In the News
For media enquires, please contact:
Justin Page HJA Co-ordinator: [email protected]
Hunter union, community groups slam ‘bureaucratic’ state transition plan
Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page suggested that the NSW government’s Future Jobs and Investment Authority model is “overly bureaucratic” and urged, “They need to go back to the drawing board, come to our community, and co-design a proper, well-funded transition authority… $25 million across four regions is not going to cut it” said Page.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8692849/hunter-groups-slam-states-bureaucratic-coal-transition-plan/
June 26th, 2024
Hunter offshore wind project takes next steps
The Hunter Jobs Alliance is committed to collaborating with Oceanex and Equinor to “maximize local jobs, supply chains, and community benefits,” asserts coordinator Justin Page. The Alliance stresses the importance of “strong community consultation throughout the environmental assessment stage” to effectively address environmental concerns and local impacts.
Full article: https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/hunter-offshore-wind-project-takes-next-steps
June 17th, 2024
Winds of fortune: Coal workers eye “jobs for life” with offshore renewables
The Hunter Jobs Alliance is championing the region’s shift to offshore wind. Coordinator Justin Page highlighted the potential of renewables, “There’s no reason why we can’t shoot for the stars,” and emphasised the need for “local companies to create long-term meaningful jobs and prosperity for our regions.” As the Hunter transitions, the focus is on creating stable and sustainable employment opportunities that promise long-term economic growth.
Full article: https://reneweconomy.com.au/winds-of-fortune-coal-workers-eye-jobs-for-life-with-offshore-renewables/
May 28th, 2024
‘Plan for a future beyond coal’: questions about transition authority funds
“The Hunter Jobs Alliance is concerned that our region is receiving much less funding through this program, relative to the size of our coal industries, which is necessary to diversify our economy rapidly during the transition from coal mining. The Hunter is a $65 billion economy and the scope of the challenge ahead is immense. Even if the entire $25 million per annum [from the Royalties for Rejuvenation fund] was allocated to the Hunter, it is considered well short of requirements” Mr Page said.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8643999/courtney-houssos-provides-details-of-hunter-transition-plan/
May 23rd, 2024
Hunter alliance says miners in the dark as Labor drags chain on transition
“The 2025 closure for Eraring has been earmarked for some time, and local workers have been waiting in earnest for guaranteed job protections during the transition, yet the Net Zero Economic Authority legislation has not passed Parliament and the NSW transition authority still don’t have any formal framework for hundreds of workers both at Eraring Power Station and at the mines which supply coal to the power station” said Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8639018/hunter-jobs-alliance-slams-labor-over-transition-authorities/
March 11th, 2024
Community organisations call on local Hunter MP’s to stop ‘short changing’ the region
‘The Hunter Community Alliance, backed by Hunter Jobs Alliance, has written a joint letter to the Hunter’s eight Labor MPs calling on them to “provide greater support” for the region in the June state budget.’
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8549253/hunter-groups-demand-labor-mps-do-better-for-hunter-valley/?cs=305#comments
February 6th, 2024
Newcastle Shows Support For Development Of Offshore Wind Industry
“This coalition of groups have come together and focused not on what divides us, but on our shared interest in diversifying and strengthening the Hunter economy and protecting the environment by supporting offshore wind,” Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said.
Full article: https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/climate-change-is-real-newcastle-shows-support-for-development-of-offshore-wind-industry
February 3rd, 2024
Hunter Jobs Alliance brings together a broad range of organisations, calling for greater consultation and environmental protections for the Hunter Offshore Wind project
“Some members of the public have been critical of the consultation process so far. Issuing feasibility licences moves the process to the next stage where genuine environmental concerns can be heard and addressed through the environmental impact assessment process,” Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8507447/call-for-responsible-development-of-offshore-wind-in-the-hunter/