“Coal is our state's most valuable export commodity and directly employs 2790 people in the Illawarra,” he said.

“Coal mining also supports thousands of mining supplier businesses across NSW, including over 600 Illawarra businesses that in turn provide more local jobs.”

He also said that 80% of the state’s electricity came from coal-fired power.

“Shutting down the coal industry will drive up electricity prices and lead to massive energy shortages across NSW, further harming homes and businesses,” he said.

“The Coalition and Labor must reject this ridiculous proposal by the Greens.”

The Greens believe that coal mining regions can benefit from new employment opportunities in food, renewable energy, transport and high-tech clean manufacturing.

"The Greens will continue to push for substantial increases in public funding for TAFE to provide retraining and transition support spending for affected communities and households,” Greens NSW MP and lead Upper House candidate John Kaye said.

"This state has to face the reality that the coal industry will sooner rather than later face global sanctions.

"The impacts on the NSW economy and jobs will be more manageable if the state sets its own timetable and plans a transition to a clean energy future.”

While the party wants to end coal mining, Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham has also recently discussed plans to tax mining companies an additional $250 million a year to invest this sum into renewable energy and recycling.

The "Renew Regional NSW Fund" aims to invest $1 billion into renewable energy, water saving, waste management and agricultural research over four years.

While the Queensland election result shocked many, various polls indicate the Baird government will be comfortably re-elected on March 28.