BY JESSICA ROUSE
The NSW Government has launched their proposed model for the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities, an important framework to support workers and communities for a future beyond coal.
The model is now up for public comment – it’ll be led by the Future Jobs and Investment Advocate who will work with communities and workers to provide what they need when coal mines and coal-fired power stations shut down.
It will support communities in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and Northwest where more than 125,000 workers are directly or indirectly employed by the industry. There are 22 coal mines in the Hunter region alone and three coal-fired power stations; 32 of the state’s 39 mines will close by 2040 if no extensions are approved.
Proposals and projects suggested by the authorities will be tailed to each mining region so they can drive investment opportunities like renewable energy manufacturing in the Hunter, facilitate beneficial post mining land uses, support opportunities for local manufacturing and ensuring a pipeline of skills to support the activation of new industries by providing access to TAFE.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos launched Labor’s plan at BHP’s Mt Arthur mine at Muswellbrook today and said this is a once in a generation opportunity to get it right.
“For the first time in our paper we are mapping out the timeline. We know there are some imminently planned closures, like here at Mt Arthur. What our paper shows is the bulk of those jobs are in the next decade into 2035 and 2040 so we really need to make sure we have those supports in place.
“What we want to do is find bespoke solutions, this model allows the local innovation to happen.”
The Future Jobs and Investment Authorities will replace the Royalties for Rejuvenation and Expert Panels scheme set up by the previous Liberal-National Government.
“We want to get the money right before we get the money rolling out the door,” said Minister Houssos.
“It was the previous government who locked up the funding so before we unlock it, we want to make sure we have everything in place.”
“I have met with more than 200 people around the state but we want to hear from you, the people in those communities.”
Consultation on the proposed model is open now for six weeks: www.nsw.gov.au/fjia.
