A major milestone in Muswellbrook’s economic future has been reached with the public exhibition of the Mt Arthur Coal Mine Transformation Precinct Master Plan and Rezoning Proposal, which council says forms part of a blueprint for new employment and industry precincts across the Hunter region.
The plan, developed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in collaboration with Muswellbrook Shire Council, BHP and the federal Net Zero Economy Authority, proposes rezoning more than 5,400 hectares of land at the Mt Arthur Coal site, including more than 950 hectares identified across two priority activation areas. The rezoning proposes applying an Enterprise zone to the site to support employment-generating, commercial and industrial uses, alongside a streamlined, state-assessed approval pathway. With BHP’s mining operations ceasing in 2030, the plan has capacity to support approximately 5,900 future jobs.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres, NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr attended the announcement in Muswellbrook.
Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeff Drayton said the plan represented a critical opportunity for the region.
“If we do nothing, at least 12,000 people in the Hunter will be without jobs in 2030. That’s the scale of what we’re facing, and it’s why council proactively secured funding to progress this opportunity for our region,” he said.
“Muswellbrook needs to unlock mining land to create new jobs. This rezoning removes one of the biggest barriers to attracting new industry and investment.”
Cr Drayton said the plan reflected the town’s broader ambitions.
“Muswellbrook is repositioning as an industrial powerhouse – renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, transport and logistics – and the Mt Arthur site is at the heart of that future,” he said, adding it was one of several projects needed to drive investment to the region.
The community is encouraged to review the draft plan during the exhibition period, which runs until August 11. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will lead engagement sessions at Campbells Corner in Muswellbrook on July 28 (11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm) and July 29 (11am-2pm).
