The Mt Arthur Coal Mine Transformation Precinct and the Macquarie Coal Complex Transformation Precinct Master Plan and Rezoning Proposals are now both on public exhibition, marking a major milestone in the future of both coal sites.
Both sites will act as pilot projects with the potential to unlock more than 7,000 jobs by being transformed into major industrial hubs.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead the country’s next wave of economic growth.
“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation.
“What this has required is every level of government working together in a shared effort, advocacy from local mayors and also the team from BHP for the months and years of work they have put in here.”
At Mt Arthur Coal Mine near Muswellbrook, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop. The proposed master plan covers around 5,400 hectares, with about 950 hectares identified for early activation. BHP’s conceptual studies indicate the development could enable up to 4,890 long-term jobs once mining ends.
The Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing. The former mine site is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway. Key features of that master plan include the at least 50 hectares of developable land and up to 1,130 new jobs.
Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeff Drayton said these rezoning plans are critical for the economic prosperity of the region.
“Muswellbrook needs to unlock mining land to create new jobs. This rezoning removes one of the biggest barriers to attracting new industry and investment and responds to the community’s desire for mines to continue delivering economic benefits after closure.
“It’s also important everyone in the community has their say, particularly in those in the communities that are directly impacted,” said Mayor Drayton.
Liz Scott-Irving, Vice President of NSW Energy Coal at BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal mine said it’s very exciting to see this stage in their closure coming to fruition.
“We have talked about the opportunity to provide a positive legacy from mining, and we see this as the first step. But it doesn’t just happen from BHP pushing it, it’s a result of collaboration with the NSW, Federal and local government and community.
“It’s so important for the community to have their say and advocate for the opportunity this presents.
“There is a lot of existing infrastructure here and this rezoning opportunity allows for the repurposing and reuse of that to generate and contribute to the future prosperity into this region.
“The other key thing is that this isn’t about BHP stepping away from their environmental obligations and commitments, we are very committed. This is about what else can we do, what else can be achieved alongside delivering our environmental obligations and commitments.”
| You can find both of the master plan and rezoning proposals on the NSW Planning Portal: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au |
