Australia's coal capital is preparing for what once seemed 'unimaginable'
www.sbs.com.au
A once-in-a-lifetime change is taking place on the sites of old coal-fired power stations.

The high-pitched whirr of coal trains between Newcastle and Muswellbrook has been the backdrop to life in the NSW Hunter region for more than 100 years, but a new soundscape is set to take its place as the renewables transition gathers pace.

  • zero_gravitas@aussie.zoneEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    It’s not surprising to see the persistent denialism of residents when they, or their families, draw a wage from the mines. But we have to continue making the case to them that the transition is inevitable, and their only real options are a) to organise to demand a ‘just transition’ while they still have influence, or b) to continue to live in denial and take whatever they’re given once the industry is gone.

    These renewable and storage projects, and the associated interest from other industries, are a great help in making the case for demanding a just transition and showing what it might look like.

    We need more, though. Hopefully the ALP’S fear of PHON gaining a foothold in these areas will drive them to put more money into supporting new industries.

    • DiaDeLosMuertos@aussie.zoneEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      I was on a shutdown job on the other power station almost two years ago. From what we could gather the locals were fine about the new changes. I daresay not everybody would be happy of course.

        • DiaDeLosMuertos@aussie.zoneEnglish
          0·
          2 months ago

          Yeah fair enough mate. I was actually staying there, but hey I only met a handful of locals to be fair. And I could see oh so very much how the whole area is reliant on the coal and power stations. It’s been a growing area too, well closer to the coast that is. It would be a major concern for many I’m sure.