Latest news with #JeffDrayton
The Advertiser
08-08-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Will we spend billions on a 'beneficial and productive post-mining land use?
If we are prepared to spend enough and protect enough, we may achieve what the title of the report suggests, a 'Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use' in the Upper Hunter. The report, whose 13 recommendations the NSW Government has now fully endorsed, followed on from a parliamentary inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use established in May 2024. The inquiry was designed to investigate the merits of multiple successive land uses and the benefits for local communities and the economy. From the inquiry, the final report released in May this year called for sufficient funding, resources, and innovation to be applied to the state's post-mining landscapes if regions like the Upper Hunter are to survive and prosper in a world without coal mining. Their recommendations covered everything from legislative changes to establishing an authority to oversee the work and the need to engage collaboratively with all the stakeholders. It was agreed by most of the participants in the inquiry that it was no longer enough to leave mine sites in a 'safe, stable and non-polluting state'. Instead, those sites must be seen as community assets that can be used post-mining, such as renewable energy and manufacturing hubs, agricultural and biodiversity lands, tourist destinations, or housing. Everyone agrees that action needs to be taken now, as 32 of the state's 39 coal mines are expected to close by 2040. Many communities in NSW, particularly the Upper Hunter, depend on the mining industry for employment and revenue, with more than 25,000 workers in production roles in the coal mining industry alone. The financial cost of a successful transition does not come cheaply. In Germany, for example, the closure of their coal industry based in the Ruhr Valley cost an estimated $E40 billion ($A70 billion) - a figure way beyond what our governments have so far committed to start our transition. To lead our transition, the NSW Government has committed $27.3 million over four years to fund the establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. This includes funding for the operation of the Authority and the Board. This initiative will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, which is proposed to make available $100 million in funding, or $1 billion in funding across the state. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework for funding infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments, and training programs. This will be done in concert with the Federal Government's Net Zero Economy Authority. Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton supported the outcomes of the parliamentary inquiry and welcomed the NSW Government's response. "The huge amount of work required to be done by local, state and federal governments and industry shouldn't be underestimated," he said. "Muswellbrook can't just wait for our mines to close for new uses, industries, and jobs to be created in the region. It needs to happen now while the mines are still operating. That's why we are prioritising working with government and BHP on the Pilot Project, where we are identifying land where industry can set up now," mayor Drayton said. "This is not about letting mines off the hook, it is about creating a future for our community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability, which will power the nation and create prosperity for future generations. If we can't get it right in Muswellbrook, there's no chance we can get it right elsewhere." In the Ruhr Valley in 1980, there were 143,000 coal mining jobs, which fell to only 3,371 by 2018. So where did the workers go, and where were the jobs created? Older workers took generous redundancy packages, others were offered reskilling options and new jobs were created in the service industry. In the region, there was a significant increase in higher education facilities, a growth in tourism and massive public investments supporting economic diversification. If we are prepared to spend enough and protect enough, we may achieve what the title of the report suggests, a 'Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use' in the Upper Hunter. The report, whose 13 recommendations the NSW Government has now fully endorsed, followed on from a parliamentary inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use established in May 2024. The inquiry was designed to investigate the merits of multiple successive land uses and the benefits for local communities and the economy. From the inquiry, the final report released in May this year called for sufficient funding, resources, and innovation to be applied to the state's post-mining landscapes if regions like the Upper Hunter are to survive and prosper in a world without coal mining. Their recommendations covered everything from legislative changes to establishing an authority to oversee the work and the need to engage collaboratively with all the stakeholders. It was agreed by most of the participants in the inquiry that it was no longer enough to leave mine sites in a 'safe, stable and non-polluting state'. Instead, those sites must be seen as community assets that can be used post-mining, such as renewable energy and manufacturing hubs, agricultural and biodiversity lands, tourist destinations, or housing. Everyone agrees that action needs to be taken now, as 32 of the state's 39 coal mines are expected to close by 2040. Many communities in NSW, particularly the Upper Hunter, depend on the mining industry for employment and revenue, with more than 25,000 workers in production roles in the coal mining industry alone. The financial cost of a successful transition does not come cheaply. In Germany, for example, the closure of their coal industry based in the Ruhr Valley cost an estimated $E40 billion ($A70 billion) - a figure way beyond what our governments have so far committed to start our transition. To lead our transition, the NSW Government has committed $27.3 million over four years to fund the establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. This includes funding for the operation of the Authority and the Board. This initiative will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, which is proposed to make available $100 million in funding, or $1 billion in funding across the state. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework for funding infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments, and training programs. This will be done in concert with the Federal Government's Net Zero Economy Authority. Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton supported the outcomes of the parliamentary inquiry and welcomed the NSW Government's response. "The huge amount of work required to be done by local, state and federal governments and industry shouldn't be underestimated," he said. "Muswellbrook can't just wait for our mines to close for new uses, industries, and jobs to be created in the region. It needs to happen now while the mines are still operating. That's why we are prioritising working with government and BHP on the Pilot Project, where we are identifying land where industry can set up now," mayor Drayton said. "This is not about letting mines off the hook, it is about creating a future for our community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability, which will power the nation and create prosperity for future generations. If we can't get it right in Muswellbrook, there's no chance we can get it right elsewhere." In the Ruhr Valley in 1980, there were 143,000 coal mining jobs, which fell to only 3,371 by 2018. So where did the workers go, and where were the jobs created? Older workers took generous redundancy packages, others were offered reskilling options and new jobs were created in the service industry. In the region, there was a significant increase in higher education facilities, a growth in tourism and massive public investments supporting economic diversification. If we are prepared to spend enough and protect enough, we may achieve what the title of the report suggests, a 'Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use' in the Upper Hunter. The report, whose 13 recommendations the NSW Government has now fully endorsed, followed on from a parliamentary inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use established in May 2024. The inquiry was designed to investigate the merits of multiple successive land uses and the benefits for local communities and the economy. From the inquiry, the final report released in May this year called for sufficient funding, resources, and innovation to be applied to the state's post-mining landscapes if regions like the Upper Hunter are to survive and prosper in a world without coal mining. Their recommendations covered everything from legislative changes to establishing an authority to oversee the work and the need to engage collaboratively with all the stakeholders. It was agreed by most of the participants in the inquiry that it was no longer enough to leave mine sites in a 'safe, stable and non-polluting state'. Instead, those sites must be seen as community assets that can be used post-mining, such as renewable energy and manufacturing hubs, agricultural and biodiversity lands, tourist destinations, or housing. Everyone agrees that action needs to be taken now, as 32 of the state's 39 coal mines are expected to close by 2040. Many communities in NSW, particularly the Upper Hunter, depend on the mining industry for employment and revenue, with more than 25,000 workers in production roles in the coal mining industry alone. The financial cost of a successful transition does not come cheaply. In Germany, for example, the closure of their coal industry based in the Ruhr Valley cost an estimated $E40 billion ($A70 billion) - a figure way beyond what our governments have so far committed to start our transition. To lead our transition, the NSW Government has committed $27.3 million over four years to fund the establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. This includes funding for the operation of the Authority and the Board. This initiative will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, which is proposed to make available $100 million in funding, or $1 billion in funding across the state. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework for funding infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments, and training programs. This will be done in concert with the Federal Government's Net Zero Economy Authority. Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton supported the outcomes of the parliamentary inquiry and welcomed the NSW Government's response. "The huge amount of work required to be done by local, state and federal governments and industry shouldn't be underestimated," he said. "Muswellbrook can't just wait for our mines to close for new uses, industries, and jobs to be created in the region. It needs to happen now while the mines are still operating. That's why we are prioritising working with government and BHP on the Pilot Project, where we are identifying land where industry can set up now," mayor Drayton said. "This is not about letting mines off the hook, it is about creating a future for our community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability, which will power the nation and create prosperity for future generations. If we can't get it right in Muswellbrook, there's no chance we can get it right elsewhere." In the Ruhr Valley in 1980, there were 143,000 coal mining jobs, which fell to only 3,371 by 2018. So where did the workers go, and where were the jobs created? Older workers took generous redundancy packages, others were offered reskilling options and new jobs were created in the service industry. In the region, there was a significant increase in higher education facilities, a growth in tourism and massive public investments supporting economic diversification. If we are prepared to spend enough and protect enough, we may achieve what the title of the report suggests, a 'Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use' in the Upper Hunter. The report, whose 13 recommendations the NSW Government has now fully endorsed, followed on from a parliamentary inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use established in May 2024. The inquiry was designed to investigate the merits of multiple successive land uses and the benefits for local communities and the economy. From the inquiry, the final report released in May this year called for sufficient funding, resources, and innovation to be applied to the state's post-mining landscapes if regions like the Upper Hunter are to survive and prosper in a world without coal mining. Their recommendations covered everything from legislative changes to establishing an authority to oversee the work and the need to engage collaboratively with all the stakeholders. It was agreed by most of the participants in the inquiry that it was no longer enough to leave mine sites in a 'safe, stable and non-polluting state'. Instead, those sites must be seen as community assets that can be used post-mining, such as renewable energy and manufacturing hubs, agricultural and biodiversity lands, tourist destinations, or housing. Everyone agrees that action needs to be taken now, as 32 of the state's 39 coal mines are expected to close by 2040. Many communities in NSW, particularly the Upper Hunter, depend on the mining industry for employment and revenue, with more than 25,000 workers in production roles in the coal mining industry alone. The financial cost of a successful transition does not come cheaply. In Germany, for example, the closure of their coal industry based in the Ruhr Valley cost an estimated $E40 billion ($A70 billion) - a figure way beyond what our governments have so far committed to start our transition. To lead our transition, the NSW Government has committed $27.3 million over four years to fund the establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. This includes funding for the operation of the Authority and the Board. This initiative will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, which is proposed to make available $100 million in funding, or $1 billion in funding across the state. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework for funding infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments, and training programs. This will be done in concert with the Federal Government's Net Zero Economy Authority. Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton supported the outcomes of the parliamentary inquiry and welcomed the NSW Government's response. "The huge amount of work required to be done by local, state and federal governments and industry shouldn't be underestimated," he said. "Muswellbrook can't just wait for our mines to close for new uses, industries, and jobs to be created in the region. It needs to happen now while the mines are still operating. That's why we are prioritising working with government and BHP on the Pilot Project, where we are identifying land where industry can set up now," mayor Drayton said. "This is not about letting mines off the hook, it is about creating a future for our community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability, which will power the nation and create prosperity for future generations. If we can't get it right in Muswellbrook, there's no chance we can get it right elsewhere." In the Ruhr Valley in 1980, there were 143,000 coal mining jobs, which fell to only 3,371 by 2018. So where did the workers go, and where were the jobs created? Older workers took generous redundancy packages, others were offered reskilling options and new jobs were created in the service industry. In the region, there was a significant increase in higher education facilities, a growth in tourism and massive public investments supporting economic diversification.
The Advertiser
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Donga City: Muswellbrook sets the standard for temporary accommodation
Muswellbrook Council has moved to head off the potential negative impacts from an influx of thousands of temporary workers who are due to descend on the shire in the near future. The council estimates that more than 4500 workers will move into the area in the next five years to work on projects including the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone construction, the New England Highway bypass construction and power station decommissioning. Councillors voted this week to prepare a temporary workforce accommodation policy, which aims to set the standard for NSW. The policy mandates that any workforce accommodation proposal in the shire must be near or within towns and villages, not remote rural sites. It must also support legacy uses such as aged care, tourism or housing and use local suppliers, services and medical providers wherever possible. So-called 'wet mess' facilities for alcohol consumption must be avoided and workers should be integrated into the surrounding community. Mayor Jeff Drayton said the policy reflected growing frustration with the state government and its agency EnergyCo. He cited years of poor consultation and short-term thinking in relation to plans for isolated 'donga' accommodation for construction workers brought in to upgrade energy infrastructure. "Worker accommodation that improves our shire is a major priority for council and that's reflected by councillors endorsing this policy. We're ahead of the pack because we've had to be. We're dealing with multiple major projects, almost weekly," Cr Drayton said. "We've been communicating this for years and we're sick of being sidelined. We're not copping substandard camps on the outskirts of town - this policy promotes genuine investment in our community. If new technology and investment is going to work, it needs to work for the people who already live in Muswellbrook Shire." An EnergyCo spokeswoman said the agency was proposing temporary accommodation to meet short-term construction needs and reduce pressure on the local rental market, helping to safeguard permanent housing for essential workers and residents. "The current site was selected to reduce the need for long-distance travel and to help minimise traffic congestion. We will continue to work with the council on this and explore opportunities for long-lasting infrastructure benefits," she said. Hundreds of workers are presently being recruited to work on the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the first project of its kind in Australia. Construction of the project began in April. It will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year. Muswellbrook Council's policy will now go on public exhibition for 28 days before being finalised into policy. The council's adoption of the framework follows its similar endorsement of a policy to prevent solar panels from an approved 135-megawatt solar project in the Shire from going into landfill. Muswellbrook Council has moved to head off the potential negative impacts from an influx of thousands of temporary workers who are due to descend on the shire in the near future. The council estimates that more than 4500 workers will move into the area in the next five years to work on projects including the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone construction, the New England Highway bypass construction and power station decommissioning. Councillors voted this week to prepare a temporary workforce accommodation policy, which aims to set the standard for NSW. The policy mandates that any workforce accommodation proposal in the shire must be near or within towns and villages, not remote rural sites. It must also support legacy uses such as aged care, tourism or housing and use local suppliers, services and medical providers wherever possible. So-called 'wet mess' facilities for alcohol consumption must be avoided and workers should be integrated into the surrounding community. Mayor Jeff Drayton said the policy reflected growing frustration with the state government and its agency EnergyCo. He cited years of poor consultation and short-term thinking in relation to plans for isolated 'donga' accommodation for construction workers brought in to upgrade energy infrastructure. "Worker accommodation that improves our shire is a major priority for council and that's reflected by councillors endorsing this policy. We're ahead of the pack because we've had to be. We're dealing with multiple major projects, almost weekly," Cr Drayton said. "We've been communicating this for years and we're sick of being sidelined. We're not copping substandard camps on the outskirts of town - this policy promotes genuine investment in our community. If new technology and investment is going to work, it needs to work for the people who already live in Muswellbrook Shire." An EnergyCo spokeswoman said the agency was proposing temporary accommodation to meet short-term construction needs and reduce pressure on the local rental market, helping to safeguard permanent housing for essential workers and residents. "The current site was selected to reduce the need for long-distance travel and to help minimise traffic congestion. We will continue to work with the council on this and explore opportunities for long-lasting infrastructure benefits," she said. Hundreds of workers are presently being recruited to work on the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the first project of its kind in Australia. Construction of the project began in April. It will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year. Muswellbrook Council's policy will now go on public exhibition for 28 days before being finalised into policy. The council's adoption of the framework follows its similar endorsement of a policy to prevent solar panels from an approved 135-megawatt solar project in the Shire from going into landfill. Muswellbrook Council has moved to head off the potential negative impacts from an influx of thousands of temporary workers who are due to descend on the shire in the near future. The council estimates that more than 4500 workers will move into the area in the next five years to work on projects including the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone construction, the New England Highway bypass construction and power station decommissioning. Councillors voted this week to prepare a temporary workforce accommodation policy, which aims to set the standard for NSW. The policy mandates that any workforce accommodation proposal in the shire must be near or within towns and villages, not remote rural sites. It must also support legacy uses such as aged care, tourism or housing and use local suppliers, services and medical providers wherever possible. So-called 'wet mess' facilities for alcohol consumption must be avoided and workers should be integrated into the surrounding community. Mayor Jeff Drayton said the policy reflected growing frustration with the state government and its agency EnergyCo. He cited years of poor consultation and short-term thinking in relation to plans for isolated 'donga' accommodation for construction workers brought in to upgrade energy infrastructure. "Worker accommodation that improves our shire is a major priority for council and that's reflected by councillors endorsing this policy. We're ahead of the pack because we've had to be. We're dealing with multiple major projects, almost weekly," Cr Drayton said. "We've been communicating this for years and we're sick of being sidelined. We're not copping substandard camps on the outskirts of town - this policy promotes genuine investment in our community. If new technology and investment is going to work, it needs to work for the people who already live in Muswellbrook Shire." An EnergyCo spokeswoman said the agency was proposing temporary accommodation to meet short-term construction needs and reduce pressure on the local rental market, helping to safeguard permanent housing for essential workers and residents. "The current site was selected to reduce the need for long-distance travel and to help minimise traffic congestion. We will continue to work with the council on this and explore opportunities for long-lasting infrastructure benefits," she said. Hundreds of workers are presently being recruited to work on the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the first project of its kind in Australia. Construction of the project began in April. It will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year. Muswellbrook Council's policy will now go on public exhibition for 28 days before being finalised into policy. The council's adoption of the framework follows its similar endorsement of a policy to prevent solar panels from an approved 135-megawatt solar project in the Shire from going into landfill. Muswellbrook Council has moved to head off the potential negative impacts from an influx of thousands of temporary workers who are due to descend on the shire in the near future. The council estimates that more than 4500 workers will move into the area in the next five years to work on projects including the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone construction, the New England Highway bypass construction and power station decommissioning. Councillors voted this week to prepare a temporary workforce accommodation policy, which aims to set the standard for NSW. The policy mandates that any workforce accommodation proposal in the shire must be near or within towns and villages, not remote rural sites. It must also support legacy uses such as aged care, tourism or housing and use local suppliers, services and medical providers wherever possible. So-called 'wet mess' facilities for alcohol consumption must be avoided and workers should be integrated into the surrounding community. Mayor Jeff Drayton said the policy reflected growing frustration with the state government and its agency EnergyCo. He cited years of poor consultation and short-term thinking in relation to plans for isolated 'donga' accommodation for construction workers brought in to upgrade energy infrastructure. "Worker accommodation that improves our shire is a major priority for council and that's reflected by councillors endorsing this policy. We're ahead of the pack because we've had to be. We're dealing with multiple major projects, almost weekly," Cr Drayton said. "We've been communicating this for years and we're sick of being sidelined. We're not copping substandard camps on the outskirts of town - this policy promotes genuine investment in our community. If new technology and investment is going to work, it needs to work for the people who already live in Muswellbrook Shire." An EnergyCo spokeswoman said the agency was proposing temporary accommodation to meet short-term construction needs and reduce pressure on the local rental market, helping to safeguard permanent housing for essential workers and residents. "The current site was selected to reduce the need for long-distance travel and to help minimise traffic congestion. We will continue to work with the council on this and explore opportunities for long-lasting infrastructure benefits," she said. Hundreds of workers are presently being recruited to work on the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the first project of its kind in Australia. Construction of the project began in April. It will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year. Muswellbrook Council's policy will now go on public exhibition for 28 days before being finalised into policy. The council's adoption of the framework follows its similar endorsement of a policy to prevent solar panels from an approved 135-megawatt solar project in the Shire from going into landfill.
