The NSW Greens have announced they will introduce a new authority to support the Hunter's transition away from coal, if they win the state election.
The NSW Transition Authority will use a budget of $500 million, to assist coal-dependent communities to diversify their local economies.
The Authority will be funded using a progressive coal royalty system, modelled off one currently operating in Queensland.
It's already estimated to earn the state government an extra $8 billion per year.
The body will also ban new coal and gas projects like the one slated for Narrabri, will help re-train and place mine workers in new industries.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd, said coal-ash recycling is one such example.
"There are thousands of jobs that we can create in various industries, but one of the ones that the Greens have been working with the community for over the last four years in Parliament, is this growing awareness that there is a huge amount of coal-ash sitting in coal-fired power stations, that you can actually turn into light-weight construction aggregates; you can use them in roads, and in pathways."
She also said local residents and workers will be involved in every step of the process.
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| Image: Lock the Gate |
