More than 7,000 jobs are set to be unlocked across the Hunter under new plans to turn two of the region’s biggest coal mining sites into industrial precincts.

Draft plans for the Mt Arthur coal mine near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend, south-west of Newcastle, were unveiled this week, delivering on a $5 million Federal Government investment backed by in-kind support from the NSW Government.

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth.

“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation – powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come,” he said.

BHP will stop mining at Mt Arthur in 2030, and the draft plan zones two areas of the 5,400-hectare site for new industry, with access to major highways and the existing rail loop. More than 950 hectares have been set aside for early activation, supporting around 5,900 new jobs.

The mining giant has committed a $30 million community fund for the Upper Hunter ahead of the closure, and is exploring a pumped hydro project at the site with Spanish renewables company ACCIONA Energía.

The Macquarie Coal Complex, a former mine site 20km south-west of Newcastle, sits right on the M1 and the Main Northern Railway. Its plan covers 1,160 hectares, with at least 500 hectares of land ready to build on, up to 1,130 new jobs and around 36 hectares of new open space earmarked for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said the region’s next phase has been built by Hunter workers using Hunter skills.

“We’ve got the workforce, we’ve got the know-how, and we’ve got the infrastructure. Now it’s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed,” he said.

Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said the project is critical for his community.

“We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work,” he said.

The plans are on public exhibition until August 11, with community feedback to shape the final versions expected by the end of the year.

“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future,” Mayor  Shultz said.

Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.