Unlocking the potential reuse of industrial land

The re-use of former industrial land, such as former power stations or mine sites, can offer exciting new opportunities for local businesses and communities.

The NZEA has been working with site owners, local councils and state government, supported by $5 million in Commonwealth funding, to develop master plans for the reuse of the Mt Arthur and Macquarie Coal mines in the Hunter. 

This past month marked an important step for these sites, with the NSW Government announcing the Macquarie Coal Complex in the Hunter as the preferred location for the new state-owned facility that will build the next generation of NSW passenger trains.

The Macquarie Coal Complex sees a total of 1,142 hectares included in the master plan, with at least 500 hectares of developable land with the potential to support up to 1,130 new jobs.

At Mt Arthur, 2 areas will be rezoned for new industry, with access to major highways and an existing rail loop. About 800 hectares of developable land across the precinct has been identified for early activation, with a potential 5,900 new jobs.

Replicating success – unlocking potential in other regions

The master planning process and resulting new land uses is creating a model for the reuse of industrial land across the country.

With its highly skilled workforce, industrial capability and energy expertise, the Hunter is setting a national example of what is possible through reusing industrial land.

This is a key consideration across all NZEA priority regions where power stations and associated mines are closing, including in Central Queensland, Latrobe and greater Gippsland, and Collie in Western Australia. 

Work with local and state governments will continue across our priority regions to unlock the potential of reusing industrial land.

Planning early and together is a key theme of independent research commissioned by NZEA last year on the reuse of former mining and power station sites. It found there is often a long gap between a site closing and new uses getting underway. That gap can affect workers, local businesses and community confidence, particularly when planning is delayed. The research also found that reuse works best when it responds to local conditions and community priorities.

NZEA acknowledges the Hunter communities, businesses and Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook Councils contributions to developing these use proposals, with the consultation process receiving 177 submissions. 

For more information on these land reuse proposals, visit the NSW Planning Portal page for Mt Arthur Coal or Macquarie Coal Complex.