THE Wallarah 2 mining proposal near Wyong would employ 70 per cent of its projected 300 workforce from local people, general manager Kerry Heywood said this week.
Many of these workers would be "cleanskins" or non-experienced mine employees who would be given extensive training.
A further 700 indirect jobs would support the project and the workforce with more than 5000 job years created over the three-year construction period, he said.
"Importantly, these jobs will be well paid and provide opportunities for ongoing training and advancement which will give young people the opportunity to live and work on the Central Coast," Mr Heywood said.
"The NSW government's 2010 Coal Industry Profile reports average wages in the underground coal sector were around $115,000 in 2009.
"By contrast, Wyong had an average wage of $41,000 in 2009 and more than 38 per cent of employed locals commuted to other areas for work."
Mr Heywood said these social and economic benefits can be delivered without compromising water security.
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