Residents of Muswellbrook are calling on mining giant BHP to ensure their community thrives long after the Mt Arthur coal mine ceases operations in 2030. As the state's largest coal mine approaches its final years, locals have expressed deep attachment to their town and concerns about what comes next.
Community's Deep Roots in Mining Town
New research from the University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures has revealed the profound emotional connection residents feel toward Muswellbrook. The study, supported by BHP's Community Investment program, engaged 69 community members between March and December 2024 who hadn't previously participated in public discussions about the mine's closure.
Lead author and anthropologist Associate Professor Hedda Askland emphasized the need for the coal industry to listen to those who will remain long after mining operations end. "Mt Arthur's operations stem all the way back to the 1960s when it supplied coal to Bayswater power station, so it has helped shape the community over many years," she explained.
The research report, titled "Muswellbrook: Mapping place identity and pride in place," captured residents' determination to stay in their community despite the impending changes. One participant declared: "We're not going anywhere. We love our house and our land so we're not going anywhere," while another stated bluntly: "I'm gonna get carried out of here in a box."
Roadmap for Post-Mining Future
The research culminated in 12 detailed recommendations and nine key principles for creating a community-endorsed closure strategy. These proposals aim to protect Muswellbrook from negative impacts while building on its existing strengths and community values.
Key recommendations include:
- Investing in social infrastructure and youth programs, including incentives for disadvantaged children to join local sporting teams
- Embedding Indigenous knowledge in land rehabilitation efforts
- Supporting local economic development and community-owned enterprises
- Ensuring transparent governance and community-led decision-making processes
Two major social legacy initiatives proposed include establishing a multipurpose community hub to foster social connection and cultural exchange, and collaborative planning for the 7000-hectare mine site's re-use.
Building Community Resilience
Associate Professor Askland noted that residents see Muswellbrook as "far more than a 'mining town'" and maintain strong emotional ties to the area. "As with many regional communities, there's a deep desire to nurture the natural environment and ensure opportunities remain for their young people," she said.
BHP is currently exploring various options for the massive site's future, which could include:
- Adventure parks with hiking and mountain bike trails
- Renewable energy projects such as solar and pumped hydro
- Manufacturing facilities and biodiversity conservation areas
The establishment of a community fund has been identified as a crucial opportunity to drive economic and social wellbeing outcomes. This fund would support long-term resilience through targeted investments addressing essential community needs in Muswellbrook and surrounding areas.
With approximately 2200 jobs currently connected to the mine operations, the transition represents a significant challenge for the Hunter Valley community. However, the comprehensive research provides a clear framework for ensuring Muswellbrook not only survives but thrives in its post-mining future.
