Energy and manufacturing future for two Hunter coal sites

The federal and NSW governments have announced draft plans for two Hunter coal mine suites to be repurposed as industrial precincts.

The redevelopment of Mt Arthur coal mine near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend, south-west of Newcastle, will be backed by a $5 million federal government investment and in-kind support from the NSW Government.

The draft master plans and rezoning proposals 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.

BHP will cease mining operations at its Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, after which two areas will be zoned for new industry covering a total area of 5400 hectares and with access to major highways and the existing rail loop. Over 950 hectares of land have also been identified for early activation.

The Macquarie Coal Complex, located 20 km south-west of Newcastle, is also 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, and has a total area of 1160 hectares.

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.

“The Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth,” said Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres. “These master plans are about attracting new industries, creating high-quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation — powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come.”

“This project is critical for our community,” said Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton. “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.”

“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future,” said Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz. “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.”

Image: Mt Arthur Coal mine in the Hunter Valley. Credit: BHP