Following the recent Hunter JO Board Meeting, the direction of the Hunter 2050 project will focus on furthering its advocacy outcomes. This will encompass the priority focus of the issues of economic diversification and transformation within the region. There will also be a drive to increase engagement and collaboration with the State Government to highlight the importance of local leadership in determining the future of the Hunter.

The Hunter 2050 was formed as a regional response to economic resilience and it is imperative that the region and the state respond strategically and proactively before any acceleration in downsizing traditional industries. There has already been success in securing a series of dedicated commitments from the NSW Government such as the Hunter Expert Panel, the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund and the Hunter REZ.One of the key activities of the Hunter 2050 will be to support and influence state government initiatives such as these ones to ensure investment is directed to high quality initiatives that will have an impact in transforming the Hunter economy.

The NSW Parliamentary Committee’s recent Sustainability of Energy Supply and Resources report made a recommendation that the NSW Government fund the Hunter 2050. The Committee’s support for the Hunter 2050 Foundation validates the approach and thinking of the Hunter JO on the challenge posed by global changes in energy technologies.  We need a truly place-based, regional response to build economic resilience.

It is imperative that the region and the state collaborate strategically and proactively before any acceleration in the downsizing of traditional industries. All parties – local government, local industry and institutions, state government – are stepping up and making commitments, but we need initiatives that can be transformative and scale-up to secure significant volumes of new investment into the region.Whether in the form of the Foundation or otherwise, the Hunter JO looks forward to working with the Government, through these initiatives, to build regionally focused and enduring capability to support our vision for the Hunter.

For more information on the Hunter 2050, visit our website HERE.