Last week, we met with The Hon Kevin Anderson MP, Shadow Minister for Tourism to discuss our shared advocacy priorities in the lead up to the 2027 NSW Government election.
Mayor Leah Anderson GAICD, Mayor of Port Stephens Council and Deputy Chair Hunter JO, and Greg McDonald, General Manager Upper Hunter Shire Council raised awareness of the shared priorities of the ten local governments and democratically elected Mayors of the region, focusing on Tourism and Freight opportunities to leverage the newly established Newcastle International Airport.
Our presented asks included:
– Investment of $3.85m International marketing of the Hunter for tourism
– Investment of $1m Detailed Design for Air freight Precinct
These asks are supported by comprehensive Business Cases demonstrating economic return, along with broad backing from the region’s tourism and export industries:
Hunter Global Tourism
Valued at $3.85m over three years, this initiative will increase international tourism to the region, injecting $268m into the economy over a three-year investment period, and create international brand recognition for the Hunter.
– Hunter Global Tourism Marketing Strategy Spreads
– Hunter Global Tourism Business Case
– Hunter Region Identity Toolkit
Airfreight Precinct
Valued at $1m, this initiative will undertake Detailed Design for an Airfreight Precinct at Newcastle Airport.
– Airports Strategy Report
– Newcastle Airport Air Cargo Terminal Business Case
According to NSW Government, the Hunter region coal mining industry supports 15,000 jobs and 37,000 indirect jobs (FIJA Issues Paper, 2023).
According to coal industry modelling shared with our Member Councils, 12,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be impacted by two coal mine closures in the Hunter region by 2030.
With both Australian Government and NSW Government forecasting an estimated 50% decline in global coal demand by 2033, we need increased support from NSW Government to help our region transform its economy.
These important initiatives provide this opportunity!
Thank you to The Hon. The Hon Kevin Anderson MP for meeting with us. We will continue to advocate for urgent assistance to help diversify our economy and provide jobs for the future.
Visit our Advocacy page for more information.