NSW communities are already paying the price of climate change — through rising insurance premiums, higher energy and food costs, and a declining quality of life as extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe. Of course, these impacts pale in comparison to those our Pacific neighbours and other vulnerable communities face.
And the longer governments delay action, the more these costs will grow.
Right now, the NSW government is considering Glencore and Yancoal’s proposed expansion of the HVO coal mine — the largest coal project ever proposed in NSW history. Over its lifetime, it would generate emissions equivalent to eight times NSW’s annual total.
To protect everyday people — now and in the future — from unbearable costs of living increases and existential climate impacts, HVO must be rejected.
But rejecting HVO is only half the job.
Why doesn't the Minns Labor government have a plan for the thousand workers at HVO who don’t know if they’ll have jobs in January 2027?
Coal helped build Australia’s prosperity and supports approximately 15,000 direct jobs and flow-on benefits for Hunter communities. But coal mines are closing, the world is moving on, and these workers need a plan.
Right now, coal corporations are making billions while paying a pittance in tax — and as job losses loom, there is still no serious plan to support workers through the coming change.
The scale of that change is clear.
In 2030, Mangoola and Mt Arthur — the largest open cut coal mine in NSW — will close. Mayor of Muswellbrook Jeff Drayton, a former coal miner, estimates 12,000 jobs will go. The Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody has warned that coal exports could collapse within a decade.
Federal Treasury predicts the value of Australia’s coal exports will fall 50% by 2030, as major customers — Japan, Taiwan, China and South Korea — decarbonise their economies and cut back on coal.
Without a plan, coal companies will take mega-profits and leave workers and communities behind — with no preparation, no support for what’s next, and no funding to clean up the damage.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Germany planned its exit from coal with zero unemployment and proper mine rehabilitation.
We can act on climate now — and fund a fair transition for workers at the same time.
We can tax coal corporations now, to support workers and pay for the transition that is already underway.
To the NSW Minns Labor Government and the Federal Albanese Government, we ask that you:
- Oppose the HVO Continuation Project, the biggest coal project in NSW history, to ensure NSW meets its minimum emissions reduction target as outlined in the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act.
- Immediately introduce an emergency fund that would give financial support at $500,000 per worker to the 1,000-2,000 coal workers about to be forced out of the industry in the next 24 months. this emergency fund would support workers through direct payments, retraining, or support for early retirement depending on individual worker's circumstances.
- Introduce a 78% profits tax or 25% revenue levy on thermal coal exports to pay for a properly-funded transition plan for the workers and communities of the Hunter as the world moves beyond coal. This should be a legislated plan based on the successful German model, and the transition plans underway in Collie, Western Australia.