A NEW industry agreement signed by the New South Wales state government means twice as much coal will be exported from Newcastle Port.
Under the Hunter Coal Export Agreement, coal mining companies opening or expanding a mine can demand extra capacity and the port will be obliged to build it for them.
Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said the new agreement will ensure a steady stream of coal continues to flow from the Hunter Valley.
Tripodi said in the future, coal producers will have the ability to explore markets globally and know that back in Australia the infrastructure will allow the coal to be delivered through the ports.
Tripodi said the agreement would generate 25,000 new jobs by 2016, with the port doubling its export capacity by then.
Add a comment