The New South Wales government has unveiled the final model for its Future Jobs and Investment Authority – a new body designed to support a transition in the state’s coal-producing regions as global demand for coal declines and mine closures loom.

Funded with A$27.3-million over four years through the 2025/26 state Budget, the authority will focus initially on the Hunter and Central West regions, before rolling out across the Illawarra and North West. It will also unlock more than A$100-million in funding previously held under the Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme, and be supported by a yearly contribution of A$22.5-million.

The authority’s remit is broad, from strategic land-use planning and infrastructure investment to workforce retraining and feasibility studies for post-mining land use. Its mandate will also include aligning efforts with the federal Net Zero Economy Authority to help ensure streamlined project delivery and cooperation across all levels of government.

New South Wales Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos said on Thursday that the new authority was a key election commitment and would play a crucial role in shaping the economic future of coal communities.

“Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision-making,” said Houssos. “We’ll be looking to the Authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities.”

The authority will be led by a CEO and supported by regional divisions in each of the four coal-producing regions. Each division will have representation from industry, workers, local governments and community groups to ensure local priorities guide policy and project development. A Ministerial advisory board, chaired by an independent advocate, will provide oversight and report to the Minister for Natural Resources.

Currently, about 25 000 people are directly employed in coal mining across New South Wales. However, under existing planning approvals, all four of the state’s coal-fired power stations and 32 of the 39 coal mines are expected to close by 2040.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said the authority would help future-proof the region’s economy.

"The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will play a key role in driving job creation in this region, including in the future energy sector. The Hunter has always been the engine room of NSW – now it’s time to position ourselves as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing as well,” said Catley.

"We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the Authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth,” she added. “It’s about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come."

The Illawarra region, also home to legacy coal industries, will benefit from a dedicated local division of the authority. Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park, said the government was committed to making sure regional communities could seize new opportunities.

“I am particularly pleased that this authority will have a local presence right here in the Illawarra,” Park said.

The New South Wales government will legislate to establish the authority in the coming months.