BY ISABEL EVERETT
Leaders from across the Hunter are working to establish a foundation which they hope will help create jobs in emerging industries, following the closure of coal mines and coal fired power stations in the coming decades.
The Hunter 2050 foundation is aiming to help the region take control of its future by giving communities, businesses and industry the time and tools they need to adapt and diversify.
Mining giant, Glencore this week revealed plans to shut the Hunter's Intergra and Liddell coal mines as energy generation transitions to a low carbon economy.
The foundation says they would need around $15 million dollars to begin.
“This is about safeguarding the future of the Hunter region,” Hunter Joint Organisation Board Chair and Mayor of Cessnock City Council Cr Bob Pynsent said.
“The simple fact of the matter is the coal and energy sector in the Hunter is changing. While the future of the Hunter will include coal, we know that future global demand and use of coal is not something we can control or influence.
“So, we must look now at how we can address long-term changes to the coal power industry. There are 25,000 people in the Hunter working directly in mining, energy, or in supporting industries and businesses.
“This Foundation will help hundreds of businesses a year and thousands of workers. We are looking to partner with industry who have an immediate interest in economic transformation with the closure of both the Liddell and Bayswater Power Stations scheduled in 2023 and 2035, respectively.
The importance of the Foundation has already been highlighted by the impact of COVID-19 on the Hunter region.
“COVID-19 has shown us how vulnerable we are to global economic shifts. This new Foundation is about preparing for a future where the region relies on a healthy mix of new and traditional industries,” Hunter Joint Organisation Board Member and Mayor of Singleton Council Cr Sue Moore said.
“The Foundation will start by helping those whose employment or business has been impacted by the COVID recession.
“Then it will work with the community, the education sector and business to attract new industries to the Hunter. It will help workers to find new, meaningful and enjoyable work.
The new Foundation is being supported by the Hunter Joint
Organisation, as well as industry partners, education providers, local leaders
and community.
