There were almost 500 more jobs in the Illawarra coal industry at the end of June than there were at the same time last year, the NSW Minerals Council said, saying that an increase in demand for coal across the Asia-Pacific region was the reason.

The Illawarra figures contributed to a statewide coal mining workforce of 22,300, up 1000 from the previous year, the NSWMC said, citing annual research from Coal Services Pty Ltd.

The Illawarra's increase of nearly 500 workers brought the industry's employment total in this region to 2,934.

The Hunter region enjoyed a boost of 350 extra jobs, taking the region'a coal workforce to about 13,300.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Gallilee said the energy policies of countries in our region would continue to boost demand.

"Strong demand for NSW coal means more NSW coal mining jobs," he said. "A recent report [found] that the current power generation policies of governments in the Asia Pacific region will drive an increase in demand for thermal coal imports of 495 million tonnes across the region by 2040.

"This represents significant growth opportunities for NSW coal exports with the potential to provide more job opportunities to people in regional mining communities.

"With the right policy settings that make the most of growing opportunities, our coal mining industry can continue to deliver employment, investment and economic stability well into the future," he said.

The Mercury has not been able to verify the jobs figures. The Coal Services report costs $330.

Yesterday Mr Galilee lashed the NSW Government and the Independent Planning Commission, which rejected the Kepco Bylong coal mine proposal because of "unacceptable" groundwater impacts and "problematical" greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Galilee said the planning system was an "utter failure".

Wollongong MP and shadow minister for natural resources Paul Scully welcomed the local increase.

"These are high paying jobs and extremely important to many regional and rural communities," he said.