Emerging technologies hold the key to NSW achieving net zero emissions by 2050, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro believes.
The issue of greenhouse gas emissions in the Upper Hunter returned to the spotlight on Monday following the Independent Planning Commission's approval of Glencore's application to extract another 52 million tonnes of coal from its Mangoola open-cut mine.
The approval was given despite the commission finding that "employer and supplier benefits" of the project "have been overstated".
The decision means Mangoola's approval will be extended by 13 months, from November 2029 to December 2030, representing eight years of mining in the new northern pit if production there starts next year.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Barilaro said the project needed to be seen in a broader economic and technological context.
"When we talk about net zero emissions by 2050, and we are committed to that, we are always looking through today's lens," Mr Barilaro said.
"There is so much technology that will hit a lot of industries in coming decades, even the next decade, that will help us achieve net zero emissions in mining and transport."
"Through today's lens you may think we are not going to achieve net zero emissions. I'm confident we will without destroying jobs in the short term."
Meanwhile government figures show more than 396 businesses have registered to participate in Dine and Discover in the Upper Hunter electorate.
More than 89,500 people in the electorate have registered for the vouchers, with an average customer spend of $40.91.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government was considering expanding the program to other small town businesses, such as butchers and bakers.
"The response has been really good in a short period of time," she said.
"If there is opportunity for us to expand it especially in the smaller villages to different categories we are happy to look at that.
"If we think we can expand it in a positive way we will."
Independent byelection election candidate Kirsty O'Connell called on the government to do more to encourage people to relocate to rural and regional centres.
"The premier is making a huge $70 billion investment in infrastructure that will bust congestion and improve the quality of life for people in Sydney. I'm calling on her to invest in the Upper Hunter so we can be part of the solution to that problem."
"Premier, will you invest in improving amenity and services in the Upper Hunter, in the same way that you are in Sydney, so that we can be part of the ongoing economic success of this state as the world moves away from coal?'
