The economics of water use in the Hunter region

Abstract

The Hunter region of New South Wales has experienced a phase of rapid resource and industrial development, which has radically altered the economic structure and social fabric of an area previously noted for its stability. The impetus for profound economic and social readjustments has been the very rapid development of the region’s substantial coal resources for export and for electricity generation. In the last ten years or so, coal output in the region has more than doubled from less than 15 million tonnes annual (Mta) to in excess of 30 Mta, with much the same outlook for the next ten years. In addition, one major thermal power station has come into operation and another even larger is under construction, whilst the general industrial and urban base has expanded dramatically. Show more