More than 40 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups, manufacturers and universities today joined the Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos at a roundtable conversation.
The event was an opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities as the NSW Government continues to establish Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions in NSW.
The stakeholders provided their insights on how their sectors should be supported into the future as the region becomes less reliant on the coal industry.
It was a valuable opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities, including future employment and economic opportunities.
The Illawarra roundtable follows successful events in the Hunter and Central West in 2023. It is an important step as the NSW Government establishes authorities in the Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, and North West.
The NSW Labor Government has committed $5.2 million over 4 years to establish these local authorities. They will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.
A further roundtable will be held in the North West next month as the government finalises the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities model.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
“This roundtable is a great opportunity to consult with workers, the community and industry about how to tailor the local authorities for the Illawarra.
“The NSW Labor Government is committed to making sure that coal-producing regions, like the Illawarra, are supported to find new opportunities.
“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future.
“We only have one chance to get the framework right to support workers and communities. The feedback from these conversations will provide important input as we create it.
“Our future productivity will rely on the workforce planning and economic diversification we do now. The best way we can support coal producing regions like the Illawarra into the future is to get the right supports in place.
“The NSW Labor Government is committed to ensuring we get this right, and that only comes from listening to the workers, the industry, and communities.
“The coal sector as we know it in NSW is changing. As part of this consultation I have heard a wide range of views from local stakeholders as to how we can best support new economic opportunities and new industries in the Illawarra region.”
Minster for the Illawarra & South Coast Ryan Park said:
“Beyond its natural beauty, the Illawarra is a hub of economic activity and jobs from a diverse range of industries.
“The NSW Government is determined to ensure our region and its families continue to prosper, remain agile and seize on the opportunities of the future.”