The Minns Labor Government is partnering with coal-producing regions across NSW to deliver on its election commitment to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority.
The Authority 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.
Four local Divisions will be established in these areas to support the Authority which will include representatives of industry, workers, local government and community groups.
The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $27.3 million over four years to fund the Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions.
It will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund to unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme. The Government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year.
Currently, around 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mines. While coal mining will continue for decades to come this highlights the importance of establishing the Authority to begin planning for a future beyond coal.
As part of its remit, the Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects like infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done hand-in-hand with the Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority.
Priorities of the Authority will include facilitating strategic land use planning, land prioritisation and activation, driving investment attraction activities to support the development of new industries in coal-producing communities and developing new initiatives to ensure workers are equipped with necessary training.
It will collaborate with the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Commonwealth Government to streamline projects and strengthen delivery and be responsible for leading effective consultation, collaboration and partnership with local communities.
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.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said the Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal and 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.
“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.
“Coal mining will continue to support thousands of local jobs and underpin the state’s energy grid for many years to come. As the global demand for coal decreases, we want to ensure we partner with workers, communities and regional centres to plan for the future.”
