As coal demand declines globally, the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority offers a pathway for regional communities to plan ahead, attract investment and create the jobs of the future.
The NSW Government’s new Future Jobs and Investment Authority announced last week is an important step for coal communities navigating the transition.
“Coal communities across the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra and North West have been waiting for the Future Jobs and Investment Bill to be passed. They are keen to get on with the job of attracting investment and developing opportunities that support the economic future of their communities,” Saideh Kent, energy lead at The Next Economy, said.
“Support packages for workers are only one part of the puzzle. Workers need new jobs to go to, and that means attracting investment, building new industries and planning early for economic transition.”
The Future Jobs and Investment Authority (FJIA) will work with the Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) to support workers and coal communities as the global demand for coal declines.
“The new Authority, backed by $22.5 million a year for the next four years through the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, can play a key role in supporting that transition facilitating local planning, investment and industry growth,” she said, adding the next steps for government would be the appointment of local committees and to commence planning and investment attraction.
“We don’t have to wait for the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, with opportunities for growth across the region with the development of renewable energy.
“The high level of skilled labour, academic knowledge and infrastructure make the Hunter an attractive location for the development of clean energy and products.
“The Muswellbrook Solar Farm and Battery Project, a 135MW solar farm and 100MW BESS is a perfect example, located on a former coal mine site new Muswellbrook.
“The project broke ground on 21 August 2026 and is set to employ an average of about 590 direct jobs per year during construction and 220 ongoing operational jobs from 2030.”
As Stephen Symons, Vice President OX2 Australia, noted in an EnergyCo statement: “By repurposing a former coal mine site into a renewables hub, we’re investing in infrastructure that will provide reliable energy, create local jobs, strengthen regional supply chains and support the Hunter’s future prosperity.”