Coal Comfort

Boggabri extension powers a bright future

The Boggabri coal mine, located in the Gunnedah Basin in the north-west region of NSW and situated about 15km north-east of the town of Boggabri, is set to enter a new chapter, with its extension promising to extend the life of the site and inject long-term economic vitality into both the Narrabri region and the wider state economy.

For the Narrabri Shire community, it’s not just about tonnes of coal. It’s about jobs, investment and stability for local families and businesses.

The extension will see the depth of the mine increased and the life of the mine extended by four years out to the end of 2040, producing 156mt of emissions over its lifetime.

Narrabri Shire Mayor Councillor Darrell Tiemens says the project’s benefits will ripple well beyond the mine gates, supporting regional growth and creating opportunities for workers, suppliers and service providers alike.

As the region positions itself for a strong economic future, Councillor Tiemens explains the Boggabri Coal extension stands as a significant milestone in shaping what comes next.

“The extension of the coal mine operations will ensure the local economic activity thrives, with flow on and benefits for the shire,” he said.

“That will be through rates, contributions and, of course, regional investment, but even more than that, it’s also about jobs for families and opportunities for businesses that supply the coal mine.

“Across the wider region, we’re talking about Narrabri and Gunnedah shires, about 42% of the total wages earned across the region are attributing to mining jobs, so that’s a big percentage. Narrabri Shire is the second largest economy in north-western NSW, so obviously it’s a strong part of that.

“The coal from Boggabri is really high-quality and is highly valued by export markets overseas just simply because of its purity. That’s what has set us up in this area really well, because it’s finely refined and pure black coal used for energy, proven to be very popular with companies overseas.”

Beyond the numbers, Councillor Tiemens says the extension reinforces the region’s reputation as a reliable, high-performing contributor to the state’s economy. It also sends a strong message to investors and industry partners that the Narrabri Shire is open for business and capable of sustaining major projects over the long term.

This stability, he notes, is a key factor in attracting industries and encouraging skilled workers to settle in the area, and the continuation of operations at Boggabri helps underpin essential services, sporting clubs and community programs that rely on a healthy local economy.

Councillor Tiemens says the extension will help ensure Narrabri Shire can continue to weather economic challenges, just as it has in the past.

“When people have secure jobs and local businesses are thriving, you see it reflected in the spirt of the town,” he said.

“It’s about creating an environment where both people and the region can prosper. It’s also about continuing to be part of a diversified economy.

“The last drought we suffered through, really was tough. I’m a farmer myself, and that really almost had us on our knees, we struggled to get back on our feet after that event.

“But what we have in the shire that we don’t see much of elsewhere, is our diversified economy. We have a strong mining sector, energy, good government services, manufacturing and a strong service sector, so we’re very lucky. Not all shires have that.

“Some shires have only mining, while others only have agriculture, or government services. Our diversified economy means if one part of our shire is struggling, we have the ability to continue on. It doesn’t shut anything down. People keep spending and living in our local towns, and the money keeps flowing through the economy.”

That diversity, he adds, is reflected in the confidence people have to invest locally.

“Our house prices remained very strong because it’s a very desirable part of the country to live in, we have a low crime rate… we are just very lucky as a robust economy,” he said.

Building for the future

Councillor Tiemens says the Boggabri Coal extension is not just about sustaining today’s economy — it’s about building for the future.

“It’s a continuation of what they’ve been doing, and Boggabri Coal demonstrated over the years that it’s very much committed to the future of the shire,” he said.

That confidence extends to housing and population growth, with Narrabri Shire planning for significant expansion of its own.

“I’m very optimistic for our shire,” Councillor Tiemens says.

“We’ve just gotten approval from NSW Planning for another 2100 homes to be built in the area, and that’s in the next 20 years, it’s exciting to be building and planning for a new suburb.”

For Councillor Tiemens, the project’s significance is not measured solely in dollars or jobs, but in the ability to create a stable, attractive place for live for decades to come. With more housing, strong employment and the ongoing investment of companies like Boggabri Coal, he believes Narrabri Shire will remain one of the most desirable and resilient regions in NSW.

That kind of growth brings with it a wave of new opportunities for the wider community. As the new suburb takes shape, the demand for essential services will follow, from new schools and childcare centres to service stations, medical facilities and shopping precincts. For local businesses, it will be a chance to expand or establish themselves in a thriving market, while for residents it means greater convenience and more amenities close to home.

Combined with the economic stability provided by industries like mining, these developments signal a future where Narrabri Shire is not only growing, but flourishing.

Balancing progress with protection

While the economic benefits are clear, Councillor Tiemens says it’s equally important to ensure environmental considerations remain front of mind.

“The environment always needs to be balanced with these sorts of things,” he said.

“Everything needs to be considered, and I believe this extension has gone through a vigorous and robust process.”

That process, he explains, ensures any development is assessed against strict environmental standards, safeguarding the region’s natural assets while still allowing for growth. For the shire, it’s about striking a practical balance between enabling projects that drive jobs and investment and maintaining the environmental values that make Narrabri such a desirable place to live.

Shaping what comes next

As the Narrabri Shire looks to the future, the Boggabri Coal extension stands as both a commitment to economic stability and a vote of confidence in the community’s long-term prospects.

For Councillor Tiemens, it’s a clear sign the shire is not only capable of attracting and retaining major industry, but also of leveraging that investment to deliver lasting benefits for residents and businesses alike.

With new housing on the horizon, opportunities for local enterprise and the careful consideration of environmental values, the shire is positioning itself as a place where growth is matched by liveability.

The Boggabri Coal extension may be measured in tonnes of coal and years of operation, but its real legacy will be in the strengthened communities, thriving townships and enduring resilience it leaves behind.