Muswellbrook mayor calls for fixed coal mining end date

Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton has advocated for a legislated end date for coal mining in the Hunter region to provide certainty for both the coal industry and clean energy investors.

Following a delegation to Germany to study their clean energy transition in regions such as Lusatia, Saxony, and Rhineland, Drayton noted that the German government has established specific end dates for coal mining between 2030 and 2038. He argued that the current lack of a finite timeline makes it “impossible to plan” for an industrial transition.

The transition faces significant challenges, as coal mine and power station closures are projected to result in up to 16,000 job losses. Drayton emphasized that a clear timeline is essential for workforce planning and attracting new industries. He cited the Dartbrook underground mine as an example, noting that prospective buyers are hesitant to invest because the project's approval expires in 2032.