Continuing our advocacy efforts in June, we met with Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold, to discuss our 2026–27 Federal Budget Submission and the shared priorities of our ten Member Councils.
The meeting was an opportunity to highlight our region’s role as Australia’s largest regional economy, while also outlining the critical investment and policy support needed to help our communities manage growth, strengthen essential infrastructure, and support long-term economic transformation. Key priorities discussed included:
- The need for more federal funding to support enabling infrastructure to unlock housing
- Increasing Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue
- Shared investment approach to support Councils deliver critical water and sewer infrastructure
- Advocating for inclusion of water/sewer assets in disaster funding eligibility
- Investment of $3.85m in international tourism to stimulate economic diversity and create new jobs across the region
- Investment of $1m in air freight opportunities linked to Newcastle Airport Pty Limited
We appreciate Alison Penfold meeting with us and discussing the opportunities and challenges facing our region. We look forward to further collaboration as we continue to shape the Hunter.
Visit our website for more information on our Federal Budget Submission 26-27