On April 14 the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Barnaby Joyce, announced $55 million in funding for a significant upgrade and expansion of Newcastle Airport’s international passenger terminal.

Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the terminal upgrade was the final piece of the puzzle for the Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast and North Coast regions in their path towards global connectivity.

“I want to sincerely thank the Deputy Prime Minister and the Federal Government for the confidence they have shown in our region,” he said.

“Coming on the back of the Government’s $66 million in funding for our airfield in May last year, this additional infrastructure will ensure nothing holds us back from our global potential.

“The significance of this moment shouldn’t be underestimated. It gives certainty and confidence to Australia’s largest regional economy at the perfect time.

“This upgrade is essential to process the long-haul aircraft, which can carry close to 400 passengers – this is an entirely different scale to our domestic fleet, which is closer to 180 passengers.

“I also want to thank our key regional partners, who have been consistent and persistent in their advocacy efforts, and everyone across our region who has assisted our advocacy. 

“The Hunter Joint Organisation has been key, and their coordination of our recent Hunter Global Summit was exemplary.

“Our two shareholder councils have, as always, been incredibly supportive, and the support of Business Hunter has also been instrumental in today’s outcome.

“We know there is plenty of work ahead, but we’re confident we’ll be connecting to a significant Asian hub by 2024. This will present opportunities that are difficult to quantify.

“Of course the new terminal will offer convenience for travellers from our catchment who want to fly internationally. But more importantly, it will drive huge, sustainable economic benefits throughout the region through inbound tourism, and freight related industries, including import and export.

“By providing greater access to the global economy, the upgrade will help generate 850,000 additional visitors, 4,410 jobs and $12.7 billion in economic activity for the Hunter and Northern NSW across the next 20 years.