The final report from the NSW Legislative Council’s inquiry into “Beneficial and productive post-mining land use” has been released, highlighting the need to remove red tape holding back future projects on mining land.

By 2040, 32 of the state’s 39 coal mines could be closed, leaving many communities in NSW who depend on the industry for employment and revenue wondering what will happen next.

The committee was aiming to come up with recommendations to State Government regarding post-mining land use and particularly the positive benefits of having multiple successive land uses and the benefits to local communities, economies, business, industry, jobs and NSW.

Over the course of the inquiry the committee received 77 submissions, visited a number of mine sites and held six public hearings. The committee ended up with a 158-page report, with 13 recommendations and five key findings.

The inquiry was chaired by Hunter-based MLC Emily Suvaal who said they covered as much as they could in the report, including the legislation around future use of mine sites, jobs and reskilling.

“That was one of the many recommendations, looking at the reskilling and retraining requirements. We would like to see the government further invest and work with local communities to deliver the best outcomes for them.

“Looking at what currently exists in the legislation and planning framework, the committee arrived at the conclusion that there isn’t enough flexibility in the current regulatory framework. There is too much red tape. We need to look at the impediments that exist and make it better.

“We need to look at creating the best possible framework to maximise the opportunities that already exist like reusing existing infrastructure like roads, powerlines and rail loops.

“We need to look at which ones can be strategically reused so we’re not pulling stuff up and having to rebuild again.

“We also need to make sure that whatever is changed is changed with the best interests of the community at heart.”

There are recommendations suggesting government agencies deliver a skills audit of the mining workforce in NSW to determine what skills are there, what can be used by other industries and where there are shortages. The committee recommends the government invests in reskilling, retraining and educational programs.

The report made a number of critical points, highlighting the need for changes to be made sooner rather than later. Many participants recognised that repurposing mine sites presented opportunities for economic development and could reduce mining dependence and create new employment opportunities.

“Regional communities are on the cutting-edge of the post mining transition. Current landuse planning and mineral lease settings are not well-suited to adapt and respond with the necessary flexibility to rapidly changing circumstances,” said Emily.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the report well and truly states the obvious and is calling on the Premier to read the report and get on with it.

“This report gets a 10 out of 10 for statements of the obvious – anyone who has been working with me for almost three years on future options for Upper Hunter mining land will find nothing new in this report.

“The clock is ticking, there are prospective investors looking at opportunities in the Muswellbrook and Singleton local government areas, but the land required for reuse is no closer to being unlocked.

“Premier, the planning approvals that allowed the industrial development of the Upper Hunter coalfields are now out of date and urgently need reform to address the reality now facing the industry as it prepares to exit the region,” Dave added.

The report has been tabled and the government now has three months to write a response. You can view the inquiry report on the NSW Parliament website.