The New South Wales (NSW) government has committed to repurposing former coal mine sites for economic development, backing all 13 recommendations from a Parliamentary inquiry into post-mining land use. The response will be delivered primarily through the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, supported by A$27.3-million in the 2025/26 Budget.

“Mining is ultimately a temporary use of land,” said New South Wales Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos. “We need to make sure NSW has the right policy mix to keep employment and economic opportunities even after coal mining ends.”

The new authority will coordinate with councils, industry and state agencies to identify job-generating opportunities on rehabilitated mine land. The government also plans to unlock the previously frozen Royalties for Rejuvenation fund through new legislation and conduct a skills audit of the coal mining workforce.

Coal regions will be supported through a place-based strategy across four local divisions, with Houssos describing the approach as a way to “deliver projects that create long-term economic opportunities".

The move comes as global demand for thermal coal faces long-term structural decline, prompting jurisdictions to explore alternative uses for energy, water, and transport infrastructure tied to coal operations.

The state’s resources department will continue efforts to ensure responsible rehabilitation by updating the Rehabilitation Cost Estimate tool and promoting best-practice techniques for post-mining land transformation. Existing infrastructure, such as energy, water and transport assets, will be assessed for retention to support new industries.

“Coal mines have energy, water and transport infrastructure ready to use – and it just makes sense to use existing infrastructure to support new jobs in the same communities,” said Houssos.

The government said it would introduce legislation in the coming months to formally establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority and enable the flow of funds for regional revitalisation.

“We are focused on delivering projects that create long term economic opportunities. We look forward to legislating these changes in the coming months,” Houssos said.