Coal mining has long been important to the culture and economy of the Hunter Valley, and in the shires of Singleton and Muswellbrook it remains central as a job provider and foundation of the local economy. But as the world shifts rapidly to renewable energy, the export coal market will dwindle and the Hunter's mines will close down. We need to diversify our economy and begin planning for life after coal. If we manage it well, the transition from coal could be the beginning of a brighter future for our region.

9 out of 10 people we’ve surveyed in Singleton and Muswellbrook want a plan to be less reliant on coal mining.

The Hunter Renewal project aims to engage the people, businesses, and organisations of the Hunter in developing a new vision for our region, that includes:

• Skills, training, education
  • including transition opportunities for coal industry workers
• Protecting and growing our sustainable industries
  
  • including agriculture, thoroughbred horses, vineyards, and tourism
• Nurturing new industries
  
  • including renewable energy, manufacturing, value-added agricultural industries
• Democracy and empowerment
  
  • including regional decision-making and self-determination, youth empowerment, fairness and justice.
• Lifestyle and amenity
  
  • including social services, environment, public transport, civic projects.
• Coordination and governance
  
  • including funding and government policy
• Mine site and landscape rehabilitation
  
  • including mapping necessary work going forward