to ensure they facilitate opportunities for post-mining land use, Mr Hawes said. The NSW Government has agreed to complete that review by June 2026. "This provides a pathway forward to untangle some of the complex issues identified by the committee to ensure we can unlock opportunities for economically beneficial reuse of mining and related lands in future," Mr Hawes said. The report follows a parliamentary inquiry into the best way to use hundreds of thousands of hectares of land left behind from coal mining closures. The recommendations include continued evaluation of security deposits to determine if they will be sufficient for meeting rehabilitation requirements. It suggests an audit and mapping of industrial sites, surplus and industrial lands for potential repurposing for housing, environmental, educational tourism, sport, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy purposes. It has recommended that the leadership of regional resource and energy transition be elevated to a ministerial and senior departmental working group. In adopting that recommendation, the state government has tasked the newly established Future Jobs and Investment Authority with leading many of the initiatives it has agreed to pursue. Mr Hawes said the Future Jobs and Investment Authority was well-placed to lead postmining land use initiatives given its terms of reference and status as a statutory authority with capacity to coordinate across government agencies. "The actions from this report will provide the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority with plenty of tasks and responsibilities," Mr Hawes said. "Business Hunter and other stakeholders in our region will be keeping a watching brief to ensure the Authority continues to be resourced to get on with the job in timely fashion." THE Hunter business community is calling for bipartisan support for reforms outlined in a post-mining land use report after the state government adopted all 13 recommendations. In the mix is a skills audit of the state's mining workforce and a review of three key pieces of legislation. Those measures will inform future needs regarding investment in reskilling, training, economic development and future site use, says Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes. "This is really important work to ensure our transition programs are aligned with both the existing skills base and future workforce needs," Mr Hawes said. "We hope to see bipartisan support for the reforms and actions outlined in the report." It will look at what wages and employment conditions are currently industry standard, opportunities for on-site training and skill development, and identify training and education shortages in mining regions. The Beneficial and Productive Post mining Land Use report, tabled in parliament on July 16, has identified three key pieces of legislation for review -the Mining Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Protection of the Environment Operations Act - to ensure they facilitate opportunities for post-mining land use, Mr Hawes said. The NSW Government has agreed to complete that review by June 2026. "This provides a pathway forward to untangle some of the complex issues identified by the committee to ensure we can unlock opportunities for economically beneficial reuse of mining and related lands in future," Mr Hawes said. The report follows a parliamentary inquiry into the best way to use hundreds of thousands of hectares of land left behind from coal mining closures. The recommendations include continued evaluation of security deposits to determine if they will be sufficient for meeting rehabilitation requirements. It suggests an audit and mapping of industrial sites, surplus and industrial lands for potential repurposing for housing, environmental, educational tourism, sport, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy purposes. It has recommended that the leadership of regional resource and energy transition be elevated to a ministerial and senior departmental working group. In adopting that recommendation, the state government has tasked the newly established Future Jobs and Investment Authority with leading many of the initiatives it has agreed to pursue. Mr Hawes said the Future Jobs and Investment Authority was well-placed to lead postmining land use initiatives given its terms of reference and status as a statutory authority with capacity to coordinate across government agencies. "The actions from this report will provide the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority with plenty of tasks and responsibilities," Mr Hawes said. "Business Hunter and other stakeholders in our region will be keeping a watching brief to ensure the Authority continues to be resourced to get on with the job in timely fashion." THE Hunter business community is calling for bipartisan support for reforms outlined in a post-mining land use report after the state government adopted all 13 recommendations. In the mix is a skills audit of the state's mining workforce and a review of three key pieces of legislation. Those measures will inform future needs regarding investment in reskilling, training, economic development and future site use, says Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes. "This is really important work to ensure our transition programs are aligned with both the existing skills base and future workforce needs," Mr Hawes said. "We hope to see bipartisan support for the reforms and actions outlined in the report." It will look at what wages and employment conditions are currently industry standard, opportunities for on-site training and skill development, and identify training and education shortages in mining regions. The Beneficial and Productive Post mining Land Use report, tabled in parliament on July 16, has identified three key pieces of legislation for review -the Mining Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Protection of the Environment Operations Act - to ensure they facilitate opportunities for post-mining land use, Mr Hawes said. The NSW Government has agreed to complete that review by June 2026. "This provides a pathway forward to untangle some of the complex issues identified by the committee to ensure we can unlock opportunities for economically beneficial reuse of mining and related lands in future," Mr Hawes said. The report follows a parliamentary inquiry into the best way to use hundreds of thousands of hectares of land left behind from coal mining closures. The recommendations include continued evaluation of security deposits to determine if they will be sufficient for meeting rehabilitation requirements. It suggests an audit and mapping of industrial sites, surplus and industrial lands for potential repurposing for housing, environmental, educational tourism, sport, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy purposes. It has recommended that the leadership of regional resource and energy transition be elevated to a ministerial and senior departmental working group. In adopting that recommendation, the state government has tasked the newly established Future Jobs and Investment Authority with leading many of the initiatives it has agreed to pursue. Mr Hawes said the Future Jobs and Investment Authority was well-placed to lead postmining land use initiatives given its terms of reference and status as a statutory authority with capacity to coordinate across government agencies. "The actions from this report will provide the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority with plenty of tasks and responsibilities," Mr Hawes said. "Business Hunter and other stakeholders in our region will be keeping a watching brief to ensure the Authority continues to be resourced to get on with the job in timely fashion."
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Coal-powered clean energy: Hunter Region in the crosshairs of the state's economy
The state budget has delivered record investment in clean energy infrastructure, yet the Hunter Region's coal royalties continue to help underpin the state's finances. The state is expected to earn close to $3.2 billion annually from coal royalties for the next four years; however, only a fraction of that will flow back to the region. The Hunter's big ticket wishlist items, including the Broadmeadow Precinct, an entertainment centre, Stage 2 of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment and the Newcastle Airport freight hub, were once again overlooked. Despite that, the budget acknowledged that the Hunter's population was growing rapidly - the region's population went from 787,159 to 810,491 between 2022 and 2024. While many of the Hunter highlights were previously announced, the budget provided significant funding boosts to major water, road and health infrastructure projects across the region. The government also continued to prioritise the accelerated delivery of housing across the state. At the same time, the budget contains the biggest investment in out-of-home care and child protection in the state's history, including the construction of new accommodation in the Hunter. The numbers don't lie - coal continues to be a major driver of the state's economy. However, there is also an acknowledgement that change is coming. The government said last week that it would spend $27.3 million over the next four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. The authority will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions as they move away from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. The Hunter and Central West will be the major focus in the early years. The construction of clean energy infrastructure will also move ahead in parallel with the authority. The budget indicates that $2.1 billion, from a total cost of $4.3 billion, will be allocated to the Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Projects in the next four years. The $115.5 million Newcastle Logistics Precinct, on the former BHP Steelworks site, will be used to store infrastructure before it is transported to the state's renewable energy zones. The government previously announced funding to upgrade the highway network that will be used to transport infrastructure from the port to the central west. While there were no new health infrastructure projects announced in the budget, $265 million was allocated to the ongoing delivery of the $850 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct. Cessnock Hospital redevelopment received $138 million, and Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment - stage 3 received $45 million. The budget also allocated $7.5 million to increase the existing car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital. The state government will continue to partner with the federal government to progress key Hunter road projects, including the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects. The federal government's $100 million commitment for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland roundabout also appears in the state budget papers. The Herald previously reported that $35 million had been allocated to the duplication of the Thornton rail bridge. Five million dollars has also been allocated to ease congestion at the Five Islands roundabout at Speers Point. The budget reflects the reality that extreme weather and natural disasters, such as those that recently devastated parts of the Hunter, are likely to occur more frequently in the coming decades. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state budget had been hit with a 10-fold increase to relief and recovery payments since the deadly Black Summer bushfires ravaged the state six years ago. In partnership with the federal government, the state government has spent $9.5 billion on disaster relief and recovery across the state following the devastating summer fires of 2019. In addition to natural disaster funding, $82.1 million will be spent over four years towards the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding Project. As the Newcastle Herald reported last week, $21.5 million has been allocated over five years to nourish sand on Stockton beach, protect assets and rehabilitate the coast. Hunter Water infrastructure projects will receive a major boost over the next 12 months as the government-owned corporation prepares to cater for major population growth. The $835 million Belmont desalination plant, which is due to come online in 2028, will receive $530 million to design and build the plant. The project add up to 30 million litres a day of rainfall-independent water supply. Other projects to receive funding include Burwood Beach Wastewater treatment stage 3 upgrade and the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main Brookfield to Burmi project. Several Hunter police stations have been earmarked for upgrades. The government previously announced $8.7 million for the upgrade of Singleton Police Station. The brutalist facade of Newcastle Police Station will also be upgraded at a cost of $3.5 million. Just over $3 million has been allocated in this budget. A $1.2 billion child protection package will increase support and protection for children and young people in out-of-home care, significantly increase allowances for carers and deliver reforms that ensure every dollar spent delivers better outcomes for vulnerable families. More than $49 million will be invested in government-owned residential housing in out-of-home care, built or upgraded to deliver safe and stable housing for children with complex needs, including homes in the Hunter and Far West. The budget also allocated $4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site. The state budget has delivered record investment in clean energy infrastructure, yet the Hunter Region's coal royalties continue to help underpin the state's finances. The state is expected to earn close to $3.2 billion annually from coal royalties for the next four years; however, only a fraction of that will flow back to the region. The Hunter's big ticket wishlist items, including the Broadmeadow Precinct, an entertainment centre, Stage 2 of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment and the Newcastle Airport freight hub, were once again overlooked. Despite that, the budget acknowledged that the Hunter's population was growing rapidly - the region's population went from 787,159 to 810,491 between 2022 and 2024. While many of the Hunter highlights were previously announced, the budget provided significant funding boosts to major water, road and health infrastructure projects across the region. The government also continued to prioritise the accelerated delivery of housing across the state. At the same time, the budget contains the biggest investment in out-of-home care and child protection in the state's history, including the construction of new accommodation in the Hunter. The numbers don't lie - coal continues to be a major driver of the state's economy. However, there is also an acknowledgement that change is coming. The government said last week that it would spend $27.3 million over the next four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. The authority will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions as they move away from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. The Hunter and Central West will be the major focus in the early years. The construction of clean energy infrastructure will also move ahead in parallel with the authority. The budget indicates that $2.1 billion, from a total cost of $4.3 billion, will be allocated to the Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Projects in the next four years. The $115.5 million Newcastle Logistics Precinct, on the former BHP Steelworks site, will be used to store infrastructure before it is transported to the state's renewable energy zones. The government previously announced funding to upgrade the highway network that will be used to transport infrastructure from the port to the central west. While there were no new health infrastructure projects announced in the budget, $265 million was allocated to the ongoing delivery of the $850 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct. Cessnock Hospital redevelopment received $138 million, and Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment - stage 3 received $45 million. The budget also allocated $7.5 million to increase the existing car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital. The state government will continue to partner with the federal government to progress key Hunter road projects, including the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects. The federal government's $100 million commitment for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland roundabout also appears in the state budget papers. The Herald previously reported that $35 million had been allocated to the duplication of the Thornton rail bridge. Five million dollars has also been allocated to ease congestion at the Five Islands roundabout at Speers Point. The budget reflects the reality that extreme weather and natural disasters, such as those that recently devastated parts of the Hunter, are likely to occur more frequently in the coming decades. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state budget had been hit with a 10-fold increase to relief and recovery payments since the deadly Black Summer bushfires ravaged the state six years ago. In partnership with the federal government, the state government has spent $9.5 billion on disaster relief and recovery across the state following the devastating summer fires of 2019. In addition to natural disaster funding, $82.1 million will be spent over four years towards the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding Project. As the Newcastle Herald reported last week, $21.5 million has been allocated over five years to nourish sand on Stockton beach, protect assets and rehabilitate the coast. Hunter Water infrastructure projects will receive a major boost over the next 12 months as the government-owned corporation prepares to cater for major population growth. The $835 million Belmont desalination plant, which is due to come online in 2028, will receive $530 million to design and build the plant. The project add up to 30 million litres a day of rainfall-independent water supply. Other projects to receive funding include Burwood Beach Wastewater treatment stage 3 upgrade and the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main Brookfield to Burmi project. Several Hunter police stations have been earmarked for upgrades. The government previously announced $8.7 million for the upgrade of Singleton Police Station. The brutalist facade of Newcastle Police Station will also be upgraded at a cost of $3.5 million. Just over $3 million has been allocated in this budget. A $1.2 billion child protection package will increase support and protection for children and young people in out-of-home care, significantly increase allowances for carers and deliver reforms that ensure every dollar spent delivers better outcomes for vulnerable families. More than $49 million will be invested in government-owned residential housing in out-of-home care, built or upgraded to deliver safe and stable housing for children with complex needs, including homes in the Hunter and Far West. The budget also allocated $4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site. The state budget has delivered record investment in clean energy infrastructure, yet the Hunter Region's coal royalties continue to help underpin the state's finances. The state is expected to earn close to $3.2 billion annually from coal royalties for the next four years; however, only a fraction of that will flow back to the region. The Hunter's big ticket wishlist items, including the Broadmeadow Precinct, an entertainment centre, Stage 2 of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment and the Newcastle Airport freight hub, were once again overlooked. Despite that, the budget acknowledged that the Hunter's population was growing rapidly - the region's population went from 787,159 to 810,491 between 2022 and 2024. While many of the Hunter highlights were previously announced, the budget provided significant funding boosts to major water, road and health infrastructure projects across the region. The government also continued to prioritise the accelerated delivery of housing across the state. At the same time, the budget contains the biggest investment in out-of-home care and child protection in the state's history, including the construction of new accommodation in the Hunter. The numbers don't lie - coal continues to be a major driver of the state's economy. However, there is also an acknowledgement that change is coming. The government said last week that it would spend $27.3 million over the next four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. The authority will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions as they move away from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. The Hunter and Central West will be the major focus in the early years. The construction of clean energy infrastructure will also move ahead in parallel with the authority. The budget indicates that $2.1 billion, from a total cost of $4.3 billion, will be allocated to the Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Projects in the next four years. The $115.5 million Newcastle Logistics Precinct, on the former BHP Steelworks site, will be used to store infrastructure before it is transported to the state's renewable energy zones. The government previously announced funding to upgrade the highway network that will be used to transport infrastructure from the port to the central west. While there were no new health infrastructure projects announced in the budget, $265 million was allocated to the ongoing delivery of the $850 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct. Cessnock Hospital redevelopment received $138 million, and Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment - stage 3 received $45 million. The budget also allocated $7.5 million to increase the existing car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital. The state government will continue to partner with the federal government to progress key Hunter road projects, including the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects. The federal government's $100 million commitment for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland roundabout also appears in the state budget papers. The Herald previously reported that $35 million had been allocated to the duplication of the Thornton rail bridge. Five million dollars has also been allocated to ease congestion at the Five Islands roundabout at Speers Point. The budget reflects the reality that extreme weather and natural disasters, such as those that recently devastated parts of the Hunter, are likely to occur more frequently in the coming decades. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state budget had been hit with a 10-fold increase to relief and recovery payments since the deadly Black Summer bushfires ravaged the state six years ago. In partnership with the federal government, the state government has spent $9.5 billion on disaster relief and recovery across the state following the devastating summer fires of 2019. In addition to natural disaster funding, $82.1 million will be spent over four years towards the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding Project. As the Newcastle Herald reported last week, $21.5 million has been allocated over five years to nourish sand on Stockton beach, protect assets and rehabilitate the coast. Hunter Water infrastructure projects will receive a major boost over the next 12 months as the government-owned corporation prepares to cater for major population growth. The $835 million Belmont desalination plant, which is due to come online in 2028, will receive $530 million to design and build the plant. The project add up to 30 million litres a day of rainfall-independent water supply. Other projects to receive funding include Burwood Beach Wastewater treatment stage 3 upgrade and the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main Brookfield to Burmi project. Several Hunter police stations have been earmarked for upgrades. The government previously announced $8.7 million for the upgrade of Singleton Police Station. The brutalist facade of Newcastle Police Station will also be upgraded at a cost of $3.5 million. Just over $3 million has been allocated in this budget. A $1.2 billion child protection package will increase support and protection for children and young people in out-of-home care, significantly increase allowances for carers and deliver reforms that ensure every dollar spent delivers better outcomes for vulnerable families. More than $49 million will be invested in government-owned residential housing in out-of-home care, built or upgraded to deliver safe and stable housing for children with complex needs, including homes in the Hunter and Far West. The budget also allocated $4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site. The state budget has delivered record investment in clean energy infrastructure, yet the Hunter Region's coal royalties continue to help underpin the state's finances. The state is expected to earn close to $3.2 billion annually from coal royalties for the next four years; however, only a fraction of that will flow back to the region. The Hunter's big ticket wishlist items, including the Broadmeadow Precinct, an entertainment centre, Stage 2 of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment and the Newcastle Airport freight hub, were once again overlooked. Despite that, the budget acknowledged that the Hunter's population was growing rapidly - the region's population went from 787,159 to 810,491 between 2022 and 2024. While many of the Hunter highlights were previously announced, the budget provided significant funding boosts to major water, road and health infrastructure projects across the region. The government also continued to prioritise the accelerated delivery of housing across the state. At the same time, the budget contains the biggest investment in out-of-home care and child protection in the state's history, including the construction of new accommodation in the Hunter. The numbers don't lie - coal continues to be a major driver of the state's economy. However, there is also an acknowledgement that change is coming. The government said last week that it would spend $27.3 million over the next four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. The authority will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions as they move away from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. The Hunter and Central West will be the major focus in the early years. The construction of clean energy infrastructure will also move ahead in parallel with the authority. The budget indicates that $2.1 billion, from a total cost of $4.3 billion, will be allocated to the Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Projects in the next four years. The $115.5 million Newcastle Logistics Precinct, on the former BHP Steelworks site, will be used to store infrastructure before it is transported to the state's renewable energy zones. The government previously announced funding to upgrade the highway network that will be used to transport infrastructure from the port to the central west. While there were no new health infrastructure projects announced in the budget, $265 million was allocated to the ongoing delivery of the $850 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct. Cessnock Hospital redevelopment received $138 million, and Muswellbrook Hospital redevelopment - stage 3 received $45 million. The budget also allocated $7.5 million to increase the existing car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital. The state government will continue to partner with the federal government to progress key Hunter road projects, including the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening projects. The federal government's $100 million commitment for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland roundabout also appears in the state budget papers. The Herald previously reported that $35 million had been allocated to the duplication of the Thornton rail bridge. Five million dollars has also been allocated to ease congestion at the Five Islands roundabout at Speers Point. The budget reflects the reality that extreme weather and natural disasters, such as those that recently devastated parts of the Hunter, are likely to occur more frequently in the coming decades. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state budget had been hit with a 10-fold increase to relief and recovery payments since the deadly Black Summer bushfires ravaged the state six years ago. In partnership with the federal government, the state government has spent $9.5 billion on disaster relief and recovery across the state following the devastating summer fires of 2019. In addition to natural disaster funding, $82.1 million will be spent over four years towards the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding Project. As the Newcastle Herald reported last week, $21.5 million has been allocated over five years to nourish sand on Stockton beach, protect assets and rehabilitate the coast. Hunter Water infrastructure projects will receive a major boost over the next 12 months as the government-owned corporation prepares to cater for major population growth. The $835 million Belmont desalination plant, which is due to come online in 2028, will receive $530 million to design and build the plant. The project add up to 30 million litres a day of rainfall-independent water supply. Other projects to receive funding include Burwood Beach Wastewater treatment stage 3 upgrade and the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main Brookfield to Burmi project. Several Hunter police stations have been earmarked for upgrades. The government previously announced $8.7 million for the upgrade of Singleton Police Station. The brutalist facade of Newcastle Police Station will also be upgraded at a cost of $3.5 million. Just over $3 million has been allocated in this budget. A $1.2 billion child protection package will increase support and protection for children and young people in out-of-home care, significantly increase allowances for carers and deliver reforms that ensure every dollar spent delivers better outcomes for vulnerable families. More than $49 million will be invested in government-owned residential housing in out-of-home care, built or upgraded to deliver safe and stable housing for children with complex needs, including homes in the Hunter and Far West. The budget also allocated $4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site.
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
State budget 2025: $27.3m to help Hunter communities prepare for a future beyond coal
The state government will invest $27.3 million over four years to fund programs to support coal mining regions in preparing for a future beyond coal. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, announced last year, will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions - the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West - from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. Its initial focus will be the Hunter and Central West regions. This initiative, backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, will unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the former Coalition government's Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme. The authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects such as infrastructure and post-mining land-use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done in consultation with the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority. "We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth. The authority will work hand-in-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation, not left behind by it," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow. It's about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come." The state government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year. The model of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry. The final authority model integrates much of the feedback received by the government. "Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision-making. Having its work report directly to the Minister, and supported by local divisions, means voices from each region will be heard," Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. "We'll be looking to the authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities. Establishing four local divisions will allow direct representation to the authority and ensure all decisions are informed by local needs and priorities. The local divisions will About 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mining-related industries. While coal will remain an important regional employer and economic driver for decades, global demand is forecast to decrease in the coming decades. Under current planning approvals, by 2040, all four of the state's coal-fired power stations and 32 of the state's 39 coal mines will close. More information about the Future Jobs and Investment Authority is available at: The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months. The state government will invest $27.3 million over four years to fund programs to support coal mining regions in preparing for a future beyond coal. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, announced last year, will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions - the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West - from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. Its initial focus will be the Hunter and Central West regions. This initiative, backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, will unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the former Coalition government's Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme. The authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects such as infrastructure and post-mining land-use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done in consultation with the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority. "We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth. The authority will work hand-in-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation, not left behind by it," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow. It's about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come." The state government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year. The model of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry. The final authority model integrates much of the feedback received by the government. "Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision-making. Having its work report directly to the Minister, and supported by local divisions, means voices from each region will be heard," Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. "We'll be looking to the authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities. Establishing four local divisions will allow direct representation to the authority and ensure all decisions are informed by local needs and priorities. The local divisions will About 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mining-related industries. While coal will remain an important regional employer and economic driver for decades, global demand is forecast to decrease in the coming decades. Under current planning approvals, by 2040, all four of the state's coal-fired power stations and 32 of the state's 39 coal mines will close. More information about the Future Jobs and Investment Authority is available at: The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months. The state government will invest $27.3 million over four years to fund programs to support coal mining regions in preparing for a future beyond coal. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, announced last year, will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions - the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West - from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. Its initial focus will be the Hunter and Central West regions. This initiative, backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, will unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the former Coalition government's Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme. The authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects such as infrastructure and post-mining land-use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done in consultation with the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority. "We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth. The authority will work hand-in-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation, not left behind by it," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow. It's about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come." The state government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year. The model of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry. The final authority model integrates much of the feedback received by the government. "Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision-making. Having its work report directly to the Minister, and supported by local divisions, means voices from each region will be heard," Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. "We'll be looking to the authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities. Establishing four local divisions will allow direct representation to the authority and ensure all decisions are informed by local needs and priorities. The local divisions will About 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mining-related industries. While coal will remain an important regional employer and economic driver for decades, global demand is forecast to decrease in the coming decades. Under current planning approvals, by 2040, all four of the state's coal-fired power stations and 32 of the state's 39 coal mines will close. More information about the Future Jobs and Investment Authority is available at: The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months. The state government will invest $27.3 million over four years to fund programs to support coal mining regions in preparing for a future beyond coal. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, announced last year, will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions - the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West - from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment. Its initial focus will be the Hunter and Central West regions. This initiative, backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, will unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the former Coalition government's Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme. The authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects such as infrastructure and post-mining land-use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done in consultation with the federal government's Net Zero Economy Authority. "We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth. The authority will work hand-in-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation, not left behind by it," Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. "This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow. It's about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come." The state government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year. The model of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry. The final authority model integrates much of the feedback received by the government. "Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision-making. Having its work report directly to the Minister, and supported by local divisions, means voices from each region will be heard," Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. "We'll be looking to the authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities. Establishing four local divisions will allow direct representation to the authority and ensure all decisions are informed by local needs and priorities. The local divisions will About 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mining-related industries. While coal will remain an important regional employer and economic driver for decades, global demand is forecast to decrease in the coming decades. Under current planning approvals, by 2040, all four of the state's coal-fired power stations and 32 of the state's 39 coal mines will close. More information about the Future Jobs and Investment Authority is available at: The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months.
