Local businesses are raising the alarm over the potential closure of Myuna Colliery, warning that hundreds of jobs in the Hunter economy would be lost.

The mine’s termination would directly affect 300 workers and 200 contractors if the ongoing dispute between Origin Energy and Centennial Coal is not resolved.

UTS Group, which employs 25 staff supporting the site’s operations and maintenance, indicated Myuna accounted for about 10% of its turnover.

Managing director Stuart Woolnough said the effects of a closure would ripple far beyond the mine itself.

“Our business alone probably impacts 200-to-1,000 people in the community,” he explained.

“Suppliers, service stations, farms – everyone relies on the flow-on from the mine.

“If Myuna closes, it’s going to hit the community hard.”

Mr Woolnough also highlighted the challenge of industry uncertainty.

“We’re trying to grow and bring new people into the sector, but instability makes it hard for people to commit,” he said.

“It’s stressful for our staff and difficult for the business to plan ahead.”

PHC Group, a 41-year-old business employing 133 people, also warned of the consequences if the mine shuts down.

CEO Mary McGill, whose company services all Centennial sites, said the ongoing dispute was already affecting recruitment and industry confidence.

“We train our workers carefully to ensure they’re ready for the demands of the coal sector,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.

“However, this uncertainty is turning people away from the industry.

“We want it fixed and we want it now.”

The dispute comes after Myuna workers, supported by multiple unions, rejected Origin Energy’s recent offers of a 12-month and a three-year contract to supply coal to Eraring Power Station.

The Lake Macquarie site is Myuna’s sole customer, and Centennial Coal has warned that under the current terms, the operation would lose about $1 million a week.

Local businesses argue the economic fallout emphasises the need for urgent negotiations and a transparent plan to safeguard livelihoods.

At the weekend, workers and residents gathered for the Myuna Community Fun Day designed to show the “human side” of the campaign and the community’s support for the mine.

“It was great to see the community get behind it… but it just shows how much is at stake,” Mr Woolnough said.

“It’s all good for MPs to come along, have a sausage sizzle and take photos with the kids.

“However, we want action and real solutions that protect jobs and the local economy.

“If the mine and power station are going to continue operating, the people who keep it running shouldn’t be left behind.”

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