The Subsidence Advisory Council will replace the Mine Subsidence Board, as part of the reform announced this week.

Residents affected by mine subsidence will have their complaints dealt with under strict new time frames and case managers will be appointed to help guide people through the system, under the changes.

Finance, Services and Property Minister Dominic Perrottet announced the reform after an extensive review found a backlog of outstanding claims and a flawed compensation process.

Fairfax Media has previously reported on the impact of undermined land in the Maitland area, particularly the plight of Gillieston Heights residents Andrew and Kylie Neale, who discovered their property was affected by mine subsidence after they bought it.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the change was “very good news” for the region, particularly mine affected areas like Maitland.

“While it will be a year before consultation and legislation are finished, I believe it will lead to better service to impacted home owners,” he said.