$37.7m to support NSW mining communities and protect workers

The NSW Government is making additional investments in mine safety and rehabilitation in the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

A total strategic investment of $37.7m will support mining communities, ensure rehabilitation of mines and support health and safety for mine workers in NSW.

This includes $13.6m over four years for mine rehabilitation, a key priority for regional communities.

This funding package increases dedicated regulatory resources to ensure compliance with rehabilitation requirements and provide support for local communities.

Inspectors at the NSW Resources Regulator will oversee a projected increase in rehabilitation activities. This is particularly important at the State’s 39 coal mines, 32 of which are expected to close by 2040.

The Resources Regulator will be supported with $1.6m to monitor and enforce compliance for work health and safety requirements in the State’s mines.

These announcements come as the NSW Government releases its model for the establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities for community consultation.

Building on $5.2m of funding secured in last year’s budget, these local authorities in NSW’s four coal-producing regions will play a central role inside the Government to advocate for coal-producing communities.

In addition, the NSW Government is continuing to contribute $22.5m to a statutory fund to support coal-producing communities for a future beyond coal.