New plans to unlock more than 7000 jobs will transform two former mine sites at Muswellbrook and West Wallsend into major industrial hubs.
As part of the Hunter region's shift away from coal, the first significant post-mining land transformation plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site and Macquarie Coal Complex have been revealed today.
Under the state and federal government plans, the land is proposed to be rezoned for new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation 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, powering Australia's economic resilience for decades to come," Senator Ayres said.
The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie Coal mines will be transformed to provide new opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.
It comes amid an increasing focus on the need to create jobs to replace the estimated 12,000 mining and supply chain positions that will be lost from the region's economy by the end of the decade.
Following BHP's decision to cease mining operations at Mt Arthur in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.
More than 950 hectares of land out of a total area of 5400 hectares have been identified for early activation, tipped to create about 5900 new jobs.
Muswellbrook Shire Council mayor Jeff Drayton said the project is critical for the community.
"We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs so Muswellbrook has a future after mining," Cr Drayton said.
"We don't have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.
"This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades."
The post-mining land transformation plans are made possible with a $5 million federal government investment, alongside in-kind support from the state government.
NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the state government is backing the Hunter.
"The more than 7000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunter's skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub," Mr Barr said.
The Macquarie Coal complex, just 20 kilometres south-west of Newcastle, is expected to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
The former mine site, situated on a total 1160 hectares of land, has direct links to the M1 and main northern railway.
At least 500 hectares of land at the site is developable, expected to create up to 1130 new jobs and about 36 hectares of new open space.
Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz said the transformation is a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity to help shape the city's future.
The draft masterplans map out how the Hunter's skilled workforce, combined with proximity to rail, road, power and water infrastructure, can lay the foundation for new industries.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the plans make the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.
"These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW," Mr Scully said.
A recommendations report will be handed down based on the pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.
Work is already under way to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state like Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said the plans are about creating real opportunities.
"We've got the workforce, we've got the know-how, and we've got the infrastructure," Mr Repacholi said.
"Now it's about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed."
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the region has powered NSW for decades and will continue to power the economy into the future.
The draft masterplans are on public exhibition for 28 days from today to August 11.
In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period.
Community feedback will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The proposals will be available on the NSW Planning Portal.
