Angst over controversial Royalties for Rejuvenation fund, but critics say it's "spit in the ocean" for coal communities

CAMPAIGNING: Then NSW deputy premier John Barilaro announcing the Resources for Rejuvenation fund with now Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell in the lead up to the Upper Hunter byelection last year.

IT'S been labelled by critics as a "spit in the ocean", "spare change", "modest", "a cheap and insulting thought bubble" and "an absolute joke".

But the controversial Royalties for Rejuvenation fund, announced last year by the NSW Coalition in its bid to win the Upper Hunter byelection, will be the key vehicle to drive change in coal-reliant regions across NSW after amendments to mining legislation won support in parliament this week.