Mt Arthur Coal Mine Transformation Precinct

Proposal:  

The Mt Arthur Coal Mine Transformation Precinct (the Precinct) was initiated as part of the NSW Government’s wider response to the Beneficial and Productive Post-Mining Land Use Parliamentary Inquiry. 

In July 2025 the NSW Government committed to undertake a pilot project at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine in Muswellbrook to demonstrate how alternative post-mining land uses can deliver opportunities for the region through coordinated relinquishment and redevelopment of former mining land.

This process does not bypass mining operators' legislative and legal requirements. Mining operators are legally required to rehabilitate the land, and BHP will continue to meet its rehabilitation obligations. 

The pilot project will be implemented through the State Significant Rezoning Policy (the policy).

The Mt Arthur Coal Mine Transformation Precinct Master Plan (Master Plan)

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (the Department) worked in collaboration with Muswellbrook Shire Council, BHP and Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) to prepare a Master Plan that will support the coordinated transformation of the Precinct from mining to other employment generating land uses.

This collaboration between all three levels of government and the private sector represents one of the most significant examples of early, coordinated post mining land use transformation planning undertaken in NSW.

The Master Plan sets out a generational-scale opportunity to transform the land underlying one of NSW’s largest coal mines into a future-focused Precinct. With BHP’s mining operations ceasing 2030, the project represents an opportunity to provide new employment generating land uses for Muswellbrook and the Hunter Region and support coal-producing communities to secure their long-term economic future.

The Master Plan will help plan for the future of the region as industries change, ensuring Muswellbrook remains a strong, resilient and connected community.

Explanation of Intended Effect (rezoning proposal)

The Department has also prepared an Explanation of Intended Effect (rezoning proposal) that supports the Master Plan and seeks to rezone land to catalyse development.

The rezoning proposal sets out proposed amendments to the Muswellbrook Local Environmental Plan 2009, State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts-Regional) 2021 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021 to facilitate the rezoning of land in the Precinct.

The rezoning proposal aims to enable delivery of:

• Approximately 5,400 hectares of land in the Transformation Precinct
• Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
• Approximately 5,900 new jobs

The rezoning represents the first stages of realising the long-term vision of the Master Plan.
 

Have your say

Submit your feedback below until 11 August 2026. Feedback received during exhibition will inform the finalisation of the proposal, with an outcome expected in 2026.

For more information contact 1300 305 695, email [email protected], or refer to the frequently asked questions under ‘Resources’.

Community drop in sessions

We encourage you to meet with project representatives to discuss the Master Plan and rezoning
proposal at a community drop-in session. Please see below for further details:

What happens next?
 

Community feedback received during exhibition will help shape the final plan. After the exhibition closes, the Department will analyse your feedback, consider changes, and make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. The rezoning proposal is expected to be finalised in 2026.