Repurposing defunct mining land for use by the renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing and conservation sectors could create more than 13,000 jobs in the Hunter Valley, a report says.

The Diversification and Growth: Transforming Mining Land in the Hunter Valley report, commissioned by Lock the Gate, says $3.7 billion in gross economic output over a 25-year period could be generated, alongside $7b in potential industry output, if steps are taken to transform former coal mining sites.

It also argues more needs to be done than the current "minimum legal standard" that mine owners have to abide by in terms of land rehabilitation.

"The release of land as mines are scheduled to close and the global shift from coal provides the Hunter with new opportunities to pivot its economic base while leveraging its major workforce, industry and supply chain strengths," the report by EY Consulting said.

Research from the University of Newcastle released to the ABC earlier this year concluded that almost 17,000 people in the Hunter Valley worked in a direct or indirect mining job, and that 50 per cent of Greater Hunter residents wanted to see a transition away from fossil fuels.

"For the Hunter, the phasing down of fossil fuel based industries creates several key vulnerabilities, especially managing the transition of its large industrial employment base," the report said.

'Two birds with one stone'

Warrick Jordan, the coordinator of the Hunter Jobs Alliance, said reusing land could help coal workers in the region find new careers.

"I don't think it's any secret that we're needing to build a hell of a lot of renewable energy now over the next couple of decades," he said.

"At the end of the day, a lot is made of our land assets and infrastructure to attract … renewable energy or manufacturing."

Mr Jordan said it should be possible to open up some mining land in a planned way.

"With the right strategy, we should be able to kill two birds with one stone here," he said.

Mr Jordan said opening up specific sites would create job opportunities and allow for the regeneration of bushland.

Balance the key, group says

The report lists nine coal operations in the region due to close by 2030, when the New South Wales State government says it will cut carbon emissions in half.

The nine sites amount to more than 56,000 hectares.

Georgina Woods from Lock The Gate said there needed to be a focus on balanced land use.

"Making sure that we have stable energy, but also stable industry and the skills that we need," she said.

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