The Hunter Jobs Alliance has welcomed a NSW law that establishes a dedicated public authority to diversify the economy of the state's four coal regions. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority Bill 2025 passed both houses of the NSW Parliament on October 20. The law also requires coal mine owners to develop workforce transition plans for workers affected by mine closures. The alliance is now seeking regulations with minimum standards for those plans, along with at least $150 million a year for the Future Jobs and Investment Fund. It wants these measures in place before the March 2027 election.
Shire of Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth has been named winner of the Peter Chaffey Economic Development Australia Leadership Award. The honour was presented at the organisation's Awards for Excellence this month. Since 2007, Mr Unsworth has overseen a Food Innovation Precinct, the revitalisation of Dwellingup as a tourism destination, and the restoration of the Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra. Shire president Douglas McLarty praised his strategic leadership and investment in staff. Mr Unsworth said the award reflected the collective work of the shire, councillors, community and businesses.
Downer Group has been appointed to deliver upgrades to Albany Airport in Western Australia, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. The works include strengthening and resurfacing the main runway, improving taxiways, aprons and airfield lighting, and drainage. The upgrades will allow the airport to handle larger aircraft with up to 100 seats. The project is funded through federal, state and City of Albany contributions totalling about $44 million. Officials say the airport will support passenger services, FIFO charter flights, Royal Flying Doctor Service operations and firefighting aircraft.
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The final stage of a $12 million upgrade to the Tycannah rest areas on the Newell Highway in northeast inland NSW is underway. The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are jointly funding the project, which will deliver flushable toilets, heavy vehicle parking, and improved facilities for all road users. The upgrades aim to provide safer and more accessible places for truck drivers to manage fatigue on a key freight route.
A $15 billion data centre proposal near Wagga Wagga has sparked community backlash. Residents fear the facility will impact homes, agricultural land, and the environment. The project, classified as a State Significant Development, bypasses local council approval. CDC Data Centres plans a 1.4-gigawatt complex with four buildings and extensive infrastructure. A petition opposing the plan has gathered over 1,000 signatures in five days.
The Albanese and Minns Labor governments will invest $1.74 billion to upgrade three key regional road corridors in New South Wales. The funding will improve safety and efficiency, supporting regional communities, freight operators, and industries. Upgrades include road, shoulder, and intersection widening, new overtaking lanes, and intelligent transport systems. More than 1,000 jobs will be supported across the state, with work already underway on the Newcastle to Dubbo corridor.
Regional communities face a dilemma as they resist new industries like data centres and renewable energy projects while struggling with financial sustainability. In Wagga Wagga, a $15 billion data centre proposal has sparked petitions over concerns about pollution, farmland loss, and impacts on services. Yass Valley Council has also opposed data centres, citing water and land availability issues, despite its own financial crisis. As land and housing become scarce in metropolitan areas, regional centres like Albury, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, and Canberra are attracting more interest from industries.
The federal and NSW governments are jointly investing $1.2 billion to upgrade regional roads, including routes between Newcastle and Dubbo, Muswellbrook and Armidale, and Euston and Tocumwal. The funding will improve freight movement, add overtaking lanes, and enhance rest stops. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the upgrades would support various industries, not just renewable energy projects. Premier Chris Minns said the investments would boost the economy and improve safety.
