There is no economic future for coal in Lithgow and the Central West of NSW and coal miners should seek employment in renewables industry, she said.

“The coal industry is not sustainable, and workers are losing their jobs,” she said. “The world is turning to renewable energy, risking leaving Australia in the coal dust. Planning the transition to renewable energy is a sound economic and environmental move.

“Coal dust is a recognised health risk that results in these diseases, disadvantaging Lithgow residents’ health and wellbeing.”

With further government investment, Lithgow would be well-positioned to lead the way in the transition to the renewable energy economy and creating jobs in manufacturing, engineering and maintenance of renewable energy systems, Sky said.

“The Greens’ Renew Australia plan prioritises workers and their job security, as well as the health of the general population. Future-proofing Lithgow is the sensible decision to make, and we need to make it now,” she said.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said: “Coal-based jobs have been lost in this region, from the Wallerawang coal-fired power station to the Angus Place colliery. The world price of dirty fuel is dropping dramatically.

“The transition to renewables outlined in the Greens’ Renew Australia initiative will bring money and opportunity into the local economy and create a sustainable industry for generations to come.”