The New South Wales government has established the Future Jobs Investment Authority, which will assist coal-producing regions by attracting investment as global markets shift towards low-carbon economies.
Backed by AU$29.7 million in ongoing operational funding and a initial pool of over AU$170 million through the new Future Jobs and Investment Fund, the Future Jobs and Investment Authority will support workers and communities in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West, and North West regions.
The initiative aims to safeguard the livelihoods of approximately 25,000 workers directly employed in the state’s coal sector. Equipped with broad statutory capabilities, the new body will drive investment into emerging regional industries, support post-mining land redevelopment, facilitate workforce retraining, and publish closure timelines to keep local towns informed.
To give affected areas a direct say, the Authority will establish four Local Divisions composed of representatives from local government, industry, trade unions, and community groups. The chairs of these divisions will sit directly on the Authority’s governing board. The Hunter and Central West Local Divisions are set to be established first.
Under the legislative framework, mine operators face strict new requirements to provide timely advance notice of closures alongside comprehensive plans detailing workforce transition, retraining, or retirement support.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said the legislation establishes a crucial partnership with regions that have long powered the state, ensuring local workers are equipped for long-term opportunities across manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
“The passing of this crucial legislation begins a new partnership between government and our coal-producing regions. It means the regions that have powered NSW for generations get the support they need to attract new industries and support job creation in the long term,” Houssos said.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park both welcomed the authority’s creation, emphasising that it provides local families and skilled industrial workers with long-term economic certainty.
Planning Minister Paul Scully highlighted that early land transformation initiatives, including projects at the Macquarie Coal Complex and Mt Arthur Mine, could unlock up to 7,000 future regional jobs.
