Airfreight and Tourism

Newcastle Airport has undergone a $250m redevelopment with a new international terminal and runway. To leverage the Commonwealth investment, and to support our region as it undergoes an economic transformation away from a reliance on coal mining, we need diversify our economy to remain a strong, resilient region. We’re advocating for these catalytic projects to support that economic transformation.

Air freight opportunities

An air-freight precinct is required at Newcastle International Airport to attract airlines to the region and catalyse business growth across Hunter region to export air freight products and encourage international tourism.

Nearly $500 million in NSW exports are currently routed through Brisbane and Melbourne, highlighting a lack of sufficient air freight infrastructure in NSW and a direct loss of revenue to the NSW economy. Upgraded cargo capabilities will also help subsidise and expand international long-haul flights, increasing regional accessibility for both goods and passengers. Without an airfreight precinct, we won’t realise the full potential from the investment that has been made in Newcastle Airport.

International tourism

International visitors stay longer and spend more in our economy, and have the opportunity to contribute millions to our economy. A Business Case and Strategy were completed to identify the value of the opportunity in 2024, in partnership with the Newcastle Airport and Destination Sydney Surrounds North. We’re advocating for investment to implement the Tourism Strategy seeking $3.85m over three years. We’re expected to increase international visitation by at least 1%, providing an additional $268m flowing through the Hunter region in the next three years.  

The initiative highlights the critical role of tourism in supporting a wide array of local businesses – from cafes, restaurants, and retail shops to taxi services, hotels, and travel agencies, emphasizing the creation of local jobs for local people.  

These airfreight and tourism projects are backed by Business Hunter, Committee for the Hunter, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Newcastle Airport, regional tourism organisations such as Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association, Destination Port Stephens, Newcastle Tourism
Industry Group and all 10 local councils in the Hunter Joint Organisation, demonstrating strong regional consensus and alignment.

See further information about Hunter Global Tourism and Freight Business Cases

See further information about the Newcastle Airport Freight Precinct Aerospace East Precinct Project Snapshot DIGITAL.pdf

Click the image to view the pdf.