The Hunter Region is a very different place to where it was a decade ago. Despite a softening national economy, growth, optimism and ambition have remained a consistent theme in Australia’s largest regional economy. Discussions about Newcastle as a future global city and descriptors such as ‘world class’ or ‘global best practice’ are commonplace. Hope is high, fed by a healthy dose of local ambition and determination.

 

Newcastle Airport is eager to play a role in any discussion about realising our region’s full potential. With a stated purpose of being the airport the region deserves, Newcastle Airport is continually striving to drive outcomes that benefit us all, including;

• delivering greater connectivity with the rest of the world – taking the community to wherever in the world they want to go

• acting as a significant catalyst for growth in the visitor economy by bringing interstate and international visitors to our region

• driving new freight opportunities for the Hunter and northern NSW

• fostering innovation and enticing global talent through our Astra Aerolab development

• attracting public and private investment to the region to build transport infrastructure, develop land and provide new accommodation options.

 

The ability to deliver these initiatives and outcomes to the highest possible level will depend on an upgraded airport –one that enables long range aircraft to use our runway and an enhanced terminal that can cater for the significant passenger growth that will bring.

 

Some may see Newcastle Airport’s aspirations for the airport and the region as lofty. But they feel a truly international airport is the very least our region deserves.

 

Earlier this year, polling of Hunter residents showed 94% wanted to see Newcastle Airport expand its range of international flights. The shareholder Councils - the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council - are equally supportive, as are regional peak bodies such as the Hunter Business Chamber, Property Council and Committee for the Hunter. The NSW Government, too, has been supportive of the position and understands the breadth of support we have in the Hunter.

 

As a collective, the message being sent is a positive and consistent one.

 

Put simply, an upgraded airport will provide the Hunter and northern NSW with the catalyst for sustained regional growth. It will complement the significant State Government investment we already have to enhance the Williamtown precinct. In the longer term, it is expected to deliver $12 billion in economic benefit to the region over the next two decades.

 

Newcastle Airport says they are passionate about unlocking our region’s potential, and in doing so, re-imagining our collective future.