Hunter Jobs Alliance

02/06/2026

The Hunter Jobs Alliance welcomes two significant developments this week for Hunter workers and manufacturing: The NSW Government’s $225 million investment in low-carbon manufacturing across NSW, and the introduction of the Local Jobs First Bill to NSW Parliament.

Together, these announcements represent real progress on what HJA has long advocated for - government investment in local industries, backed by procurement rules that ensure public money creates local jobs rather than flowing offshore.

The $225 million grant round will support commercial and construction-ready projects to expand local production, attract private investment and create skilled jobs, with grant recipients required to match or exceed government funding dollar-for-dollar.

The introduction of the Local Jobs First Bill will establish a Local Jobs First Commission and require a 30 per cent tender weighting toward local suppliers that invest in local content, local jobs and apprenticeships.

21/05/2026

The biggest solar and battery hybrid projects in Australia have reached financial close, locking in a landmark deal that will help power giant aluminium smelters and refineries and help change the debate around the future of the grid.

The two projects — Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap — are in central Queensland, with 90% of their output locked into a 20-year offtake deal with Rio Tinto to power the Boyne Island smelter in Gladstone and two refineries.

This is what clean industry transition looks like in practice. Heavy industry. Renewable energy. Long-term investment. Jobs secured.

Financial close reached for Australia's biggest solar battery hybrid projects to date, in landmark deal to power heavy industry and for the energy transition.

17/05/2026

NSW Treasury says the Commonwealth is treating NSW like a “cash cow” because of the GST carve up.

But when the NSW Government asks Tomago workers for their vote at next year’s election, workers won’t be thinking about GST.

They’ll be asking one question: when our jobs were on the line, did the NSW Government actually fight for us, or hide behind excuses while Canberra did the heavy lifting?

NSW promises funding for Tomago Aluminium in next month's budget

04/05/2026

Rio Tinto’s aluminium boss Jérôme Pécresse is clear:

“It’s not a fossil fuel versus renewables debate, just a cost of electricity debate"

Tomago Aluminium’s future depends on reliable, large-scale “firmed” energy. Rio Tinto’s aluminium chief Jérôme Pécresse is clear that coal-based power cannot remain competitive on cost for smelting operations like Tomago, with investment instead focusing on renewable energy generation and storage.

In the case of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Queensland, Rio Tinto committed to underwriting around $7.5 billion in renewable energy and storage investment, supported by $2 billion in joint Commonwealth and Queensland Government funding for enabling infrastructure and the transition of the state’s energy system.

Rio Tinto rising star Jérôme Pécresse says taxpayer-funded bailouts to save the Boyne and Tomago aluminium smelters are all about the cost of energy, and not a referendum on fossil fuels.

30/04/2026

A strong coalition of Hunter organisations is calling on the NSW Government to back a funding agreement to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium — a critical employer and cornerstone of the region’s industrial economy.

Hunter Jobs Alliance joined 15 groups in urging the state to act, highlighting Tomago’s central role in supporting jobs, supply chains, and the Hunter’s clean energy transition.

“This is bigger than one site. Tomago supports thousands of workers, contractors and supply-chain businesses across the Hunter. The priority now should be constructive negotiations that provide certainty, unlock the clean energy infrastructure needed for the future, and secure a durable long-term solution for the region,” said HJA Coordinator Justin Page.

28/04/2026

The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) could be used to deliver a once in a generation opportunity for habitat protection and connectivity.

Next Tuesday 5th May, Nature NSW is hosting an information session in Newcastle outlining how the HTP offsets can extend key conservation reserves within the Hunter region and deliver habitat protection and connectivity.

Speakers include:
- Kerry Walker, Hunter Wildlife Rescue, NATF Inc
- Alex Callen, Centre for Conservation Science
- Ian McKenzie, Save Link Rd Forest
- Steve Meadows, Hunter Region Landcare Network
- Eve Altman, Nature Conservation Council of NSW

This event is free, but registration is essential.

Since 1955 the Nature Conservation Council has been the voice for nature in NSW. We advocate and campaign to protect nature and for a safe climate.

28/04/2026

Negotiations are continuing between the NSW and Federal governments to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium, which employs around 1500 workers.

Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said it was essential the NSW Government step up as an active partner in securing Tomago’s future.

"That means clear policy backing, enabling the development of critical clean energy infrastructure, and committing to aligned investment, including taking on a fair share of the risk, to secure a sustainable long-term energy solution for Tomago".

The state and federal governments have been negotiating since December over the cost breakdown of a Tomago Aluminium...

15/04/2026

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) — which operates the Hunter Valley coal chain — forecasts contracted coal volumes on the network will fall by around 40% from 2023 levels by 2034.

Lower coal volumes across the Hunter Valley coal chain are expected to push up terminal and port charges for remaining producers. This can make some mines less profitable, which may further reduce volumes and increase costs again — a reinforcing cycle which can accelerate decline.

The second half of the 2020s is therefore a critical period for the region - bridging peak production and long-term decline.

At present, key policy settings are not fully aligned to the scale of this change:
- The Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority does not cover export coal workers.
- NSW’s Future Jobs and Investment Authority does not yet include enforceable minimum standards for worker support.

Coal communities have powered NSW for generations. They now need planning and support that matches the scale of the change ahead.

14/04/2026

The Port of Newcastle is expanding its Mayfield terminal with a $36 million berth upgrade to accommodate larger vessels and growing trade beyond coal. The project strengthens the port’s capacity to handle containers and major renewable energy infrastructure, with diversification a core long-term focus supported across its stakeholders and the wider community.

It comes as the port records its highest-ever volumes of non-coal cargo, driven by exports like wheat and rapidly growing renewable energy projects across NSW.

"For 25 years, the Port of Newcastle has been Australia's leading exporter of energy to Asia. Now, we have also become the main gateway for importing the components that will power the next phase of our nation's energy transition". - Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody

29/03/2026

The Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy Final Report has confirmed that organised disinformation is distorting public debate on climate and energy.

The committee warns that misinformation campaigns, “astroturf” groups, and hidden funding networks are eroding trust in science and slowing Australia’s transition to renewables.

Sound familiar? In the Hunter, false information has already derailed projects like offshore wind that could create jobs, strengthen our economy, and support local industries.

Australia needs to increase its efforts to fight back against misinformation about climate change, a Senate report says.