Hunter

INVESTMENT
PROSPECTUS
2013

RDA Hunter is the peak regional developme

Hunter region. Governed by a board of com
business people, RDA Hunter promotes the
business and industry to attract investment

Since its inception in 2009, RDA Hunter has:

• Lead over 55 projects that have contribute

economic growth
• Secured over $21 million in funding for the
RDA Hunter is the peak regional development organisation for the
Hunter region.
RDA Hunter Governed
is the by a board
peak regional of community
development members
organisation and
for the
Hunter region.
business people,Governed by a board
RDA Hunter of community
promotes the regionmembers and
to Government,
business people,
business RDA Hunter
and industry promotes
to attract the region
investment to Government,
into the region.
business and industry to attract investment into the region.
Since its inception in 2009, RDA Hunter has:
Since its inception in 2009, RDA Hunter has:
• Lead over 55 projects that have contributed to the region’s
• Led over 55growth
economic projects that have contributed to the region’s
• economic growth
Secured over $21 million in funding for the Hunters’ communities
• Secured over $21 million in funding for the Hunter's communities
For more information about RDA Hunter or to obtain a copy of
For more information about RDA Hunter or to obtain a copy of
the Regional Plan 2012 – 2022 visit www.rdahunter.org.au or call
the Regional
4908 7300. Plan 2012 – 2022 visit www.rdahunter.org.au or call
4908 7300.
HUNTER INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS 2013
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WELCOME
Stronger regions make for a stronger Australia and this is why
the Australian Government is committed to strengthening
the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network. We are
seeing the benefits through regional plans that are focused
on diversification, sustainability and partnerships.
The RDA Hunter Regional Plan 2012-22 is such a plan. It
outlines the vision of a vibrant region that is continuing to
grow in a low-carbon environment.
The Australian Government, in partnership with the NSW
Government, has provided funding to establish a regional
clean technology hub in the Hunter. Acting as an interface
between government programs and services, university
research facilities and the private sector, the hub will
optimise clean technology and energy opportunities.
Innovation is the key to the future, and the Hunter continues
to be a regional leader. The CSIRO Solar Tower is ensuring
that Australia remains at the cutting edge of solar thermal
technology. Other solar initiatives in the region – the
CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre, the Australian Solar
Institute, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources
and the Smart Grid, Smart City Initiative – are assisting
in the transition to a new economy by linking business,
government and research.
RDA Hunter was awarded $2.7 million under Round Two
of the Regional Development Australia Fund to construct
STATE GOVERNMENT WELCOME
The Hunter boasts a strong, vibrant and diverse economy
which is a tribute to the region’s ability to adapt to change
and face challenges head-on.
The region, more widely known for its traditional industries
of coal, equine and wine, has quickly gained a reputation
for innovation, with industries diversifying and adapting to
new technologies.
The NSW Government is committed to providing the
necessary infrastructure and services to support the
growth and development of these new industries while
aiding the expansion of the Hunter’s traditional strengths.
The Hunter has rapidly become an emerging centre for
renewable energy and is well positioned to grow lucrative
new “green” industries.
A great example of this is the CSIRO Energy Centre in
Newcastle, which has become a solar thermal research
hub and provides a focal point for energy research and
demonstration, working with Australian and overseas
partners.
CONTENTS
affordable housing for students and apprentices. In the
longer term this project will help to sustain the coal mining
and building industries by providing accommodation for
apprentices while they are studying. The ability to leverage
over $3 million from other sources for the project is to be
commended.
The growth in new business as a catalyst for renewal and
diversification, particularly in the creative industries, is also
contributing to the emergence of a renewed Hunter. The
ongoing rollout of the NBN, due to be completed in 2015,
will be a great boost in this regard.
As we move further into the Asian Century, the opportunities
for Australia’s regions, including the Hunter, will increase.
I am pleased to be able to contribute to this prospectus
which will foster ongoing relationships between government,
business and community and
help to deliver the RDA Hunter
vision for the future.
Simon Crean MP
Minister for Regional
Australia, Regional
Development and
Local Government,
Minister for the Arts
The Hunter also has a proud history of large-scale defence
projects for all arms of the defence forces, which directly
employs significant numbers of people and continues to
grow. The region’s Williamtown RAAF base will undergo a
$500 million redevelopment to provide advanced facilities
for the introduction of the New Air Combat Capability JSF
aircraft.
We look forward to working cooperatively with stakeholders
and industry to unlock the region’s productive potential to
build a broad based economy, thus ensuring a bright future
for the Hunter.
Hon Andrew Stoner MLC
NSW Deputy Premier
Minister for Trade and
Investment,
Minister for Regional
Infrastructure and Services
3
 INVESTMENT IN THE HUNTER’S FUTURE

“Amidst the continuing uncertainty and considerable investment strategies in the Hunter. Our Regional
challenges that beset large parts of the international Plan, setting out a vision and strategic priorities for
community, Australia and the Hunter continue to the region, is available on the RDA Hunter website.
grow.” HVRF, September 2012.
2013 will bring with it the finalisation of regional
The Hunter is the largest regional economy in Australia strategic plans for transport, economic and social
with outputs last year totalling almost $37 billion. infrastructure, land use and workforce development.
Forward orders and capital expenditure together 2013 will also be the year some major infrastructure
with ongoing investment in people, productivity, projects are realised, such as the Hunter Expressway
infrastructure and all forms of connectivity reflect the and fibre-connected high speed broadband. These
optimistic business climate of the region. developments will deliver a strong platform on which
to base public and private investment decisions for
Our 2013 Hunter Investment Prospectus presents the Hunter’s future.
the region’s advantages: our location on the eastern
seaboard with good connections to domestic and We welcome your interest in being part of the
international markets; a diverse economic base; Hunter’s future and encourage you to have a closer
a skilled and flexible workforce; a reputation for look at the benefits of investing in the Hunter.
innovation and creativity with burgeoning activity in
digital industries; world class research facilities; and For more information about how working together
an enviable choice of lifestyles. The Hunter has the can realise your goals and help to shape the Hunter’s
er Vision 2011 capacity to be home to many more people and to future, contact our office on 02 4908 7300 and visit
new businesses which contribute to regional growth our website: www.rdahunter.org.au
and wellbeing. RDA Hunter encourages investment
Newcastle Airport now has more than one million
egion is home to over 9% of the NSW
in the region. Since
d is the largest growth centre in NSW outside our establishment
passenger movements in 2009
per yearwemaking it the 10th
have led more than
asin. The Hunter offers steadily growing 50 regional
busiest airport in Australiaprojects
development
and investment andopportunities
secured over across$21
the million in funding
Newcastle is poisedfor
to regional
become a leading, globally
as a quality lifestyle. It is predicted
communities. We can that the provide support
competitive and for informed
sustainable city. Newcastle is
come home to a population of one million Australia’s
planning, liaison with all levels of seventh largest city
government andand as the regional
the next thirty to forty years. capital serving the Lower WeHunterare
and Upper Hunter and
engagement with regional communities. Gaye Hart AM
of the Hunter enjoys a number of strengths parts of the Central Coast, as well as the major city in
pleased to share
significant contribution to the Australian our insights and knowledge to Chair
the northern part of an integrated Greater Metropolitan
assist you to develop
region is rich in resources and underpinned Region. The transformation of the city isRDA
business growth plans and Hunter
evident in the
best quality coal, natural water resources, larger scale and efficient commercial, transport and
ctricity generation capacity, an innovative residential construction investment and the associated
g sector and a progressive business culture. improvements in productivity. Gaye Hart AM
boasts leading research and education The RDA network throughout Australia has been tasked Chair, RDA Hunter
d class wine and equine industries, vibrant to know where opportunities lie and to identify key
ourism opportunities and a quality lifestyle action priorities for their regions. The Hunter is a region
ion. that actively seeks economic growth and diversity and
positioning itself strongly as a world-class RDA Hunter works closely with regional partners and
re. The Hunter’s location on Australia’s all levels of government, to create opportunities that
ard, between Melbourne and Brisbane, and stimulate economic growth in the region and improve
ve from Sydney together with an impressive community well-being. Our vision is for the growth of
astructure gives the region a competitive a vibrant and sustainable regional economy in a carbon
sing Australian and international markets. constrained future. On behalf of the region I welcome
rt is experiencing continued strong trade your interest and invite you to talk to us about our
n 2009-2010 exceeded 100 million tonnes. future plans, and yours.

RDA Hunter is the peak regional development organisation for

Hunter region. Governed by a board of community members a
growth
business people, RDA Hunter promotes the region to Governm
business and industry to attract investment into the region.

4 Connecting its
Since the Hunter
inception in 2009, RDA Hunter has:
CONTENTS

Federal and State government Welcomes ........................................3

CONTENTS
Overview of the Hunter ...................................................................7

Introducing the region, geography, climate, population, Regional map

and history

Education & Training.......................................................................14

Covering the extensive services available and major organisations such
as the University of Newcastle, Hunter TAFE, Tocal College, Avondale
College and others

Economic Strength & Diversification...............................................17

The workforce, industrial relations, coal mining, power generation,

manufacturing, defence, aerospace, information & communication
technology, equine, agribusiness, tourism, film & TV, biotechnology,
health, business services and exporting

Infrastructure & Development.........................................................45

Major projects, transport & access to markets, the Port of Newcastle,
airports, utilities, industrial areas and commercial development

Innovation & Creativity....................................................................70

Covering innovation in the Hunter, the University of Newcastle,
Newcastle Innovation, Industry Development Centre (Hunter), CSIRO,
Hunter Medical Research Institute, Hunter Valley Research Foundation,
Hunter Innovation Festival, Hunter Founders Forum and environmental
sustainability research projects

Living in the Hunter........................................................................77

Covering community and lifestyle in the Hunter, including real estate,
health services, education, shopping, sporting recreation, entertainment,
dining out, transport and churches

Local Government Areas.................................................................83

Providing a snapshot of the 11 local government areas in the Hunter

Business Organisations..................................................................94

Government Assistance..................................................................98

5
OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER
Covering an area of 28,997 sq km, the Hunter Region of
NSW consists of 11 Local Government Areas, with the
City of Newcastle as the regional capital. It is the most
populous regional area in Australia. With over 643,000
people (30 June 2011 estimated resident population,
Australian Bureau of Statistics), the Hunter has
significantly more people than Tasmania, the Australian
Capital Territory or the Gold Coast.
The Hunter is undergoing an impressive period of sustained
economic growth, with a growing range of investors and
businesspeople recognising the powerful competitive
advantages the region offers. An unprecedented amount
of investment is occurring in the region, with many billions
of dollars of projects being planned.
Despite difficult global economic conditions in recent
years, the Hunter Region has been largely unfazed and
continues to perform strongly, with a level of economic
activity that is the envy of most other Australian centres.
This is largely due to the major transformation the local
economy has experienced over the past 15 years.
Although traditional industries are still major contributors,
the local economy is now characterised by a much
more diverse industry base. This diversity, combined
with high levels of investment, a “can do” attitude, an
embracement of innovation and a variety of significant
competitive advantages provide the Hunter with a very
strong economic outlook.
With a rapidly growing industry base, the demand for
industrial land is being met by numerous industrial
land developments across the region. There are major
developments such as the 104 hectare Steel River
Industrial Estate and the 150 hectare Intertrade Industrial
Park within 15 minutes of the Newcastle CBD. But these
are only the tip of the iceberg, with a wide range of new
and existing industrial developments across the region
providing excellent opportunities for almost any type of
industry.
Although the global financial crisis resulted in a reduced
level of activity, commercial growth, particularly around
the major centres, shows strong long-term growth. In
Newcastle for instance, the demand continues to be
much stronger for A grade office space, whilst C and D
grades have reduced in recent years.
As well as providing an exceptional economic case, the
Hunter also offers a quality of life that is hard to match.
Businesspeople relocating to the Hunter experience
an excellent lifestyle, with a combination of exceptional
natural assets and a high level of facilities and services.
The Region offers very high levels of education and health
services, as well as all the services you would expect from
a major population centre. Relatively low levels of traffic
congestion, low real estate prices and more available
development sites compared to Sydney are also welcome.
The Hunter truly has it all – it’s a great investment and
business location plus a great place to live.
GEOGRAPHY
OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER
The Hunter Region comprises eleven Local Government
Areas with a total land area of approximately 29,000 sq
km. The region is roughly located between latitudes 31.5°
and 33° south and longitudes 150° and 152° east.
A wide variety of landscape and river systems are
represented in the region including: the southern New
England tablelands, sub-alpine ranges of the Barrington
Tops, large temperate forests and rainforests, portions of a
number of river catchments that flow into the Hunter River,
estuarine areas, lake systems and the diverse coastline.
CLIMATE
The Hunter Region is located in eastern New South Wales
in the sub-tropical climatic zone.
Climate statistics for the Newcastle (Lower Hunter) and
Singleton (Upper Hunter) areas are:
Newcastle Singleton
Average Annual Rainfall 1,103 mm 723 mm
Temperature –
27.2 °C 30.6 °C
January – avg. max
January – avg. min 19.5 °C 17.7 °C
July - avg. max 17.2 °C 17.0 °C
July - avg. min 7.7 °C 5.2 °C
POPULATION GROWTH AND DENSITY
According to the ABS, the estimated resident population
of the Hunter Region on 30 June 2011 was 643,108, of
which 55% were in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle
LGAs.
Based on this data, all Hunter LGAs grew in population
over the 12 months 30 June 2010 to 30 June 2011. The
ten year average growth rate is higher than that of Sydney
or NSW.
Population densities vary greatly across the Hunter’s LGAs.
Using the 2011 data, Newcastle had a population density
of 846.4 persons per sq km, Lake Macquarie 304.7
persons per sq km and Maitland 177.7 persons per sq km.
Gloucester and Upper Hunter LGAs each had population
densities of around 1.8 persons per sq km.
7
OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER

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Call Evoke today for more information on 1300 720 692 or visit the Evoke
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ARE YOU A DEVELOPER LOOKING

Thousands of
industrious minds
We understand the regions’ strengths
and opportunities because we live in
your communities
With an integrated global network of
more than 6500 people, our engineers,
architects, environmental consultants
and many of other professions work
together to:
• create more liveable communities
• enhance economic outcomes for
business and government
• improve infrastructure delivery and
efficiency
• create clever solutions to everyday
problems
Let’s collaborate to foster growth in our
TO BUILD IN THE HUNTER?
You may need to speak with the
Mine Subsidence Board first!
The Mine Subsidence Board is an independent
body operating for the local community in areas
of coal mining in NSW. We:
• Reduce the risk of damage by ensuring the
design of new developments are compatible
with the risk of mine subsidence
• Provide an advisory and technical service for Developers
• Eliminate public and private danger from mine subsidence
• Provide compensation if improvements are damaged by
mine subsidence
With offices located in Newcastle and Singleton we can assist with
information about designing for subsidence and our requirements
in the planning approval process.
For further details please log on to our website
11192

community - discover more about our www.minesub.nsw.gov.au or telephone our Head Office
colony at www.ghd.com on 02 4908 4300 or outside Australia +61 2 4908 4300

Putting service and the needs of PeoPle first

8
 AGE AND GENDER DISTRIBUTION
Hunter LGA Populations According to the 2011 Census, approximately 49.3%
(ABS June 30 2011 Estimated Resident Population) of the Hunter’s population was male and 50.7% female.
There was a greater proportion of males below 30 years
% of Pop
Annual Area of age; genders were roughly equal for 30 – 69 years; and
LGA Population
% growth
Hunter Density
population
(sq km)
(pers/sq km) there was a greater proportion of females for 70 years
and above.
Cessnock 52,493 1.9 8.2 1,966 26.7
Based on census data, between 2006 and 2011 the
Dungog 8,547 0.7 1.3 2,251 3.8
Hunter’s male population rose by around 4%, while the

OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER

Gloucester 4,974 0.8 0.8 2,952 1.7 female population rose by 4.7%. During this period, there
were very high growth rates in the “pre-retirement” age
Great Lakes 35,601 0.6 5.5 3,376 10.5 groups of 45 to 64 years as well as the 75 years plus
groups.
Lake Macquarie 195,909 0.3 30.5 643 304.7

Maitland 69,646 1.7 10.8 392 177.7

Muswellbrook 16,322 1.0 2.5 3,405 4.8

Population and age gender distribution and change
Newcastle 154,896 0.9 24.1 183 846.4 (ABS Census data)

Port Stephens 67,058 0.7 10.4 979 68.5

% Change
Singleton 23,456 0.4 3.6 4,893 4.8 Age group Males Females Total 2006 -
2011
Upper Hunter 14,206 1.2 2.2 8,071 1.8
(years) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Total Hunter 643,108 0.8 100 29,111 22.1
0-4 6.6 6.1 6.4 8.6

ETHNICITY 5 - 14 13.2 12.1 12.6 -2.2

Compared with other regions of NSW and Australia, the 15 - 19 6.8 6.3 6.6 1.5
Hunter has a low level of ethnic diversity.
20 - 24 6.5 6.2 6.4 7.2
According to the 2011 Census, over 85% of people in the 25 - 34 11.9 11.6 11.7 5.5
region were born in Australia compared with less than 69%
in NSW as a whole. 35 - 44 13.0 13.1 13.0 0.6
45 - 54 13.7 13.6 13.6 3.1
The 2011 Census indicated that 91.4% of Hunter residents
were Australian citizens compared to 85.5% for NSW. 55 - 64 12.6 12.6 12.6 11.8
Around 91.5% of Hunter residents spoke only English at 65 - 74 9.0 9.0 9.0 16.8
home, much higher than 72.5% for the state as a whole.
75 - 84 5.1 6.3 5.7 1.6
An indepth review of the Hunter Region is carried out every 85 and over 1.6 3.0 2.3 31.4
two years by the Hunter Valley Research Foundation. The
resulting publication, Newcastle and the Hunter Region, is
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 10.6
available as a chapter-by-chapter, free download from the
Foundation’s website, www.hvrf.com.au

9
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OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER

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r

COLUMBEY Clarence KARUAH MYALL LAKES

Elderslie NP Town NR NP
LITTLE BROUGHTON ISLAND N R
Rive Paterson WALLAROO Broughton Island
r WALLAROO SF
BELFORD
NR Karuah
NP Seaham IF
IC Tea Gardens
Branxton MAITLAND PA
C Hawks Nest
Lochinvar Woodville Lemon Tree Soldiers Point
Greta TEPHENSPassage Port Stephens
Bolwarra PORT S
1 Shoal Bay
Medowie Nelson Bay
RD
Maitland
WERAKATA N P Raymond TOMAREE N P
OLBIN
F
15
Terrace Salt Ash Anna Boat Harbour
Pokolbin Abermain Williamtown Bay
ssnock WERAKATA
NP
Kurri Kurri HUNTER
ESTUARY
NP
WORIMI
NR
Bellbird Kearsley
Millfield
Kitchener Mulbring NEWCASTLE
Wallsend Stockton
axton Ellalong HEATON
SF
BARE
CESSNOCK
Killingworth NEWCASTLE
Cardiff GLENROCK
AWABA
HEATON S F 1 SCA
SF
AWABAKAL
TAGAN S F
WATAGANS OLNEY
Toronto NR
SF
NP Awaba BELMONT
WATAGAN Martinsville LAKE MACQUARIE WETLANDS
OLNEY Lake 111 SP
SF SF Macquarie
OLNEY
SF Dora
Cooranbong Creek Swansea
Tasman Sea
River

OLNEY 111
SF
Morisset
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
ng

Wyee
Wyo

JILLIBY 1

11
SCA MUNMORAH S C A
WYONG
Kulnara Budgewoi
WYONG S F

ve JILLIBY S C A
 A PROUD HISTORY
The Hunter has a proud history of achievements in a wide
spectrum of business, sporting and community areas,
with many national firsts and world class achievements.
On a per capita basis, the Hunter’s accomplishments are
particularly impressive.
Much of the region’s success is due to qualities of
ingenuity, community solidarity and hard work that
OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER
developed during its early days of settlement and remain
inherent in the region.
First discovered in 1797, just nine years after the First
Fleet arrived in Autralia, the Hunter Region was named
after the Governor of NSW at the time.
Over the next 50 years the region grew. Towns were
established at Maitland, Scone, Murrurundi and Dungog
to service a growing agricultural industry. A road linking
Newcastle to Sydney was also built.
During this time an extensive list of national and
international milestones began to evolve.
In 1799, the Hunter produced Australia’s first export when
a shipment of coal was sent to Bengal. Since then, the
coal mining industry in the Upper Hunter has underpinned
the region’s economy. Newcastle is one of the largest
coal exporting ports in the world. With world demand
showing no sign of waning and major expansion of local
The Royal Newcastle Hospital
(late 19th century) - Newcastle’s
major hospital for nearly 190 years
Busy Newcastle Harbour is visited by a wide range of vessels
12
infrastructure occurring, the Hunter is set to remain a
leading coal exporter.
In the 1850s, pioneers such as the Draytons, Tyrrells and
Wilkinsons planted grapes in the foothills of the Hunter
Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. Their vision has led to
international acclaim for Hunter Valley wines today.
In 1915, BHP established Australia’s first steel mill in
Newcastle. As it grew to become a world leader, so the
local economy expanded too.
World War II saw huge developments in Newcastle’s heavy
industry including the establishment of a shipbuilding
sector. Williamtown Royal Australian Air Force Base and
Singleton Army Barracks were also founded.
The region’s expansion necessitated a local tertiary
education facility. In 1951, the Newcastle University
College of the University of New South Wales was
established. After considerable local rallying, in 1965 the
fully autonomous University of Newcastle was founded.
In 1971, Liddell Power Station was built near Muswellbrook.
This was followed by the construction of Eraring Power
Station on Lake Macquarie in 1977 and Bayswater Power
Station near Muswellbrook in 1985. The building of these
power stations turned the Hunter into a major generator
of electricity in Australia.
Honeysuckle Precinct
Official opening of Newcastle Post Office in 1903
Growth in the Hunter was temporarily halted by the 1980’s
world recession and BHP’s subsequent downsizing.
Employment levels at the Newcastle Steelworks fell from
over 11,000 workers in 1982 to 2,800 in 1999 when
the closure of the Newcastle steelmaking operations
occurred. The multiplier effect of the loss of these jobs
was enormous; however, the region recovered and
continued to prosper.
This resilience again resurfaced in 1989 when the
Newcastle earthquake damaged 10,000 buildings.
Damage in excess of one billion dollars saw government
and business organisations unite to generate new
investment in buildings and restoration.
In 1992, the NSW Government set up the Honeysuckle
Development Corporation to redevelop the Newcastle
Foreshore. This initiative has had a defining influence on
creating a new Newcastle.
The region has a strong sporting background, having
produced an array of world champions and national
sporting icons as well as having strong support levels.
The 1997 Australian Rugby League Grand Final victory
by the Newcastle Knights' was ideal timing coming just
months after the formal announcement of the closure
of BHP’s steelmaking operations and fears for the local
economy. The Newcastle Knights win helped to reignite
the region’s can-do attitude and created a new pride and
Show me the money!
Anonymously exchange and compare local salary
data via this region’s only online salary survey.
www.huntersalaries.com.au
self-belief in the city and across the region.
Severe storms hit the region in June 2007 causing
hundreds of millions of dollars damage. The storms also
resulted in Newcastle making worldwide headlines with
the grounding of the 225 metre, 40,000 tonne coal carrier
Pasha Bulker on Nobby’s Beach.
OVERVIEW OF THE HUNTER
The Global Financial Crisis and the subsequent global
economic downturn of recent years has had only a
relatively minor effect on the overall Hunter economy which
has continued to be one of the strongest performers in the
country and arguably the strongest in NSW. Unemployment
for example has regularly been below the state average.
In December 2012, the NSW Government announced
plans to cut the inner-city rail line and build a transport
interchange at Wickham. Linking the older part of
the Newcastle CBD with the harbour foreshore and
Honeysuckle, the decision is expected to act as a catalyst
for the redevelopment of Newcastle and result in a major
influx of investment.
Today, the Hunter is being increasingly recognised as a
source of economic prosperity, innovation and diversity.
The NSW Government’s strategy for the Lower Hunter
which covers up to the year 2031 sets the scene for
sustained growth, galvanising the Hunter’s place as one
of Australia’s leading regions.
13
 EDUCATION & TRAINING
The Hunter Region has an increasingly strong emphasis
on education and training both at the personal and
organisational levels. It is home to a wide range of quality
educational institutions and educational organisations.
There is a widespread appreciation of the importance of
education training as an essential ingredient for economic
growth, particularly in the rapidly growing knowledge-based
industries.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Data from the 2011 Census demonstrate an increasingly
skilled workforce with an increase in the number of Hunter
people seeking higher qualifications.
Additionally, most employment growth has been in the
knowledge-based industries, and these new jobs require
employees with skills and higher qualification levels.
The University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW – Hunter
Institute work closely with the business community to
develop customised courses to satisfy specific workplace
needs.
The education and training sector is also a major employer
in the region, accounting for around 8% of the workforce.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is a world-class institution
delivering quality tertiary education and innovative research.
Get the edge on your competition
TAlk To us AT HunTEr TAFE
What’s in it for your business?
• Hunter TAFE can design workforce
solutions around your business
• Free Training needs Analysis
• We come to you
• Identify Government subsidy/funding
opportunities toward your training costs
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Increased productivity
Call 131 225 or
email: ers-unit.huntertafe@tafensw.edu.au
or Google Hunter TAFE
14
Internationally, the Academic Ranking of World Universities
places Newcastle in the top four per cent of universities in
the world, and the Times Higher Education World University
Rankings and QS World University Rankings place it in the
top three per cent. Both the Times Higher Education and
QS also rank Newcastle in the top 50 universities in the
world under the age of 50.
A priority for the university is providing a high-quality learning
environment and producing first-rate graduates who are
ready to compete in the global arena. There are currently
36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled
across five faculties: Business and Law, Education and Arts,
Engineering and Built Environment, Science and Information
Technology, and Health.
Underpinned by quality teaching and research, the
university’s comprehensive suite of degree programs is
enhanced through work-integrated learning. Embedded
into more than 90 percent of the university’s courses,
work integrated learning provides a framework to support
theoretical learning with valuable hands-on experience.
The university’s online postgraduate programs are provided
through the university-owned company Gradschool.com (www.
gradschool.com.au). A pioneer in the field of online postgraduate
education, Gradschool.com delivers a flexible learning environment
for students wanting to develop business-critical skills but are
unable to attend face-to-face learning.
contact
Hunter TAFE
today!
MA13010
A comprehensive range of professional business and industry
programs across the university’s five faculties is also available.
For more information about the University of Newcastle, visit
www.newcastle.edu.au or phone (02) 4921 5000.
Hunter TAFE
Hunter TAFE is committed to providing the Hunter Region and
Central Coast with a highly skilled workforce through programs
developed in close consultation with business and industry.
Hunter TAFE operates 15 campuses from Scone in the Upper
Hunter to Newcastle and to Gosford on the Central Coast.
The Institute is the largest regional vocational education and
training organisation in NSW with training delivered by highly
qualified staff with industry experience.
Hunter TAFE prides itself on customising programs
according to specific student and customer needs.
Through discussions with industry and employers within
our region, Hunter TAFE will continue to provide training
that reflects ongoing changes in our economy, increased
labour mobility and advances in technology.
The change to TAFE programs this year balances the demand
for training for industry in skill shortage areas while ensuring
the provision of the best possible education and training
pathways for the community.
Hunter TAFE program delivery consists of full-time and part-
time options, short courses, evening classes, workplace
delivery and online programs. Our programs are flexible
and accessible to meet student and customer needs.
With the continual blurring of the sectoral divide between
secondary school, university and TAFE, Hunter TAFE is
expanding programs of study for senior school students
(TVET subjects) and can now offer higher education or
degree courses in niche discipline areas.
Hunter TAFE’s impeccable reputation as a provider of quality
education and training will sustain its business into the future.
For more information on how Hunter TAFE can help with all
your accreditation and training needs visit
www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 225.
Tocal College
Tocal College is part of the Tocal Agricultural Centre within
the NSW Department of Primary Industries. It is a leader in
EDUCATION & TRAINING
agricultural and conservation land management education.
Tocal College offers full and part-time courses, short
courses and distance education.
It delivers highly sought after training, assessment and
professional development programs for those entering and
working in agricultural industries.
For further information about Tocal College visit
www.tocal.nsw.edu.au
Avondale College
Avondale is a private of higher education Institution offering a
broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational
courses. It is run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
but is open to all students. The main campus is located at
Cooranbong, with another in Sydney.
Avondale College offers undergraduate degrees in arts,
business, science, education, nursing and theology.
Postgraduate courses are available in education, leadership
and management, nursing, theology and PhD. Vocational
studies are also provided in outdoor recreation.
For more information visit www.avondale.edu.au
Hunter Valley Training Company
The region is also home to Australia’s oldest and largest
Group Training Organisation, Hunter Valley Training
Company (HVTC). The Maitland company has 11 offices
across NSW providing high quality, job ready apprentices
and trainees to help business and the region prosper. The
company is unique in that it also has its own Registered
Training Organisation and Skills Centre (Hunter-V-Tec)
15
 providing training for its own and other apprentices as well students are more actively engaged in their learning and
as specialised training for business. more focused on STEM careers.

HVTC recruits and employs apprentices and trainees direct,
saving businesses time and money. Expert staff, high levels
of mentoring and long-term partnerships with quality host
employers is why HVTC has apprenticeship and traineeship
completion rates well above the national average.
Since it started operations in 1981, HVTC has employed and
trained more than 18,000 people.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
The ME Program also engages Hunter-based advanced
manufacturing companies and partners them with schools
to provide students with information, tours, mentoring
and work experience. The ME Program website www.
meprogram.com.au provides interested students with career
opportunities and career information.
Other training organisations

A large number of other accredited vocational training

ME Program and development companies specialising in occupational
The ME Program is a $2.9 million education program funded health and safety, management and leadership operate
by the federal government. The Hunter was one of three throughout the region.
regions across Australia awarded funding under the Federal
Government’s Defence Materiel Organisation to manage an Other leading training organisations include Advanced
Advanced Manufacturing Industry Schools Pathway Project. Careers College, Hunter Community College, Pegasus
The program is providing over 4000 high school students Training, Reach for Training and WEA Hunter.
per year with innovative experiences that engage them in the
key learning areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM). The award winning program achieves
its goals by introducing next generation manufacturing
technologies into schools and providing training opportunities
for teachers.

Participating schools provide and actively promote to

students a tailored program of core subjects which
are required in order to pursue careers in defence and
advanced manufacturing. The effect has been significant
increases in the uptake of STEM subjects for students'
HSC years and reporting from teachers indicating that

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16
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
The Hunter Region has one of the strongest regional
economies in Australia. Those not overly familiar with the
region are invariably surprised at the strength, vibrancy
and diversity of the Hunter economy which stretches far
beyond the traditional industries of coal and wine that are
often associated with the region.
The BHP Steelworks was a major driver of the economy
from its opening in 1915 to its closure in 1999. In spite
of the many prophets of doom, the region faced this
challenge head-on. Since then, the Hunter has transformed
global environmental awareness to grow lucrative new
“green” industries.
RDA Hunter’s CleanTech Project has established a hub for
business, researchers and government programs to work
together on progressing developments in this important
area of the Hunter’s future.
Industries in the Hunter are also characterised by a “can
do” attitude that is fuelling sustained economic growth
and a secure future for the entire region. These factors,

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

its economy, building upon traditional strengths with the combined with the Hunter’s numerous other competitive
introduction of new industries and the expansion of existing advantages, have seen billions of dollars invested in recent
industries to form a broader based economy that is much years by a host of companies, including major national and
more resilient to external factors. international corporations.

The region is also rapidly gaining a reputation for innovation,
not only for the major research establishments based in the
Hunter, but also for the ability of local industries to develop
unique solutions and sell these, often to markets around
the world. There are numerous businesses that are having
considerable success by serving niche markets.
The Hunter is also an emerging centre for renewable
energy and is well-positioned to capitalise on increased
A broad range of corporations have substantial operations
in the region. These include: Ampcontrol Group, Ausgrid,
BAE Systems, BHP Billiton, Boeing, Bradken, Centennial
Coal, Downer, Fairfax Media, GPT Group, Hydro Kurri
Kurri, Inghams Enterprises, Johnson Property Group,
Lend Lease, Macquarie Generation, Mirvac, OneSteel,
Orica, Rio Tinto Australia, Smorgan Steel, Stockland
Group, Telstra, Tomago Aluminium, Westfield Limited and
Xstrata.

The Australian Industry Group

(Ai Group) is a peak industry
association in Australia which
along with its affiliates represents
the interests of more than 60,000
businesses in an expanding
range of sectors including:
manufacturing; engineering;
construction; automotive; food;
transport; information technology;
telecommunications; call centres;
labour hire; printing; defence; Ai GROUP

ServiceS
mining equipment and supplies;
airlines; and other industries.
The businesses which we represent

HUnteR BUsiness
employ more than 1 million
people nationally.
Contact our Hunter Office
E: adrian.price@aigroup.asn.au www.aigroup.com.au
T: 61 2 4925 8300

AIG12581

17
 WORKFORCE
The Hunter has a reputation for a hard-working, reliable, EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
and flexible workforce that’s skilled across a diverse
industrial base.
Hunter Australia
% of total % of total
With sustained growth over the last two decades,
the Hunter has experienced a strong upward trend in Agriculture, forestry and fishing 1.8 2.5
employment. Before this period, unemployment rates Mining 5.0 1.8
in the Hunter were usually several percentage points
Manufacturing 10.0 9.2
higher than state and national averages, which saw many
locals moving to Sydney and other major centres for Electricity, gas, water and waste 1.8 1.2
employment. The rate now moving is usually significantly services
lower than state and national averages and an increasing Construction 8.2 8.4
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

number of people are now moving to the Hunter for both

Wholesale trade 3.0 4.1
work and lifestyle reasons. For example, in December
2012, the Hunter's unemployment rate stood at 4.9% Retail trade 11.3 10.8
compared to 5.1% for NSW and 5.4% for Australia. Accommodation and food services 7.6 6.6

Surveys continually show that Hunter employers are Transport, postal and warehousing 4.3 4.9
amongst the most confident in Australia. According Information media and 0.9 1.8
to the Hudson Report: Employment Trends survey for telecommunications
December 2012, a net 23.2% of Newcastle employers Financial and insurance services 2.7 3.8
were intending to increase permanent staff levels over the
Rental, hiring and real estate ser- 1.6 1.6
following three months (net figure equals those intending vices
to increase staff levels less those planning to decrease).
This figure is significantly higher than both the national Professional, scientific and 5.5 7.4
technical services
figure of 9.1% and the NSW figure of 14.7%.
Administrative and support 3.1 3.3
The availability of labour in the Hunter is enhanced by an services
excellent road, rail and public transport network which Public administration and safety 6.3 7.0
gives employers access to a very large labour pool. In Education and training 7.9 8.2
addition, the adjacent Central Coast Region, with a
population of over 300,000, has the capacity to add Health care and social assistance 13.4 11.9
further to the Hunter’s labour pool. Arts and recreation services 1.2 1.5
Other services 4.4 3.8
A major area of economic growth in the Hunter is in
knowledge-based industries. The University of Newcastle Source: ABS 2011 Census

HUNTER LABOUR FORCE

Av.2008 Av.2009 Av.2010 Av.2011 Av.2012

Labour Force Total ‘000 309.2 308.9 334.8 333.8 331.5

- Males ‘000 170.9 172.9 183.8 183.4 183.7
- Females ‘000 138.3 136.0 151.0 150.4 147.8
Male Participation % 68.9 67.6 70.3 69.2 68.8
Female Participation % 53.9 51.5 55.9 54.9 53.5
Employed Persons Total ‘000 294.1 291.8 319.5 320.3 315.3
- Males ‘000 163.7 163.9 175.6 176.9 173.8
- Females ‘000 130.5 128.8 143.9 143.3 141.5
Unemployed Persons ‘000 15.1 17.1 13.7 12.7 16.2
Unemployed Rate Persons % 4.9 5.5 4.6 4.0 4.9
Source: ABS Monthly Labour Force Survey Data Cube/HVRF

18
and Hunter TAFE work closely with regional employers to
design courses that meet modern business and industry JOB CLASSIFICATIONS
needs.
Hunter Australia
% of total % of total
Absenteeism and staff turnover rates in the Hunter are low
compared with capital cities due to the region’s attractive Managers 10.5 13.1
way of life. This lifestyle also helps in attracting new Professionals 18.7 21.7
employees to the region and retaining them.
Technicians and trades workers 16.8 14.4

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Community and personal service

workers
10.2 9.8

The Hunter has a progressive, co-operative approach to Clerical and administrative workers 13.9 15.0
industrial relations and as a result the number of industrial Sales workers 10.1 9.5
disputes remains low.
Machinery operators and drivers 9.0 6.7

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

Unions are regularly involved at the highest levels of regional Labourers 10.7 9.6
planning and also in the operation of large industrial Source: ABS 2011 Census
projects. This cohesion ensures projects are delivered on-
time and on-budget.

While large employers tend to work closely with the unions,

many of the region’s small to medium enterprises have very
little contact with them.

The Hunter’s unions work together under the auspices

of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council and the Australian
Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

Industrial relations support is provided through the two

major employer groups - Hunter Business Chamber and
Australian Industry Group (AiG) - as well as a number of
industrial advocates.

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19
 COAL MINING
Coal mining continues to form the bedrock of the Hunter's
economy, generating more than 11,000 direct jobs and
around 40,000 indirect jobs, with profound flow-on benefits
for the region. Approximately 72% of the coal mined in
NSW comes from the Newcastle, Hunter and north west
areas. In addition, the mining services industry plays an
important role in the region, ranging from professional
services, education, training and research to general
engineering and manufacturing, transport, construction,
WHS and employment services.

Coal mining in the Hunter is vital to the continued strength

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

of the state's economy, with royalties from the coal regions

forming a substantial part of the $8.5 billion in royalty
payments that the NSW Government expects to receive
from the minerals sector over the next three years. Demand
for coal, particularly from the developing economies of
China and India, as well continued growth in the traditional
markets has provided the stimulus for a number of new
projects and mine extensions in the region's coalfields in
spite of a recent downturn in export coal prices.

Significant coal mining operators in regioncoalfields include:

Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Pty Ltd operates the

Drayton open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook, producing
approximately 5 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) and
employing approximately 400 people. Anglo American Large scale coal mines in the Hunter
Coal is also developing the Drayton South Project which create billions of dollars of revenue each year
will be used as a replacement to the existing Drayton mine.

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20
BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Energy Coal operates the Mt
Arthur Coal Complex near Muswellbrook with approximately
1,000 permanent and contract employees. The mine is
capable of producing up to 20 Mtpa of raw energy coal at
full production which is used domestically and for export
power generation. The NSW Government has approved
the expansion of the Mt Arthur Coal Complex which will
enable production from the mine of up to 36 Mtpa.
Bloomfield Collieries Pty Ltd operates two open-cut
coal mines in the Hunter Region, the Bloomfield Colliery
located near East Maitland and the Rix's Creek mine near
Singleton. Bloomfield also operates Coal Handling and
Preparation Plants at both mine sites.
Centennial Coal Company Ltd is a major supplier to the
NSW energy industry, fuelling approximately 40% of the
state's coal-fired electricity. Centennial has six operating
underground coal mines in NSW including Mandalong and
Myuna, both just south of the Hunter in the Lake Macquarie
area. Centennial is also developing the Mandalong Southern
Extension Project and the Newstan Lochiel Project along
with other projects while its Mannering mine is on care and
maintenance.
Coal & Allied Industries Ltd (a member of the Rio Tinto
Group) is one of the major coal producers in the region,
employing more than 3,000 people and producing
around 24 Mtpa across its three operations, Mt Thorley
Warkworth, Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) and Bengalla.
Coal & Allied is also currently undertaking a number of new
projects including the Mount Pleasant Project, the Bengalla
Continuation Project and the Carrington West Wing.
Idemitsu Australia Resources Pty Ltd owns and operates
an open cut mine which can produce up to 1.8 Mtpa of
steaming coal. It is one of the oldest operating mines in
NSW with underground mining commencing in 1907.
Peabody Energy Australia owns the Wambo coal
mine near Singleton, which produces around 5.4 Mtpa
of saleable thermal and pulverised coal injection coal a
year. The modern, productive combined open cut and
underground operation is one of Peabody's largest
amongst its 11 mines in Australia.
Vale operates the Integra Coal Operations which consist of
an underground mine, an open cut mine, a coal preparation
plant and rail loading infrastructure. The operations produce
coking coal (semi-hard coking coal, semi-soft coking coal)
and thermal coal.
Xstrata Coal Australia Pty Ltd is the world's largest
producer of export thermal coal and a significant producer
of premium-quality hard-coking coal. In the Hunter, Xstrata
operates a portfolio of coal mines including the Mt Owen
Complex, Ravensworth, Bulga, Liddell and Mangoola.
Yancoal Australia Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited which owns
and operates mines in China. Yancoal owns the Austar
Coal Mine near Cessnock and operates the joint venture
Ashton Coal Operations 12 km northwest of Singleton
which includes an open cut and underground coal mine,
a Coal Handling and Preparation Plant and a rail siding.
It has a current production capacity of 3.9 Mtpa of semi-
soft coking coal. Following the acquisition of Gloucester
Coal, Yancoal now operates the Donaldson open cut, the
Tasman and Abel underground mines and the Stratford
and Duralie open cut mines in the Gloucester basin north
of Newcastle.
The Port Of Newcastle
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
The Hunter's coal mining industry is supported by the
Port of Newcastle, the world's largest high quality coal
exporting port, handling over 121 million tonnes of coal in
the 2011-2012 financial year. This was a 12.6% increase
over the previous year.
This level of exports was made possible following the
injection of over $2 billion by ARTC in increasing Hunter
rail capacity and the continuing high level of investment in
expanded port coal loading capacity by the two terminal
operators.
Port Waratah Coal Services is the owner and operator
of the Carrington and Kooragang coal terminals with a
combined coal loading capacity of 133 Mtpa. Its proposed
Terminal 4 project when completed could add another 120
Mtpa capacity.
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group's coal terminal has
a current capacity of 53 Mtpa and when complete will be
able to handle 60 Mtpa.
Within the next two years the Port's coal handling capacity
is expected to be close to 200 Mtpa.
In 2012, the Port registered almost 4500 vessel movements
and handled over 40 commodities.
Coal being loaded at the Port of Newcastle –
the world’s largest coal exporting port
21
 POWER GENERATION
The Hunter’s power generation industry produces around
60% of NSW electricity supply and employs approximately
2,200 people. NSW’s large coal-fired power stations
produce some of the cheapest electricity in Australia.
Within the Hunter and adjacent Central Coast Region,
four generating companies operate five coal-fired power
stations supplying power to the National Electricity
Market. A gas-fired power station was officially opened
in December 2009 by Delta Electricity to help meet peak
demand.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
The final planning approval process, fuel type decisions
and construction timetable are yet to be determined.
The $900 million gas pipeline being built from Queensland
to the Hunter makes it feasible for a gas-fired power
station to be built in the Hunter. Santos also has plans to
build a $300 million gas pipeline to an export terminal in
Newcastle that will have a lateral to the Bayswater power
station.
Eraring Power Station completed its $600 million upgrade
in 2012 increasing the final of its four 660 MW generators

These companies and their power generating capabilities to a capacity of 720 MW. This is in addition to the already
are as follows:

Power
Generator Type of Station Location Capacity
Station
Macquarie Generation Bayswater Coal-fired Muswellbrook/Singleton 2,640 MW

Macquarie Generation Liddell Coal-fired Muswellbrook/Singleton 2,000 MW

Eraring Energy Eraring Coal-fired Lake Macquarie 2,880 MW

Delta Electricity Vales Point Coal-fired Central Coast 1,320 MW

Delta Electricity Colongra Gas-fired Central Coast 660 MW

Redbank Redbank Coal-fired Singleton 145 MW

Macquarie Generation has planning approval for a gas-
fired power station at Tomago to supplement the NSW
grid during peak loads. The power station is planned for
three phases; the first two phases involve a $500 million
500 MW open cycle stage, the final phase involves a
790 MW combined cycle stage at a cost of an additional
$300 million.
In March 2010, Macquarie Generation received concept
approval for the Bayswater B baseload power station to
be located on land owned by the corporation near the
existing Bayswater Power Station. The approval is “duel
fuel” allowing the station to be either gas or coal fired.
commissioned Coal Combustion Product project which
provides increased opportunity for ash recycling and the
Attemperation Reservoir which reduces the environmental
impact of cooling water on Lake Macquarie.
The upgrade and other project works were necessary
to extend the life of the plant until 2032 and to increase
the performance of Eraring Power Station. The upgrade
will make Eraring Power Station the most efficient sub-
critical coal fired power station in Australia. New low NOx
burners will substantially reduce annual NOx emissions
while efficiency gains will result in the reduction of 200,000
tonnes of CO2 each year.

Eraring Power Station

22
Clean energy projects
As well as being a state leader in power generation, the
Hunter leads the way in innovative energy production.
The Hunter is a leader in clean energy with a number of
projects in the region at the cutting edge of technology.
The CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle provides a focal
point for energy research and demonstration. As well
as its own projects, CSIRO is currently working with
Australian and overseas partners.
Locally, CSIRO and Delta Electricity successfully
completed a $5 million demonstration of post combustion
capture (PCC) technology at Munmorah Power Station
before its closure. The pilot plant was relocated to Vales
Point for further research during 2012 for scaling up to a
demonstration plant. PCC has the potential to capture
carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal-fired power stations,
leading to significant emissions reductions from the
energy generation sector.
CSIRO has constructed Australia’s largest solar thermal
research hub at the CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre.
The hub comprises a 30 metre high solar tower surrounded
CSIRO Solar Centre at Mayfield West
by 450 locally manufactured custom designed mirrors
(heliostats) capable of generating temperatures of up to
1500°C. The $5 million site is a national and international
hub for researching and commercialising solar thermal
technologies.
Built in 2001, the Redbank Power Station near Singleton
is the first Australian power station designed and built to
use beneficiated, watered coal tailings as the primary fuel.
The nearby Warkworth Coal Mine supplies Redbank with
the tailings.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
Macquarie Generation has built Australia’s largest solar
thermal project at Liddell Power Station, the first time in the
world that solar thermal technology has been integrated
with a coal-fired power station. The NSW Government
provided funding of $9.25 million from the Climate Change
Fund to approximately double the capacity of the plant,
with construction completed in 2012.
Macquarie Generation has also invested $100 million to
replace the turbines in Liddell Power Station, resulting in
increased efficiency and significant CO2 reduction of up
to 700,000 tonnes per year.
23
 MANUFACTURING
Since the early days of coal and steel production in continued growth well into the future.
Newcastle, the Hunter Region has grown to be at the
forefront of manufacturing and engineering excellence. Manufacturing industries in the region include:
• Metal Products
Following the closure of BHP Steelmaking in the late • Machinery and Equipment
1990s and the restructuring of the manufacturing • Chemical Processing
industry throughout Australia that followed, the region has • Transport and Defence
experienced a major industrial transformation. Rather than • Food and Beverages
allowing these changes to lead to an industry decline, • Wood and Paper Products
Hunter manufacturers have harnessed their strengths
to produce a diverse and innovative industry that is well Knowledge intensive manufacturing includes:
placed for the future. • Information Systems
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

• Programming and Automation

Drawing on past experience, industry has been able to • Medical Technology
focus and build on these strengths, redirecting energy • Energy Research
towards business on a national and global scale. • Process Improvement

The region’s industries are diversifying and embracing
innovation and adapting to new technologies and
applications, including the use of composite materials,
computer systems integration and aerospace engineering.
Hunter manufacturers are building a reputation for
innovative solutions and a “can do” attitude.
They are also working hard ro realise the opportunities
available in the global marketplace and embracing
the opportunity to expand their businesses through
exporting goods and services. Hunter manufacturers
are targeting niche market opportunities that the current
global marketplace is presenting. Whilst it is impossible to
compete with countries such as China in many industry
sectors, local manufacturers are proving that they can
compete through innovation and providing niche solutions
that are not available elsewhere. Newcastle Port provides
ready access to the export market.
The approach of people and businesses working in the
Hunter is unlike that of any other region. Manufacturers
who could ordinarily be classed as competitors work
together on joint ventures, and share technology and new
ideas – allowing projects completed in the Hunter to be
of a world-class standard, with unrivalled multi-faceted
talent at the fore.
With ample quality industrial land coming on the market,
a supply of highly-skilled labour and good transport
networks, Hunter manufacturing is well positioned for
The region’s technical expertise covers a wide range of
disciplines including:
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Asset Management
• Biomedical Technology
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Defence Equipment
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Services
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Vehicle Assembly
Aluminium
Aluminium smelting, processing and manufacturing is
a core Hunter strength. With around 30% of Australia’s
aluminium output, the Hunter Region is a major player in
the Australian aluminium industry.
With around 950 employees and contractors and annual
production of 540,000 tonnes, Tomago Aluminium is one
of the largest employers in the region and the second
largest aluminium smelter in Australia. Tomago Aluminium
is a joint venture owned by the following Australian and
overseas companies; Rio Tinto Alcan at 51.55%, Gove
Aluminium Finance Ltd at 36.05% and Hydro Aluminium
at 12.4%. Tomago Aluminium produces aluminium ingots,
extrusion billet and rolling slab, which are mostly exported
to markets in Asia, but the majority of the 530,000 tonnes

Aerial view of Tomago Aluminium

24
 HUNTER MANUFACTURING
AWARDS INC.
THANK YOU!

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

Proudly support
CONGRATULATIONS the2012
TO THE manufacturing industry
WINNERS AND FINALISTS in
OF THE
2008
the MAJOR
Hunter2012 HUNTERSPONSOR
Region. MANUFACTURING
The region isAWARDS
rich in talent,
innovation and commitment
and and through
THANK YOU to
acknowledgement and encouragement the HMA
celebrate the ongoing
AND achievements and success
of the Hunter manufacturing industries.
OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
2012
FOR YOUR MAJOR
SUPPORT IN SPONSOR
2008
www.hma.org.au
CONGRATULATIONS
AND OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS FOR!THEIR VALUED SUPPORT IN 2012

TO THE
2008 WINNERS AND FINALISTS

21 School Drive
Tomago NSW 2322
02 4964 0400
02 4964 0499
sales@varleygroup.com
DEFENCE & AEROSPACE MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SPECIALISED VEHICLES RAIL SERVICES POWER SERVICES ELECTRIC VEHICLES

www.varleygroup.com
25
 produced is in the form of ingots that are sold and
remelted by the customer as value added items.
Tomago Aluminium Pty Ltd has a business value above
$1.5 billion (AUS$) and contributes around $500 million
to the Hunter Region each year alone.
Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Pty Ltd, a member of
the Norwegian based Hydro Aluminium Group, has
operated at Kurri Kurri since 1969. Hydro closed
the Kurri Kurri plant's primary metal production in
September 2012, but is still producing casthouse
products at the site.
Major superyacht builder and repairer Azzura Marine
operates from facilities at Carrington. The site has an
impressive list of characteristics including deep water
access, 180 m of wharf space, an 800 tonne lifting
capacity, a large 120 x 45 m single span construction
hall and associated workshops.
Machinery and equipment manufacture
The Hunter has a broad spectrum of machinery and
equipment manufacturers covering a very diverse
range of applications, from electronic and medical
equipment to mining machines and food processing.

Weston Aluminium at Kurri Kurri operates the largest Hunter equipment manufacturers include energy
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

secondary aluminium plant in Australia with a capacity industries with expertise in major electrical component
of 40,000 tonnes per year, catering for the recycling construction and installation such as transformers,
and export of aluminium and its by-products. control systems and plant components.

Rail OneSteel’s Market Mills Division at Mayfield produces

The region is a major manufacturer of rail rolling stock,
along with carriages and engines, interiors and control
systems. EDI Rail has a NSW Government contract for
the construction and maintenance of 626 double-deck
rail carriages worth $3.6 billion. OneSteel is a major
manufacturer of railway wheels and recently upgraded
its Newcastle facilities to a capacity of 105,000 wheels
per annum. Bradken has a major division dedicated to
the railway freight market, providing complete freight
rolling stock solutions. United Group has won a number
of major contracts nationally in recent years and a
significant amount of this work is being carried out
at their Broadmeadow facility. Varley Group provides
speacialist coal wagon maintenance and upgrades
through their Carrington facilities.
Shipbuilding & repair
Historically the Hunter Region has been a major
shipbuilder, building ships from ore carriers to ferries
and naval vessels. The shipbuilding expertise and
knowledge gained in this area, over more than 100
years, is now being directed towards the construction,
refit and maintenance of naval vessels, superyachts
and other ships.
wire rope products and fence posts. Bradken Limited
operates a general engineering facility in Newcastle.
Chemical processing
The Hunter manufactures fertilisers, acids, explosives,
pharmaceuticals and gases, along with a range of non-
metallic mineral products such as pre-mixed concrete,
pipes, bricks and paving.
Chemical processes include the production and
transformation of plastics, rubbers and composite
materials such as glass-reinforced polymers.
Food and beverage processing
The region has a large food processing base with major
companies such as Dairy Farmers Co-operative at
Hexham which processes some 200 million litres of milk
each year while Bartter Steggles and Inghams Enterprises
operate major chicken processing facilities at Beresfield
and Cardiff respectively. Pace Farms operates an egg
processing facility at Warabrook. Primo Smallgoods

Thales Australia (formerly ADI Limited) built the Royal

Australian Navy’s Huon Class Minehunter fleet at
their Newcastle shipbuilding facility and continued its
maintenance under a $1.2 billion contract that ran from
1994 to 2004.

Forgacs Shipyards are capable of constructing

both steel and aluminium hull vessels such as tugs,
passenger crafts and naval ships. At present Forgacs
is a part of the team in the $8 billion build of the Air
Warfare Destroyers - one of the largest defence projects
in Australia. Forgacs also operates a commercial dry
dock – Cairncross Brisbane. Its Newcastle dockyard
comprises a comprehensive ship repair centre with 850
tonne slipway and lay-up berths serviced by dockyard
cranes. Australian and international ship owners use
Forgacs for all major grounding repairs, collision
repairs, conversions and major mechanical works.

26
 Manufacturing
“The ME Program has been very beneficial to my
knowledge and skills. Everyday things that we take for
granted are explained and described and we controlled

Education Program
them in a safe and fun environment. How computers and
mobile phones worked were demonstrated
Building the Hunter’s Future Workforce
and we solved problem using sensors,
conveyor belts, and pieces of machinery.
The ping pong ball that was held up in the
air even when the air pressure was
coming from an angle blew all our minds.
The computers and the PLC was
fun and exciting and we took on
problems and challenges.”
Peter – St Mary’s High School
Maitland

WHO BENEFITS FROM ?

SCHOOLS
Schools benefit from the ME Program through the integration
of advanced technologies and realistic career orientation
with specific learning outcomes.
The assimilation of these experiences creates a more
powerful student learning experience which enhances the
retention of key concepts and motivates students towards
challenging subjects and careers.
INDUSTRY
Industry involvement in the ME Program creates powerful
connections with schools, students and parents which over
time create a unique recruitment pool. Students from schools
involved in the ME Program are more likely to:
• View your company as an employer of choice
• Have selected the right subjects at school – Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Have a more realistic perception of the industry
• Have been challenged by learning technologies that
enhance their reasoning ability and understanding of
difficult concepts
• Be excited by the technological advances destined for
your industry
• Be competent with 3D design software and concepts
STUDENTS
A student in the ME program will benefit from interactive
technologies and advanced teaching techniques that are real
and relevant to today’s industry.
ME students are challenged by sophisticated learning
technologies that are fun and engaging.
These technologies enhance the retention of information
and inspire students to embark on lifelong career paths of
continued learning.
Students are given access to real employers offering
real jobs in the region. They will meet with apprentices,
graduates, tradespeople, engineers and CEO’s and will
see how their school technologies can be applied to real
world problems.
COMMUNITY
The local region is ultimately the benefactor of the benefits
of the ME Program.
The community gains a more adaptable and capable
workforce which in turn creates a more prosperous
industry base.
Local people in local jobs creates a thriving community.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Building the Hunter’s Future Workforce

To find out more go to www.meprogram.com.au or follow us at facebook.com/MEprogram

 operates a beef abattoir at Scone. Gloucester Gourmet
Foods Co-operative Limited produces beef grown in
Gloucester under the Barrington Beef label. A number of
smaller beer brewers are also based in the region.
ME Program - Manufacturing Success Through Education
The ME Program is a $2.9 million education program
funded by the federal government. The Hunter was
one of three regions across Australia awarded funding
under the Federal Government’s Defence Materiel
Organisation to manage an Advanced Manufacturing
Industry Schools Pathway Project.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
HunterNet
HunterNet, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012,
is a co-operative of innovative manufacturers, engineers,
IT providers, electrical and consulting companies in the
Hunter Valley working together to develop and strengthen
the region’s pre-eminent manufacturing capability.
During 2011, HunterNet absorbed Huntertech, a
consortium of ICT and related organisations. This area is
now handled by the HunterNet Innovation & Technology
Committee.
Through working with the research sector, industry
and government, HunterNet have developed initiatives

The program is providing over 4000 high school and supported programs aimed at improving the
students per year with innovative experiences that competitiveness of the manufacturing industry and
engage them in the key learning areas of Science, building a strong culture of innovation.
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The award winning program achieves its goals through The combined knowledge and resources of HunterNet’s
the introduction of next generation manufacturing members have enabled many Hunter companies to
technologies into schools and through the provision of gain major contracts that would otherwise have been
training opportunities for teachers. out of their reach. Hunternet is a recognised leader
in engineering/manufacturing cluster development
Participating schools provide and actively promote throughout Australia.
to students a tailored program of core subjects which
are required in order to pursue careers in defence and For more information visit: www.hunternet.com.au
advanced manufacturing. The effect has been significant
increases in the uptake of STEM subjects for students'
HSC years and reporting from teachers indicating that
students are more actively engaged in their learning and
more focused on STEM careers.

The Hunter-based program is supported by its base of

innovative manufacturing companies who allow schools
access to their facilities and contribute to school projects
and career days.

Manufacturing companies wishing to contribute to the

program can contact Ashley Cox on +61 2 4908 7300.

Forgacs is a major supplier for the

$8 billion Airforce Destroyer project.

28
 THE POWER OF MANY
THE POWER OF MANY

DEVELOPING OUR LOCAL INDUSTRY AND CONNECTING YOU “Tap into Australia’s most successful
» Understand the diversity of member capabilities and identify manufacturing and services networks
opportunities for collaboration and discover a world of new
DEVELOPING
» OUR LOCAL INDUSTRY AND CONNECTING YOU
Find support from our Group Training company to address
skills shortages in a variety of trades and careers
opportunities”

»
» Understand the diversity of member capabilities
Build partnerships with Federal and State agencies, affiliated
orgainisations, workforce agencies, educators, business groups

» and
Share knowledge and realise your potential through programs
identify opportunities for collaboration
aimed at innovation, efficiency and expanding your market

» learn
Share more at www.hunternet.com.au
knowledge and realise your potential or call +61 2 4908 7380
through programs aimed at innovation,
efficiency and expanding your market

» Build partnerships with Federal and State

agencies, educators, business groups

» Find support from our Group Training company

to address skill shortages in a variety of trades
and careers
“Tap into Australia’s
most successful
manufacturing and
engineering networks
and discover a world
of new opportunities”

Learn more at www.hunternet.com.au or call +61 2 4908 7380 29

 DEFENCE
Defence is an important sector of the Hunter regional economy,
not only because of the significant number of people it directly
employs but also the number of local businesses that have
defence contracts as part of their revenue base. The Hunter
has a history of large-scale defence projects for all arms of the
defence forces.
The Hunter houses 15 defence establishments, the main
ones being the RAAF Base at Williamtown and the Singleton
Military Area called the Lone Pine Barracks. In addition, there
is an army base at Adamstown and the Newcastle Harbour
and shipyards are used for naval vessel building and repair.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
The RAAF Base at Williamtown was established in 1941 to
provide protection for the strategic ports and industrial areas of
the Hunter Region. Today it is Australia’s primary fighter base
with a population of approximately 4,000 including personnel
on exchange from the USA, Canada and Great Britain, as well
as a civilian workforce made up of public servants and contract
personnel. There are 32 units and organisations operating out
of RAAF Base Williamtown and the operations inject over $1
billion per annum into the Hunter economy.
Williamtown handles around 1,000 aircraft movements
each week, making it the busiest base in the RAAF. Aircraft
operating on the base include F/A-18 Hornet, BAE Systems
Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter and Pilatus PC9 for Forward Air
Control of the Air Combat Group. These are supported by
the Air Surveillance Group radar units and Airborne Early
Warning and Control (AEW&C), Wedgetail aircraft, providing
the Australian Defence Force with an enhanced surveillance
capability in the broad expanse of the Australian north. The
Defence Materiel organisation is also located on the base with
the System Program Offices providing logistics, sustainment
engineering support for the various platforms and systems.
Newcastle Airport, Australia’s busiest regional and fastest
growing civilian airport, also operates from the Williamtown
Airfield on a lease arrangement between the Department of
Defence and Newcastle Airport Limited.
The Australian Government approved acquisition of the first
batch of the 2 Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
(Lightning) aircraft. The first operational squadron is proposed
to be based at Williamtown and is planned to be ready for
operations in 2020. Other units with an additional 58 Aircraft
will follow. The government will be reviewing the air Combat
Capability in 2013. With the possible introduction of the JSF
and the basing of three units, there will be approximately
30
$500 million spent on construction and upgrade of facilities
at Williamtown and an additional $215 million will be spent on
additional base support facilities.
The adjoining Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC) has
the potential to position the Hunter as a major national and
potentially international centre for the aerospace and aviation
industry. The employment capacity of the WAC site is
projected as more than 9,000, and the potential income effect
is estimated to be around $250 million. The location of the JSF
aircraft will provide an opportunity for the development of the
site to provide aircraft and other support.
The Singleton Military Area (Lone Pine Barracks) houses the
School of Infantry and the Special Forces Training Centre.
These units are part of Training Command - Army. In addition,
there are accommodation and training areas available
for visiting units who use the area for field training and to
conduct live firing. The base currently has 371 permanent
personnel involved in the training and 400 trainees involved
in initial employment training (IET). A $180 million upgrade is
completed with a second stage of over $100 million currently
being completed.
The Adamstown Army Base holds 13 different units with 30
regular soldiers and 1,500 reservists. The base also has three
cadet units, two army units and one air force unit. The primary
role of the base is to train reservists.
Myambat Logistics Company (MLC) covers an area of
approximately 1,800 ha around 10 kilometres from Denman. Its
role is to store, maintain and distribute all forms of ammunition
and explosives used by the Australian Defence Force.
There are several prime defence contractors located in the
Hunter including BAE Systems, Boeing Defence Australia, GE
Aviation, Lockheed Martin, L3, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon
and Thales. They are supported by several defence companies
including ATSA, Abi Group, Advanced Communications,
Advitech, Airflite, ALS, Ampcontrol, APP, Archer Enterprise,
Aurecon, Berendsen, Bohemia Interactive, Bureau Veritas,
CEA Technologies, CE Solutions, CI Agent Solutions, Coffey
Partners, Cowan Manufacturing, CSA, Cubic Defense,
Custom Fluid Power, Delnorth, Fitt Resources, Forgacs
Engineering, Frontline Safety, GHD, Goal Professionals,
Hansen Yuncken, Hetronic, Hunter Aero Trim, Innovasys,
Jacobs, John Holland, Lovells Technology, Maddison Safety,
Marathon Tyres, Marciano Industries, Maxwell Engineering,
Medic Media, MilSkil, MRA, Newcastle Innovation, Nova
Systems, Novamarine, Opus, Pall Corporation, Performance
Engineering, Powerdown, Puzzle Precision, QinetiQ, RPC
Technologies, Serco Sodexo, Simulation Modelling Services,
Sisley Clothing, Slattery Auctions, SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd,
TAE, Teterin Engineering, Thomas Coffey, Transfield Services,
Treloar, Unitronix, Varley, Vipac, Virtual Simulation Systems,
Wax Converters and others supported by The University of
Newcastle and the Hunter Institute of Technology (TAFE).
Hunter Defence Project
The NSW Government established the Hunter Defence
Industry Strategy Centre (H-Disc) in July 2008 which funded
a program, the key objective of which was to identify the
advantages and constraints that would impact the region’s
ability to develop and establish a larger defence industry within
the region, particularly in relation to SMEs.
Following a review of the study, it was determined to
implement a program to practically assist SMEs in the region
to identify project related work in the expanding defence
industry and to develop a process of engagement with major
manufacturers, service providers, as well as the Federal and
NSW governments.
Trade and Investment NSW engaged HunterNet in early
2010 to employ a Defence Project Manager to develop
opportunities for SMEs in the Hunter / Central Coast defence-
based industry. HunterNet subsequently appointed Ian Dick
as the Project Manager. Over the last three years, there have
been several opportunities identified and skilling workshops
for SMEs to ensure that they are defence ready.
AEROSPACE
The Hunter has a growing aerospace industry founded
around the RAAF’s Williamtown Base and Newcastle
Airport. A number of Hunter companies provide support
for the aircraft that are based at RAAF Williamtown and
their success over many years has resulted in a growing
aerospace knowledge bank.
Aerospace industries cover both the defence and civil
sectors. At Newcastle Airport, through the BAE Systems
Fighter facility and at RAAF Williamtown, there is a world-
class aerospace industry base. This base includes large
global multinationals (Boeing, Raytheon and Lockheed
Martin) through to specialised niche service providers.
Companies located at the airport include BAE Systems,
GE Aviation, Nova Systems and QinetiQ.
BAE Systems has a manufacturing and support facility at
Newcastle Airport. BAE has assembled 22 Hawk Lead-in
Fighter aircraft for the RAAF and now provide through-life
support for the Hawk and the F/A-18 Hornet.
BAE Systems Australia is the principal subcontractor to
Boeing for the RAAF's Airborne Early Warning & Control
(AEW&C) Project Wedgetail.
Boeing Defence Australia is the prime contractor for
the F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade (HUG) program and has
a significant presence at RAAF Williamtown. The HUG
program will enhance the capability of the Hornet until its
planned withdrawal. Boeing is the prime contractor for
the six AEW&C aircraft (based on the 737 airframe) which
entered service in 2009 and also provides engineering,
logistics and training support.
Jetstar, Brindabella, Virgin, Qantas Link, Aeropelican and
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
Regional Express operate from Newcastle Airport with the
home of Jetstar’s multimillion dollar heavy maintenance
facility which services the A320 fleet.
There are several Newcastle-based defence companies
involved in Aerospace including Varley who have gained
contracts for the manufacture of ground support equipment
for the new Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and Milskil who
provide simulation and other training for air crew and other
personnel for multiple platforms and systems.
Williamtown Aerospace Centre
The Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC) at Williamtown
will be a key economic driver for the Hunter Region
and has the potential to position the Hunter as a major
national and potentially international centre for the
aerospace and aviation industry.
It comprises Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown
Aerospace Park (WAP). WAP is an employment park with
an emphasis on aerospace, aviation and the existing
industrial base that clusters around the RAAF Base
Williamtown. Hunter Land is developing 50 saleable
hectares.
The employment capacity of the WAC site is projected
as more than 9,000, and the potential income effect is
estimated to be around $250 million per annum.
31
 ProUdly
HUntEr groWn.
gloBAlly KnoWn.

James Estate continues a tradition started in the Upper Hunter Valley in the 1840s.
Wines produced from the Estate’s own fruit have won industry awards each year
since the first year of commercial production.
James Estate, through the development of the Estate’s vineyard capacity and full
utilisation of its winemaking, storage and bottling facilities, continues to lead the
way in producing premium quality wine for both the domestic and export markets.
90661

www.jamesestatewines.com.au
WINE
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine growing region,
with first plantings in the early 1820s. 190 years later, the
Hunter remains one of Australia’s premier wine regions,
producing some of the nation’s most distinctive and
outstanding wines.
Hunter Valley semillon is globally recognised and has been
described as “Australia’s unique gift to the world”. Another
wine particularly associated with the Hunter is shiraz. The
region also has a growing reputation for the development
of innovative new varieties and styles such as tempranillo.
Centred on Pokolbin, near Cessnock, the Hunter Region’s
wine industry and the tourism industry that complements it
are significant contributors to the regional economy.
The most popular still reds produced in the Hunter are
shiraz and cabernet sauvignon while the most popular still
whites are chardonnay and semillon. The Hunter Region is
quickly gaining a reputation for quality verdelho. This variety
is becoming recognised as an important wine style that is
well suited to the Australian lifestyle and the Hunter Valley is
leading the charge to gain consumer palates and broader
recognition.
Hunter wines have achieved remarkable market acceptance
over a long period of time in Europe and in more recent
years in North America. The major growth market in the last
decade, however, has been Asia and in particular China.
Exports of Hunter wine 2012 (kL)
Asia 364.5
Europe 320.7
Middle East 2.4
North America 61.8
Oceania 47.9
South America 3.6
Other 3.1
Total 804.0
The Hunter is home to many of the great names in the
Australian wine industry including Tyrrell’s, McWilliam's,
Lindeman's, McGuigan, Drayton's, Brokenwood, Wyndham
Estate and Rothbury Estate.
As competition continues to produce distinctive high
quality table wines, sub-regions are establishing within the
Hunter Valley’s wine growing region with small vineyards
and wineries grouping together to market their product to
an increasingly sophisticated market. This has seen the
Broke – Fordwich Wine Region vineyards group together.
Vignerons are promoting the Upper Hunter sub-region,
centred in Denman. In this sub-region, James Estate Wines
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
is developing an export market in Asia for their high-quality,
distinctive wines.
Some of the leading companies that own vineyards and
wineries in the region include: Fosters Group - Lindeman's
and Rosemount labels; Pernod-Ricard - Wyndham Estate;
Hokuriku Group - Arrowfield Wines; Roche Group - Roche
Wines; McGuigan Simeon Wines Limited - Tempus Two,
McGuigan. Other leading wineries include Audrey Wilkinson,
Bimbadgen, Brokenwood Wines, Constable & Hershon,
De Bortoli Wines, De Iuliis Wines, Evans Family Wines,
Hermitage, Hungerford Hill, James Estate, Tulloch Wines
and Tyrrell’s.
NOTE: This is not a definitive list of wineries or major owners in the
region. It is provided to give the reader an indication of the depth of
ownership in the industry.
Area and production of winemaking grapes 2012
Colour 2012
Red 2,136
Production Tonnes White 8,418
Total 10,554
Red 1.153
Area Hectares White 1,511
Total 2,664
Source: Wine Australia
33
 EQUINE
The region’s equine industry is centred on Scone in the
Upper Hunter and extends into the Muswellbrook and
Murrurundi areas. It produces some 70% of Australia’s
thoroughbred foals and provides over $100 million in
yearling sales annually, making it an important contributor
to the economy in the area and the region generally.
Breeds such as the Australian stockhorse and the
quarter horse have been important for the area for many
years; however, quality thoroughbred horses raised for
the racing industry have become the main focus for the
area.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
The area is acknowledged as the second largest
thoroughbred nursery behind Kentucky, USA and has
attracted substantial investment by international racing’s
leading breeders to establish thoroughbred studs.
The industry has seen the establishment of world-class
infrastructure that includes modern training and racing
complexes, the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre at
Scone and equine-related education facilities with TAFE
Hunter Institute along with one of the largest specialist
veterinary hospital complexes in Australia.
Over 50 studs are located in the area and include
Alabama Stud (Aberdeen), Arrowfield (Scone), Coolmore
Stud (Jerrys Plains), Craidon Park Stud (Wybong), Darley
(Denman and Aberdeen), Emirates Park (Murrurundi),
Widden Stud (Denman) and Yarraman Park (Scone).
The majority of studs sell horses to both Australian and
overseas buyers.
The thoroughbred industry employs more than 1,000
full-time, part-time and casual employees. In addition, it
accesses a wide range of services that include: service
fees, feed, veterinary services, machinery and equipment
maintenance, farrier, fuel, transport and fertilisers.
34
AGRIBUSINESS
Historically, the Hunter Region is an important agricultural
region, although production varies considerably from year
to year, particularly due to weather conditions. In normal
conditions, production would be expected to be well above
a billion dollars per annum.
The region is strong in the production of wheat, sorghum,
barley and other grain cereals, vegetables, grapes,
olives, sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, eggs and milk.
Employment in agriculture and agriculture-related industries
in 2011 was 4,860. Approximately 10% of all businesses in
the Hunter are in the agriculture sector.
The latest available ABS livestock estimates for the Hunter
included 280,614 sheep, 4,276,572 chickens for meat,
243,327 laying chickens, 387,788 turkeys, 407,583 meat
cattle, 40,049 dairy cattle and 10,835 goats.
Major centres for the beef industry are Scone, Muswellbrook,
Merriwa, Singleton, Maitland, Dungog and Gloucester while
the dairy industry is centred around Dungog and Gloucester.
The prime lamb industry is concentrated in Merriwa and
Murrurundi.
There is an increasing number of niche businesses in the
Region focusing on producing for specific markets. These
include: goat milk, goat and rabbit meat, native and fresh
flowers, herbs, chillies, echinacea, exotic stud cattle, snails,
essential oils, viticulture, asian vegetables and alpacas. Many
of these operators are developing niche export markets for
their products.
Based in the Upper Hunter at Muswellbrook, Hunter Belle
Cheese is a producer of high-quality gourmet cheeses
made exclusively from the milk of their own Brown Swiss
cows. Another group, Gloucester Gourmet Foods Co-
operative, markets high-quality beef grown in the Dungog/
Gloucester area under the Barrington Beef label to gourmet
buyers. A growing Hunter industry is that of Boer goats and
the opening of new export markets for live goats.
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is
an increasingly important industry sector of the Hunter
economy. Local ICT companies and organisations are
facilitating growth of the entire Hunter economy, as well
as being significant employment and wealth generators in
their own right. There are hundreds of Hunter businesses
deriving their livelihoods solely from information technology.
The Hunter has many advantages as a location for ICT
businesses: a readily available skilled workforce; lower base
salaries than Sydney; a world-class university as well as
an array of other educational organisations including TAFE
NSW – Hunter Institute; and excellent telecommunications
infrastructure.
The local ICT industry has expertise across a wide range
of areas and is recognised as being particularly strong in
e-commerce solutions, web development, engineering
control IT, system support, telecommunication IT
applications and large scale corporate implementation.
Large organisations with major premises in the Hunter
include Computer Systems (Australia), CSC Australia,
Pacnet and Telstra. All major suppliers have expert
distributors in the region.
There are also a variety of support organisations including
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
the HunterNet Innovation & Technology Committee (set up
after the absorption of HunterTech).
National Broadband Network Rollout
The Hunter’s businesses, educational institutions, health
service providers and community groups are preparing
for the arrival of high speed broadband. In January 2010,
RDA Hunter and RDA Central Coast began lobbying for
the Hunter and Central Coast regions to be priority sites for
the National Broadband Network (NBN).
In February 2013, the roll out of fibre optic connectivity in
Maitland commenced. By December 2013 work on the
NBN roll out will begin in Newcastle and a year later, NBN
fibre cable is due to start being installed in Lake Macquarie.
Other areas within the Hunter will receive high speed
broadband via fixed wireless, satellite services and fibre,
pending further announcements by NBN Co.
35
 TOURISM
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Hunter Region’s
economy, directly employing around 12,000 people and
attracting around $1.3 billion annually in visitor spend. It
also offers almost limitless opportunities for investors due
to the Hunter’s close driving proximity to Sydney, easy
air access from major domestic centres, great diversity
of attractions and its appeal to all market segments. All
areas are supported by excellent road access.
According to Destination NSW, visitor numbers for the year
ending 30 June 2012 included over 2.1 million domestic
overnight visitors, 113,100 international overnight visitors
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
• Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
Hunter Valley Gardens
Developed by Roche Group, Hunter Valley Gardens
extends over 25 hectares. Since its opening, it has
become one of Australia’s leading attractions and a major
drawcard for the region.
The Gardens are complemented by surrounding attrac-
tions developed by Roche Group including: Grand
Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Hotel & Conference
Centre, Harrigan’s Irish Pub and Accommodation,

and over 5.4 million domestic daytrip visitors.
The Port of Newcastle is also increasingly being visited by
luxury cruise liners.
HUNTER VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
The Hunter Valley’s Wine Country region is based around
Australia’s oldest and arguably most famous wine growing
region. It attracts over two million visitors per annum,
with many staying overnight or longer at the numerous
guesthouses, hotels and resorts.
It is estimated that well over $1 billion has been spent in
private sector investment in the last ten years.
Wineries
The Hunter Valley is home to over 120 wineries, ranging
from large contemporary cellar doors to boutique winer-
ies. The Hunter Valley is world renowned for semillon and
shiraz.
In January 2013, the Hunter Valley was named one of the
world’s top-ten best wine travel destinations by the U.S
publication, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - an international
magazine considered the bible of wine lovers.
Fine food
The area has established itself as the home of over
seventy restaurants, many of them state and national
award winners. These restaurants are supplied by local
producers of cheese, olives, chocolates and hand-made
condiments.
Grapeview Villas, Hunter Valley Steakhouse, Roche
Wines, Hunter Valley Gardens & Village, BBQ and picnic
grounds, a children’s playground and a chapel.
Other attractions
The Wine Country region also offers a wide range of other
tourist attractions such as art galleries, art and craft,
gardens, bicycle tours, hot air ballooning and sports,
including very high quality golf courses. The NSW Open
is now played at The Vintage golf course in Rothbury.
The region holds a number of exceptional events that
attract large numbers of high-yield visitors each year.
Concerts attracting leading artists from around the world
are regularly held in the Hunter’s vineyards.
For further information visit www.winecountry.com.au.
PORT STEPHENS
Known as the Blue Water Paradise and covering almost
1,000 sq km, this beautiful region is characterised
by breathtaking natural beauty, golden sand, pristine
waterways, spectacular scenery, unspoilt national parks
and abundant wildlife.
Over 600,000 domestic day trippers visit Port Stephens
each year with visitor numbers rising annually. Tourists are
offered a vast array of water and land activities, quality
accommodation, excellent retail facilities, and a diverse
selection of award winning restaurants and cafes.
The d’Albora Marina at Nelson Bay hosts a number

Accommodation
The Hunter Valley offers every type of accommodation,
from backpacker hostels to motels, hotels, guest hous-
es, bed and breakfasts and luxury resorts. Several
internationally branded hotel chains now operate in the
region. Leading accommodation providers include:
• Peppers Guest House
• Grand Mercure The Vintage
• Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
• The Sebel Kirkton Park
• Grand Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens
• Hunter Resort
• Tuscany Wine Estate
• Harrigan’s Irish Pub
• Hermitage Lodge
• Potters Hotel & Brewery

36
of cruise vessels and pleasure craft and provides an
attraction for day visitors as well as overnight travellers.
Dolphin Watching
Thousands of visitors come to Port Stephens each year to
watch its famous local residents, the Bottlenose dolphins.
Ten cruise vessels offer up to three cruises a day from
d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay, all catering for different
needs and budgets.
Whale Watching
A small fleet of whale watching vessels run twice a day
THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE
Newcastle has long been known to the corporate visitor
and is now beginning to emerge as a leisure destination
with more people becoming aware of its unique
attractions. This was further highlighted when Newcastle
was named in the Lonely Planet’s ten top cities to visit
in 2011.
Newcastle offers well over 2,000 hotel rooms ranging
from budget to 4.5 stars. Tourism contributes over $500
million to the Newcastle economy annually and continues
to grow.

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

from d’Albora Marina through the winter and spring. The
region's Humpback whales are celebrated with a two
week Festival of the Whales during the school holidays in
late September and early October.
Worimi Conservation Lands (Stockton Bight Sand Dunes)
The famous sand dunes at Stockton are only a 20
minute drive from Nelson Bay and cover an area of 4,200
hectares. A large number of tour operators serve an
increasing number of visitors looking to experience the
sand dunes, providing a wide range of activities such as
sand boarding, 4WD beach and dune driving, horse and
camel riding and quad biking.
The activities and attractions sector of Newcastle’s
tourism economy grows and continues to diversify with
attractions such as the Hunter Wetlands Centre (Ramsar
listed), Blackbutt Reserve, award winning beaches and
the Bathers Way being joined by the newly re-opened
Fort Scratchley, Blue Gum Hills Adventure Park and river
and harbour cruises being reintroduced.
One of the major attractions of Newcastle is the availability
of all the services expected of a major Australian city,
including the continued growth of connections and
capacity at Newcastle Airport.

Accommodation Honeysuckle Waterfront and Foreshore Precinct

Port Stephens offers an endless choice of friendly, relaxed Honeysuckle is arguably Newcastle’s foremost social
and affordable accommodation. Many hotels and resorts gathering place. It is a collection of restaurants, cafes,
are located close to shops, cafes and waterfront views. public space, live entertainment venues and sites for

An easy 90 minute drive from Sydney you will find the Hunter Region. Famous
for its world-class wines, the Hunter also offers a treasure chest of coastal,
country, heritage and wilderness experiences. The Hunter's coast is a rare
combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The busy working
harbour, long stretches of pristine beaches and one of the largest saltwater
lakes in the world, combine with the energy and vibrancy of a large city.

For visitor information

Visit Hunter: www.visithunter.com.au 02 4978 4000 Newcastle: www.visitnewcastle.com.au 1800 654 558
Hunter Valley: www.winecountry.com.au 02 49 900 900 Maitland: www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au 02 4931 2800
Lake Macquarie: www.visitlakemac.com.au 1800 802 044 Upper Hunter: www.upperhuntercountry.com 02 6541 4051
Barrington Tops: www.visitbarringtontops.com.au 1300 130 647
 cultural activity making it a vibrant destination. This
precinct is continuing to expand and is now home to
the Newcastle Region Maritime Museum and the newly
reopened Newcastle Regional Museum.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Ocean-going yachts from all parts of the world and those
participating in club events now visit Newcastle, bringing
with them a new class of visitor. To cater for this market,
the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club has developed a
90-berth marina that includes restaurants, shipyard
maintenance facilities and other services.
Cruise Hunter
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
Cruise Hunter is a project managed within Newcastle
Port Corporation which aims to attract luxury cruise
ships and navy vessels to the Hunter Region.
The Port of Newcastle has experienced significant cruise
related developments in recent years with P&O Australia’s
Pacific Sun using Newcastle as its home port from 2010,
the first non-capital city in Australia to home port a cruise
ship.
The cruise initiative is seen as providing major benefits to
the Hunter Region’s economy with the NSW Government
and Newcastle Port Corporation having completed a
$2.55 million refurbishment of the Channel Berth to
facilitate growth of the cruise shipping industry.
An increasing number and size of international cruise
ships are now visiting Newcastle with annual visits now
exceeding double figures.
38
LAKE MACQUARIE
Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest salt water lake, over
four times as large as Sydney Harbour. It offers a range
of water activities including swimming, fishing, sailing,
cruising, kayaking, houseboats and water skiing.
With 174 km of foreshore, Lake Macquarie has a diverse
range of waterside locations. Major townships on the
lake such as Toronto, Warner’s Bay and Swansea,
offer visitors a range of facilities including shopping and
dining ranging from takeaways to fine dining. There are
also a number of smaller townships and villages dotted
around the lake. To get away from it all, Lake Macquarie
offers numerous secluded bays, secret coves and sandy
beaches.
Lake Macquarie's vicinity to the Pacific Ocean and the
Watagan National Park also means that a wide range of
other activities are also close at hand.
Accommodation
Lake Macquarie offers a diverse range of accommodation
options to suit varying budgets and requirements
including camping and caravan sites, houseboats, bed
and breakfasts, units, hotels and resorts.
MAITLAND
Maitland offers a blend of heritage and contemporary
style, encapsulating the best of the past and the present.
The street scapes of Maitland and surrounds are lined
with historical buildings dating from the early 1800s.
Visitors to Maitland can explore the simple pleasures of
local freshly grown produce, specialty wines or walking
tours of the heritage preservation and natural landscape
of the Hunter River.

Morpeth
Morpeth, once a thriving river port, was established in
1821. Today the village continues to thrive. The main
street is occupied by more than 40 specialty retail
stores which intermingle with cafés, restaurants, local
produce outlets, boutiques, galleries and eateries, many
occupying historic buildings.

Maitland Gaol
An iconic attraction within the Hunter, Maitland Gaol
has an intriguing history spanning more than 150 years.

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

After housing some of Australia’s most hardened and
notorious criminals, Maitland Gaol ceased operations
as a maximum security prison in 1998. The heavy gates
have once again been swung open, giving visitors the
opportunity to take a look at life on the inside. Interactive
activities make the Maitland Gaol a popular destination
for visitors to the Hunter Valley, taking in audio, ex-inmate,
historian and psychic tours not to mention a series of
events and functions held throughout the year including
the Bitter & Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival.

Maitland Regional Art Gallery

The Maitland Regional Art Gallery, which recently
underwent a $4.5 million redevelopment, features touring
exhibitions as well as its own very significant collection
of contemporary Australian art. The renovated Maitland
Regional Art Gallery also houses a retail space specialising
in products from local artists and craftspeople.

Accommodation
Maitland offers a diverse range of accommodation
including guesthouses, motels, hotels, resorts and bed
and breakfasts.

NATURE TOURISM
As nature-based tourism continues to grow in popularity,
so too does the Hunter as a preferred destination. A
wealth of world heritage listed wilderness, national parks,
state forests and wildlife reserves makes it a haven for
nature lovers.

A world heritage listed area, Barrington Tops National
Park is full of contrasts, from subtropical rainforests in
the deep valleys that are near sea level to subalpine
woodland on the plateau at up to 1500 m which regularly
has snowfalls in winter.
Barrington Tops is also the habitat of an enormous
diversity of plant and animal life being at the northern
extremity of the range for many southern Australian
species as well as the southernmost extent for many
more tropical species. It protects more than 50 rare or
threatened species.
The area is well-known for its bush walking, ranging from
short, easy walks to steep overnight treks.
There is a wide range of accommodation choices in
the area, including camping, nature retreats, hotels and
resorts. Close to the National Park are a range of historic
towns as well as larger centres such as Dungog and
Gloucester.
The Watagans National Park covers 7,751 hectares of
an extensive mountain range north of Cooranbong and
Morriset. It is great for touring the forest roads by car,
mountain bike or on horseback. The vantage points at
Gap Creek, Monkey Face and Narrow Place are excellent
lookouts and are popular with photographers. Camping
and picnicking facilities are available at a number of
locations.
Other “must see” destinations include Lake St Clair,
Mount Royal National Park, Blackbutt Reserve and the
Hunter Wetlands Centre.

39
 SPORTS
The Hunter Region has a growing reputation as a great
destination for the sports enthusiast.
The region is blessed with a wide array of sporting facilities
and attractions for both the active sportsperson and the
sports watcher.
One of the major tourism sports in the Hunter is golf, with the
region boasting numerous world-class golf courses, several
of which also incorporate top-quality accommodation
facilities. Local golf courses include:
• The Vintage Golf Club, Rothbury
• Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club, Cessnock
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
• Cypress Lakes, Pokolbin
• The Oaks Golf and Country Club, Cessnock
• Westside Golf Club Rutherford
• Le Meilleur Horizons Golf Resort, Salamander Bay
• Pacific Dunes Port Stephens, Medowie
• Nelson Bay Golf Club, Nelson Bay CONFERENCE AND CONVENTIONS
• Newcastle Golf Club, Fern Bay
For those who enjoy watching sport, the region offers a wide
range of sporting attractions including national rugby league
and football matches and regular horse racing meetings at
Broadmeadow, Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Scone.
EVENTS
The Hunter is home to a wide range of annual festivals
that attract an increasing number of visitors to the region.
These include Jazz in the Vineyards, Opera in the Vineyards,
The Golden Door Health Retreat - Elysia
40
Newcastle Jazz Festival, Mattara Festival, Bitter & Twisted
International Boutique Beer Festival, Lovedale Long
Lunch, Hunter Valley Steamfest, Dungog Rodeo, Surfest,
Shakespeare Festival, Scone and Upper Hunter Horse
Festival, Festival of the Fleeces, Port Stephens Whale &
Environ Fest, Blue Water Country Music Festival and many
others.
Newcastle’s fully restored Civic Theatre is the venue for
regular local, national and international performances and
the Newcastle Entertainment Centre accommodates rock
concerts, exhibitions and conventions. The Conservatorium
of Music regularly hosts national and international
musicians and performances. Wine Country venues such
as The Tempus Two Winery, Bimbadgen Estate and Hope
Estate have built a reputation for attracting major local and
international artists.
The Hunter is quickly building a reputation as an ideal
location for conferences and conventions. Australian
and international visitors appreciate the easy access, the
range of quality venues and accommodation choices,
entertainment and recreation options and relatively
uncongested roads.
Newcastle Convention Bureau, a service unit of Newcastle
City Council, markets Newcastle as conference destination
and will assist with any enquiry about your organisation’s
next conference www.nvcb.com.au
FILM & TV
The Hunter is home to some of the finest and most diverse
cinematic locations Australia has to offer. From spectacular
sand dunes, beaches, harbours and rivers to picturesque
vineyards and mountain ranges. Add sweeping plains,
horse studs, open cut mines and historical architecture,
and almost every location is covered.
The aim of Screen Hunter Central Coast is to capitalise
on the unique qualities of both regions by increasing film
production and fostering and driving development of a
creative and sustainable film industry in the Hunter and
Central Coast.
Hunter councils, Hunter Region National Parks and Wildlife
Services, along with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council,
Newcastle Port Authority and many other private and
public organisations.
Screen Hunter Central Coast has approved over 200 film,
stills and television productions to film in the combined
Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW.
Contact Screen Hunter Central Coast at annette@
screenhuntercentralcoast.com.au, call +61 2 4978 4014
or visit www.screenhuntercentralcoast.com.au.

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

Staffed by industry professionals, the organisation actively
promotes its breathtaking locations to film makers and is
a one-stop-shop for filming approvals, location scouting
assistance, sourcing of local crew, services and support.
As a result it has secured several feature films as well as
thousands of local, national and international television
commercials, documentaries, programs and music videos
for the region.

Once the office secures filming to the region, they have

an extensive database of local film professionals, support
businesses and contacts to tap in to that assists all inbound
productions.

The office streamlines the film permitting process

by brokering approvals with a variety of government
departments. Screen Hunter Central Coast has ‘delegated
authority’ to issue all filming approvals for the eleven

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is an emerging industry in the Hunter
and is a powerful example of the region’s innovation
and entrepreneurship combining to create lucrative new
markets.

Organisations such as the Hunter Medical Research

Institute (HMRI), Newcastle University and Newcastle
Innovation are conducting a variety of ground-breaking
research projects that are not only providing valuable
commercial opportunities but providing significant
contributions to improved lifestyles.

These organisations are complemented by a variety of

companies that offer a broad range of biotechnology
products and services, and are in the process of developing
and commercialising a range of new technologies.

Competitive advantages for biotechnology businesses

being located in the Hunter include the powerful local
research and education organisations, ready availability of
staff with technical expertise, lower operating costs than
the major capital cities and high levels of support.
Biotechnology is an important growing
industry in the Hunter, both in terms of
research and commercial operations

41
 HEALTH
Health is a major industry sector in the Hunter Region,
employing 36,115 persons according to the 2011 Census
(a 17.6% increase over the 2006 Census figure). This figure
represents 13.4% of the workforce, which is significantly
higher than the national figure of 11.9%.
The major provider of health services in the region is Hunter
New England Health which was established in 2005 following
the merger between Hunter, New England and the Lower
Mid North Coast local government areas of Gloucester,
Greater Taree City and Great Lakes. In total, the organisation
has approximately 15,500 staff, 1,500 medical officers and
1,600 volunteers. It spends around $1.8 billion per annum.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION
In the Hunter Region, Hunter New England Health operates
two tertiary referral hospitals: John Hunter Hospital,
incorporating John Hunter Children's Hospital and the Royal
Newcastle Centre, and Calvary Mater Newcastle. Within the
Hunter Region, it also runs two mental health hospitals, a
rural referral hospital at Maitland, five community hospitals,
seven district health service centres and 21 community
health service centres.
The region also accounts for around 10% of the state’s
licensed private hospital beds. Most of the private hospitals
provide general medical, nursing and allied health care,
surgery including day surgery, antenatal care and obstetric
care. The main private hospitals in the Hunter include Christo
Road Private, Hunter Valley Private, Lake Macquarie Private,
Lingard Private, Maitland Private, Newcastle Private, Toronto
Private and Warners Bay Private. Other day surgeries
and some of the private hospitals provide more specialist
services such as invitro fertilisation, coronary care, dental,
eye, plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
42
The Hunter is home to the Hunter Medical Research
Institute (HMRI), the third largest medical research institute
in NSW. HMRI brings together more than 1000 health and
medical researchers from Hunter New England Health,
the University of Newcastle and Calvary Mater Newcastle.
HMRI provides a focal point for the coordination of
research strategy, resources and funding, attracting
community and corporate investment in research and
providing central resources for researchers. Additionally,
HMRI has also improved research facilities, training and
employment opportunities and health care delivery within
the Hunter Region by attracting leading researchers and
health care professionals to the region.
The Hunter is serviced by the Ambulance Service of New
South Wales providing emergency clinical care, rescue
and patient transport. These services are provided out
of 21 local ambulance stations which operate ambulance
vehicles, other support vehicles and ambulance aircraft.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) is an
aeromedical search and rescue service that commenced
operations in 1975 in Newcastle. Funds from NSW
Health, corporate sponsorship and the community allow
aeromedical rescue to be provided without charge to
patients.
The latest available figures show there were 56 nursing
homes and hostels across the Hunter. Major private,
church-based and community-based providers include
Anglican Care, Catholic Care for the Aged, Empowered
Living Support Services, Churches of Christ and Uniting
Care.
Join the many other leading
Hunter businesses investing in
our future health.
Become a HMRI Top 200 donor
and help support world-class
medical research happening
right here in our region.
Call 4921 4030 or visit
hmri.net.au
HMRI is a partnership between
Hunter New England Health,
the University of Newcastle
and the community.
 BUSINESS SERVICES
The Hunter Region boasts a diverse range of high
quality business services and is particularly strong in
professional services. There is a wide variety of both
Hunter-grown business service companies and local
offices of national and international companies who
have realised the value of doing business in the region.

Generally, almost any business service that is available

in the capital cities around Australia can be found in the
Hunter. The quality of these services is also generally
at least comparable to those in the large cities. Indeed,
many Hunter-grown business service companies are
now competing across Australia and even overseas

ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

with a great deal of success.

Almost every major financial institution operating in

Australia is present in the Hunter, with most having
dedicated business banking offices. The Hunter is also
home to some of the nation’s most successful building
societies including the Newcastle Permanent Building
Society and The Greater Building Society.
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Mortgages
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NEWCASTLE NSW 2300

■ Financial Planning
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nancial future 71 Regent Street, NEW LAMBTON 2305
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ds on the decisions
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43
 EXPORTING FROM THE HUNTER
The Hunter is an outstanding location for exporting businesses with
excellent transport links, a wide range of available export-related services
and readily available assistance from a variety of organisations including
NSW Trade & Investment and Austrade.

Although there are strong road, rail and air links in the Hunter, the major
Our
Our services
services include:
include:
competitive transport advantage is the Port of Newcastle. The Port is the
largest coal exporting port in the world, but is also the distribution point
Our
4 services include:
Airfreight for a broad range of other export goods including alumina, aluminium,
4 Airfreight
Airfreight
4 Seafreight concentrates, grains, fertiliser products, woodchips, steel products plus a
Seafreight
Seafreight
wide variety of other bulk and general cargo.
4 Imports
4 Imports Exporting is one of the most beneficial long-term growth strategies a
ECONOMIC STRENGTH & DIVERSIFICATION

4 Imports
Exports company can choose, especially in a country with a relatively small
Exports
Exports domestic market. Export success depends upon having access to practical
4 Customs and reliable information and advice on export planning, finance, markets,
4 Customs
4 Customs
clearance distribution and marketing, and political, cultural and legal requirements.
clearance
clearance
NSW Trade & Investment and Austrade both have export advisers and
4 Document support services and programs in the Hunter Region. They provide advice

4 Document
4 to local Hunter businesses on export-related issues including planning for
Document
assistance export, market opportunities, market entry and export grants.
assistance
assistance
4 Warehousing The Hunter has a well-established export culture with a growing and diverse
4
Our Warehousing
Warehousing
4 services include: base of businesses that take their products and services to the international
Storage
Storage market. Through departments like NSW Trade & Investment and Austrade,
Our Storageinclude:
Airfreight
4 services
4 Project there is abundant support and training available to support and develop

4 Project
4 Hunter-based businesses to grow and expand as the world becomes a
Projects
Project
Seafreight
Airfreight
Warehousing smaller place and competition increases. The increase in international fair
Warehousing
Warehousing
4 Imports
Seafreight
GLOBAL
trade agreements opens up potential export opportunities for motivated

GLOBAL
local businesses.

GLOBAL
Exports
4 Imports
LOGISTICS For further information please contact:

LOGISTICS
4 Customs
Exports
LOGISTICS
clearance
4 Customs
International
NSW Trade & Investment
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
4 International
International
4 Document
clearance Phone: (02) 4908 7333
4 air
air and sea
air and sea
and Email: laila.christensen@business.nsw.gov.au
assistance
4 Document
freight sea Website: www.business.nsw.gov.au/regions
freight
freight
4 Warehousing
4 assistance
Animal Austrade
4 Animal
Animal
Storage Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
4 Warehousing
transport Phone: (02) 4926 3922
transport
transport
4 Project
Storage Email: info@austrade.com.au
4
4
Personal
Personal Website: www.austrade.com.au
Personal
Warehousing
4 Project
effects
effects
GLOBAL
effects
Warehousing
SCORPION
GLOBAL
SCORPION
LOGISTICS
LOGISTICS
INTERNATIONAL
4 International
INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
air and sea
4 International
CALL
freight
air and
CALL sea
CALL1234
02 4962
02 4962
FAX1234
4 Animal
freight
02 4962
FAX
1234
02 4962
FAX1283
transport
4 Animal
02Website
4962 1283
02 4962 1283
Website
4 Personal
transport
www.scorpioninternational.com
Website
www.scorpioninternational.com
www.scorpioninternational.com
effects
4 Personal
44
effects
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
MAJOR PROJECTS
Investment confidence in the Hunter is amongst the
strongest in Australia with many billions of dollars worth of
private and government projects approved, underway or
recently completed.
The following is just a small snapshot of some of the region’s
projects. It is by no means complete, but provides an
indication of the scale of project activity in the region.
Queensland Hunter Gas Pipeline
Hunter Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd is building a $900 million natural
gas pipeline from Queensland to the Hunter to supply gas
to industry in the region. This addition to the market is
expected to make supply more certain and pricing more
competitive. It will also make it feasible to build a gas-fired
power station in the Upper Hunter as well as transportation
of coal seam gas to market.

Fourth coal loader Gas exploration well off Newcastle coast

Port Waratah Coal Services is planning to build New-castle’s Advent Energy has carried out exploratory drilling for
fourth coal loader on 310 ha of land at Kooragang Island. natural gas 55 km off the coast of Newcastle in the PEP11
Expected to cost in the vicinity of $5 billion, the total proposal permit. This permit covers 8,250 sq km on the doorstep

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

would add an additional 70 million tonnes per annum of coal of Australia's largest energy market and has recently
loading capacity. Stage One, announced in 2012, is planned been estimated to contain 13.2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of
to add around 25 million tonnes per annum and employ prospective recoverable gas resources (at the P50 or 'best
1500 people during construction. estimate' level).

Major redevelopment expected for Newcastle CBD
In June 2012, Landcom purchased $20 million of land in the
Newcastle CBD from Landcom. They have both committed
to work together on plans to redevelop four city blocks in
the Hunter Street mall precinct into a mix of residential,
commercial and speciality retail uses. The announcement
in late 2012 that the NSW Government plans to remove the
rail line from Wickham to Newcastle is seen as a major step
forward for this major renewal project.
Solar thermal project at Liddell
In partnership with Ausra Australia, Macquarie Genera-
tion has built Australia’s largest solar thermal project at
Liddell Power Station. This is the first time anywhere in
the world that solar thermal technology is integrated with
a coal-fired power station. The original pilot mirror array
is being expanded to cover an area of 18,000 sqm or
approximately three football fields, with over 500 mirror
panels, each 12 x 2 metres. NSW Government funding

Footprints in the sand, Nobbys Beach, Newcastle

Helping businesses in the Hunter create

footprints for 120 years
As a premier commercial law firm in the Hunter, we pride ourselves on providing advice that is responsive,
‘results driven’ and commercially focused. Harris Wheeler has developed a reputation for providing high
quality commercial services in the area of major projects.

In particular, we specialise in both public and private infrastructure related projects across a wide range of
industries, including commercial and retail property, mining, aviation, water, energy and health. We have
been based in the Hunter for 120 years and have the depth of experience to advise on all legal aspects of
your commercial venture.

www.harriswheelerlawyers.com
NEWCASTLE | Level 3, 175 Scott Street 2300 | 02 4907 6300

45
 of $9.25 million doubled the capacity of the plant with
construction completed in 2012.
$1 billion upgrade of coal rail network
ARTC completed a $1 billion upgrade of the Hunter Valley
coal rail network in 2012, increasing export coal capacity
from 97 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 200 mtpa.
ARTC also released the final version of the 2012-21 Hunter
Valley Corridor Capacity Strategy to ensure the rail network
meets demand for the next 10 years.
$190 million clean energy park
The NSW Government has approved plans for a $190 million
wind and solar farm at Scone which will provide renewable
power to more than 47,000 homes. The Kyoto Energy Park
will be constructed by Pamada Pty Ltd, with a generating
capacity of up to 113 MW of renewable energy through
34 wind turbines, a hydro electric generator using recycled
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
water and up to 100 hectares of solar panels. The facility will
create 183 construction jobs and 12 ongoing jobs, and save
hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon. Construction is
expected to commence in mid to late 2013.
Former Steelworks site - Intertrade Industrial Park
The 150 hectare former BHP Steelworks site at Mayfield is
being developed into one of the most strategic and unique
sites on the east coast of Australia. Positioned at the Port
of Newcastle and only 4 km from the Newcastle CBD, the
site offers 2 km of water frontage as well as excellent road
and rail links. A $110 million remediation strategy has been
completed and the $120 million development of the site is
being carried out by Buildev Intertrade Consortium.
$2 billion electricity infrastructure spend
Ausgrid is investing over $2 billion to renew, replace and
upgrade the network infrastructure in the Hunter over the
five years to 2014. The program aims to support the Hunter’s
rapid growth and ensure supply reliability. In particular,
it aims to address increasing demand arising from new
residential developments and changes in customer lifestyle,
such as increased use of air conditioning, as well as from
the increased coal production forecast for the Upper Hunter.
Gloucester coal seam gas project
The NSW Government has approved a $200 million AGL
project at Gloucester to harness and distribute coal seam
gas. Up to 110 coal seam gas wells are included in the
approval, with a pipeline to connect to the existing gas
pipeline at Hexham.
Hunter coal seam gas project
AGL is part way through the gas exploration for the Hunter
coal seam gas project, with the process expected to
continue for another three to five years. Independent experts
have estimated 'proved plus probable' (2P) gas reserves of
142 petajoules (PJ) and 'proved plus probable plus possible'
(3P) reserves of 271 PJ.
$350 million expansion for Stockland Green Hills
A $350 million redevelopment of Stockland Green Hills has
been approved by Maitland City Council. It involves a new
level and provides a total gross lettable area of around 70,000
sqm, making it the equal largest Stockland shopping centre
46
in Australia. The expansion includes a new Myer store, an
additional discount department store and approximately
130 new specialty shops.
$300 million gas plant
AGL is constructing a $300 million gas storage facility
at Tomago to store up to 30,000 tonnes of LNG to help
secure supplies to the Hunter, Sydney and Wollongong.
Construction is expected to commence in December 2013.
The Hunter Expressway
The Hunter Expressway will provide about 40 km of
dual divided carriageway between the F3 Freeway at
Seahampton and the New England Highway west of
Branxton. Interchanges will be located at the F3 Freeway,
Buchanan, Kurri Kurri, Loxford, Allandale and Branxton.
The Australian Government announced in the May 2009
Budget Statement that it will provide $1,451 million (plus
earned interest income) towards the cost of construction.
The NSW Government is committed to contributing up to
$200 million if required. Construction commenced in 2010
and the expressway is scheduled to open in late 2013.
The Hunter Expressway, F3, Newcastle
Link Road interchange (September 2012).
French themed village
The Village of St. Helena is a French Provincial themed
village planned for 54 hectares of land adjacent to the New
England Highway at Lochinvar. The Village of St. Helena will
link to the historic St. Helena Restaurant and will incorporate
a traditional French village square, a church, village hall,
function centre, guesthouse, recreation club, vineyards,
French shops, short stay accommodation of approximately
126 units, tennis and petanque courts and 190 permanent
residential lots.
Zinc smelter site remediation
The former site of the Pasminco zinc smelter at Cockle Creek
is undergoing a $45 million remediation. Once complete, the
site is planned to be redeveloped for a mixture of residential,
commercial and light industrial uses. It is estimated that the
redevelopment could create employment for 1,300 to 1,600
people.
Aerospace precinct
The Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC) at Williamtown
will be a key economic driver for the Hunter Region and has
the potential to position the Hunter as a major national and
 potentially international centre for the aerospace and aviation
industry. It comprises Newcastle Airport and Williamtown
Aerospace Park (WAP). WAP is an employment park
with an emphasis on aerospace, aviation and the existing
industrial base that clusters around RAAF Base Williamtown.
Hunter Land is developing 50 saleable hectares. Land for
aerospace users includes sites with airside access. Land
and design/construct packages (for both owner occupiers
and lessees) will be available. WAP offers Torrens title free-
hold. Future proposed components of WAP include a hotel
and convention facility.
Stonebridge Golf Club
The Oaks Golf and Country Club at Cessnock underwent
a $30 million redevelopment that saw the course reopened
in March 2012 as Stonebridge Golf Club with 18 new
holes, improved facilities and 140 completed residential lots
fronting the course. The development also includes plans for
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
a new bowls green and clubhouse, with the final stage of the
development due for completion in March 2013.
Expansion of Cessnock Correctional Facility
The Cessnock Correctional Facility underwent a $93 million
expansion, with 250 new maximum security beds being
made available in 2012.
Concept approval for new power station
Concept approval has been granted to Macquarie Gen-
eration for a 2000 MW natural gas or coal fuelled power
station near the existing Bayswater facility in the Upper
Hunter. The project would provide up to 1000 construction
jobs and around 160 operational jobs.
$1.4 billion Ravensworth North coal mine
Xstrata’s $1.4 billion development of the Ravensworth North
open cut mine in the Upper Hunter commenced production
in May 2012. The mine will produce 8 million tonnes per
annum of export thermal and semi soft coking coal at full
production, with a mine life of approximately 26 years.
Medical research facility
Hunter Medical Research institution (HMRI) officially opened
Architectural drawing of Newcastle Courthouse
48
a new $90 million medical research facility in September
2012 to house 400 researchers from the University of
Newcastle and Hunter New England Health.
Major upgrade of army facilities
The Singleton Military Area (Lone Pine Barracks) is un-
dergoing a $200 million upgrade, encompassing 20
individual projects.
$120 million airport expansion
A proposed $120 million expansion of Newcastle Airport
has been lodged with the Department of Planning which
involves expansion of the terminal, a new multi-storey car
park and internal roads, airport support services and a
business park. The project is forecast to create around 250
full-time equivalent construction jobs and 6291 operational
jobs.
$130 million industrial development
WesTrac is building a $130 million, 115 hectare industrial
development at Tomago with stage 1 expected to be
complete in 2013. Another two stages are to be developed
at a later date. The project will provide around 900 jobs
during the construction of stage one and 400 operational
jobs. Up to 200 apprenticeships would also be available
upon completion.
State Court facility
$94 million has been allocated for a new court complex
in Newcastle which will be the state’s largest court facility
outside of Sydney. The complex is expected to be opened
in 2014-15. The current courthouse has been heritage listed
and will be reused.
Former Newcastle Post Office
The NSW Government purchased the former Newcastle
Post Office in 2010 and is currently refurbishing the historic
building for new uses.
City Campus for University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is planning to develop 60,000
sqm of city campus over the next 10 to 15 years which
will cater for around 7,500 students. Stage 1, located on
Honeysuckle Drive, will involve a new Business Facility with
around 18,000 sqm of teaching space.
$113 million tourism redevelopment
A major redevelopment has been approved for the
Salamander Shores Hotel to transform it into a contemporary
tourist facility with 180 hotel rooms (All Seasons and Grand
Mecure), 84 residential apartments providing permanent
and tourist accommodation, conference facilities for 200
delegates, 290 car and bus parking spaces and associated
leisure facilities (bar, pool, gyms).
Chemical plant expansion
Orica is completing a major expansion of its Kooragang
Island ammonium nitrate plant that will almost double
capacity from 430,000 to 750,000 tonnes per annum.
The pre-liminary estimate of total cost for the expansion
is between $600 million to $750 million. Commissioning is
expected in 2014/2015.
New town
Huntlee is a new town being established near Branxton.
The 1740 ha site, the state’s largest single housing de-
velopment proposal, includes up to 7300 dwellings, 200
ha of commercial development and 780 ha of conservation
land. The project is projected to involve around $1.5 billion
of expenditure over 20 years.
$600 million power station upgrade
Eraring Power Station completed a $600 million upgrade in
2012 which increased the four existing 660 MW generators
to a generating capacity of 720 MW per unit. The upgrade
works are necessary to extend the life of the plant until
2032 and to increase the performance of Eraring Power
Station, improve load change rates, improve accuracy and
response to the NEM, reduce forced outage rates and
improve automatic start-up and shut-down operations.
The upgrade makes Eraring Power Station one of the most
efficient coal fired power stations in Australia and reduces
CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes per year for the life of
the power station.
$100 million Aldi warehouse and distribution centre
Aldi is building a $100 million warehouse and distribution
centre to service 75 stores throughout NSW. Due to be
opened in 2013 or 2014, the project includes a 57,000
sqm warehouse, associated distribution facilities and
parking for 302 cars plus 18 motorbikes.
$284 million rail works to unlock Gunnedah Basin
ARTC is spending around $284 million to remove the rail
bottleneck over the Liverpool Ranges and unlock further
energy resources in the Gunnedah Basin with a greatly
enhanced link to the Port of Newcastle.
$400 million expansion for Mt Arthur Coal
BHP Billiton is investing $400 million to expand the Mt Arthur
Coal mine near Muswellbrook, expanding production from
around 20 Mtpa to around 24 Mtpa. Expected to generate
approximately 300 new full-time jobs, the expansion is due
to deliver first production in the second half of 2013.
Eco park planned for Weston
Weston Aluminium has announced a proposal to build
the Hunter Industrial Ecology Park – a $400 million
project that would divert up to 1 million tonnes of waste
from landfill each year. The park is planned to include an
energy recovery plant and a range of other complementary
businesses.
Large wind farm planned for the Upper Hunter
EPURON is planning to build the Liverpool Range Wind
Farm in the Warrumbungle & Upper Hunter Shires. The
project would include 550 wind turbines rated at 1.5 – 3.3
MW each, producing enough electricity to power around
525,000 homes. Total project cost is estimated to be $1
- 2 billion.
$300 million gas pipeline
Santos is planning to build a 295 km gas pipeline from
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Coolah to an export terminal at Kooragang Island in
Newcastle. The project is estimated to cost around $300
million and offer significant construction opportunities.
The project also proposes a compressor station to be
located between Merriwa and Bayswater Power Station
and two small laterals. One of the laterals would tie in
to the Bayswater power station whilst the second lateral
would tie in to the meter station at Hexham.
$30 million aluminium products plant
Bahrain-based Midal Cables International is to build a
$30 million plant to manufacture aluminium alloy rods,
wires and conductors. Located near Tomago Aluminium,
it is expected to take around 10% of the smelter’s annual
production. The plant is expected to have a full capacity
of 50,000 tonnes of product a year.
Singleton shopping redevelopment
Charter Hall has almost completed a $64 million
redevelopment of the Gowrie Street Mall in Singleton. The
expansion will increase the size of the existing shopping
mall by 9,500 sqm of floor space and include a new
multistorey car park for over 870 vehicles.
$50 million tourist resort
Birubi Beach Resort is a $50 million, 4-star, 198 unit
beach resort currently being constructed at Anna Bay.
Targeted at the growing Asian tourist market, the resort
is expected to create 100 jobs in the construction phase
and around 150 jobs when opened.
24 hour mining industry service centre
P&H Minepro is building a facility to repair mining equip-
ment on a 4.5 ha site in the Anambah Business Park in
Rutherford. The $25 million facility will operate 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
Diesel import terminal
Shell has contracted Marstel Holdings to build a $30
million diesel import terminal at the site of the former
BHP steel works in Mayfield. The facility will include ship
import capabilities, three 18 million-litre diesel tanks and
truck loading facilities. It is designed to provide fuel to the
growing Hunter Valley and Gunnedah coal mining hubs.
49
 TRANSPORT & ACCESS TO MARKETS
The Hunter’s location and impressive transport
infrastructure provide it with a competitive edge in
accessing Australian and international markets.
Centrally positioned on Australia’s eastern seaboard
between Melbourne and Brisbane, and within a two hour
drive of Sydney, the Hunter is ideally situated to service
the nearly 11 million people living in these cities (ABS
ERP June 2010). Well over half of Australia’s population is
within a 12 hour drive from Newcastle.
The Hunter has a highly efficient transport infrastructure,
providing fast and integrated links within the region
and to the rest of NSW, Australia and the world. This
infrastructure includes the Port of Newcastle, Newcastle
Airport and a comprehensive road and rail network.
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
THE PORT OF NEWCASTLE
The Port of Newcastle is the largest export port in Australia
and the world’s largest coal tonnage port. It is also a
growing cargo and general container hub, with further
major expansion plans currently in development. Excellent
transport infrastructure and ongoing efficiency measures
at the Port contribute to a lack of congestion and rapid
turnaround compared with Australia’s metropolitan ports.
AIR LINKS
The Hunter has four working airports with Newcastle
Airport being the premier regional facility. Newcastle
Airport has both civil and defence functionalities and can
accommodate large international aircraft such as the
Boeing 787 or Airbus A330.
ROADS
The Hunter has a highly developed network of highways
and arterial roads. This combined, with over 100 national
and regional transport companies operating in the region,
allows for fast and efficient movement of freight.
All major industrial estates in the region, as well as those
planned, are located on or close to national highways or
on main arterial roads with fast links to the highways.
A core road network consisting of a freeway and three
main highways facilitate the smooth flow of traffic into and
out of the Hunter.
The Sydney to Newcastle F3 Freeway is part of the
National Highway network. It is the main corridor linking
Newcastle to Sydney, providing a driving time of less than
two hours between the two cities. The F3 has links to the
New England and Pacific Highways.
The Hunter Expressway is 40 km of dual divided
carriageway between the F3 Freeway at Seahampton and
the New England Highway west of Branxton. Interchanges
will be located at the F3 Freeway, Buchanan, Kurri Kurri,
Loxford, Allandale and Branxton, are scheduled to open
in 2013.
Planning is underway for the 12.2 km extension of the F3
50
Freeway to Raymond Terrace to the north. The planned
connection of the southern end of the F3 at Wahroonga
to the M5 at Beecroft will also speed access between the
Hunter and many parts of Sydney, including the CBD.
The Pacific Highway runs from Sydney to Brisbane
along the NSW coast, passing through Newcastle West.
The New England Highway provides passage to
Brisbane and to the north-west of NSW via the New
England Region. It is the preferred route for road freight
through to Brisbane and services the major Hunter
centres of Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone.
A major interchange facilitates the flow of traffic between
the F3 and the Pacific and New England Highways.
The Golden Highway extends from the New England
Highway near Singleton to Dubbo in Central NSW. This
highway is an important link to the areas surrounding
Dubbo and provides a carriageway for the transport of
wheat and other produce to the Port of Newcastle.
Arterial roads - The Hunter also has a network of arterial
roads that link the major industrial suburbs of Newcastle
and Lake Macquarie with the Port of Newcastle,
Newcastle Airport and the major highways. Most arterial
roads are four lanes and well signposted, with ample
capacity to handle the growing Hunter economy.
RAIL
A comprehensive rail network operates within the region.
Passenger and general freight train services link the
Hunter with Sydney, Brisbane and North Western NSW
including Tamworth and Moree.
Between Sydney and Newcastle the State Rail Authority
operates an electrified heavy rail system. A diesel
powered service continues to the North Coast of NSW
and to Brisbane as well as to the Northern Tablelands.
The rail network is also linked to the Port of Newcastle,
providing a smooth transition between sea and land for
the movement of bulk items such as coal, alumina, wood
chips and containerised cargo. Much of the agricultural
produce from the north-west regions is exported through
the Port of Newcastle via the rail links to these areas.
Pacific National hauls the Hunter’s containerised freight,
coal, industrial and agricultural products. QR National
also hauls coal. Some of the larger coal mines are also
currently using or investigating using their own services.
The Main Northern Railway Line from Sydney passes
through Cardiff/Glendale, Broadmeadow (where it links
into the Newcastle City Centre), and then on to Maitland,
then the northern tablelands to Tamworth.
will increase export coal capacity from 97 million tonnes
per annum (mtpa) to 200 mtpa.
Passenger services: CityRail operates a regular electric
passenger rail service between Newcastle and Sydney
with a travel time of around 2.5 hours. Recent studies
into a possible high speed rail link indicate rail trips of
around 40 minutes between Newcastle and Sydney are
viable.

At Werris Creek, near Tamworth, a branch line services Half-hourly services run between Newcastle and Maitland
Gunnedah, Narrabri and Moree in the north-west of most of the day during the week, while four services per
NSW. This line carries general freight, coal from the day operate between Scone and Newcastle, and five
Gloucester area and passenger traffic. services between Dungog and Newcastle.

The North Coast Rail Line commences at Maitland and BUS SERVICES
passes through Dungog, Gloucester and the coastal State Transit operates bus services throughout the

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

towns through to Brisbane.
The aptly named Coal Lines are dedicated rail lines
for the coal trains that travel from the Hunter Valley to
the Port of Newcastle. These lines are constructed on
the western side of the main passenger and general
freight lines. This arrangement of rail lines was originally
constructed to allow coal trains to travel uninterrupted to
Port Waratah Coal Services’ export facility. The lines are
currently undergoing a massive $1 billion upgrade that
Newcastle and adjoining Lake Macquarie suburbs. In
addition, a ferry service from Newcastle to Stockton links
residents in that area to the City. Private bus services
also provide connections with Upper and Lower Hunter
towns and Newcastle to augment the government
operated services.
The frequent State Transit buses in the Newcastle City
Centre are free between 7.30 am and 6:00 pm seven
days a week.

Distance (by road) Travel time Population

Newcastle to Sydney 159 km Driving time approx. 2 hours, air travel Sydney Metropolitan Area approx.
time approx. 40 minutes 4.6 million
(63% of NSW’s population)

Newcastle to Brisbane Driving time approx. 10 hours, air travel Brisbane to Gold Coast nearly
Via Pacific Highway 786 km time approx. 1 hour 3 million (66% of Queensland’s
Via New England Highway 857 km population)

Newcastle to Melbourne via 1,014 km Driving time approx. 12 hours, air travel Melbourne approx. 4.1 million
Hume Highway time approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (over 73% of Victoria’s population)

Newcastle to Canberra 436 km Driving time approx. 5 hours, air travel ACT approx. 368,000
time approx. 1 hour 10 minutes

51
 AIRPORTS IN THE HUNTER
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT
The Hunter’s major airport, Newcastle Airport, is located in
the Port Stephens Local Government Area at Williamtown,
a 25 minute drive from the Newcastle CBD.
Newcastle Airport is serviced by Aeropelican, Brindabella
Airlines, Jetstar, Regional Express, Qantaslink, and Virgin
Australia to Ballina, Brisbane, Canberra, the Gold Coast,
Melbourne and Sydney.
Newcastle Airport’s influence on the Hunter economy is
undeniable. An economic impact assessment in 2011
reported that Newcastle Airport supports more than 4,100
jobs and generates almost $1 billion for the local economy,
of which $253.8 million supports local tourism.
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
The Airport holds an operating agreement with RAAF
Base Williamtown, a land lease of 28 hectares from the
Department of Defence, and uses the runway of RAAF
Base Williamtown. The runway is 2,438 metres long and
45 metres wide. It is capable of handling B787, A320, and
occasionally An-124 sized aircraft. The civil taxiways are
capable of handling aircraft up to B787 and An-124 size.
Newcastle Airport is an aerospace hub. Jetstar chose
Newcastle as the location for its Heavy Maintenance
Base in 2005, and BAE Systems recently expanded its
facility to build and maintain RAAF fighter jets. Various
aerospace industry consultants have also taken advantage
1,400,000
1,200,000
892,313
1,000,000
757,1445
Passengers
800,000
460,364
600,000
400,000
214,427
200,000
2003
2004
2005
2006
Passenger movements at Newcastle Airport (2003 – 2012)
52
of Newcastle Airport’s proximity to Defence and utilise the
Airport’s office facilities.
Projects and developments
In 2010, Newcastle Airport invested in infrastructure
development. Air BP and Caltex, in a joint venture,
constructed a new aviation fuel farm to improve efficiencies
for the two companies and released land, both airside
and landside, back to Newcastle Airport. In 2011, the
Airport undertook a major refurbishment of its landside
toilet amenities. The $900,000 upgrade was completed in
response to customer feedback.
Newcastle Airport’s 20-year Master Plan provides a
framework for ongoing managed infrastructure and
development growth. It outlines development of the terminal,
car parks, and road network to meet future demand and
provide permanent facilities required for international
services.
Newcastle Airport currently has plans for the redevelopment
of the road network, new taxi and coach parking facilities,
and modified entrances to existing car parks lodged for
approval with Department of Defence and Port Stephens
Council.
Newcastle Airport continues to prove itself as an alternate
gateway into NSW and a significant transport hub for the
region, contributing to business and tourism in the Hunter.
1,189,040
1,181,887
1,181,261
1,145,607
1,135,596
1,005,628
2012
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
HUNTER VALLEY AIRPORT - CESSNOCK
Located near Cessnock, Hunter Valley Airport - Cessnock
is operated by Aviation & Leisure Corporation Pty Ltd. It is
a major training, sport and recreation airport in the midst of
wine country at Pokolbin.
The International School of Aviation Australia (formerly the
Avondale School of Aviation), with a fleet of seven aircraft,
is located at the airfield along with Basair Aviation College,
Hunter Valley Aviation's flying school, which has access to 40
aircraft. There are several operators of piston and jet vintage
and warbird aircraft offering visitors flying experiences with
these types of aircraft. Hunter Wine Helicopters operates
tourist flights from the airport.
Currently the airport has a sealed runway 1190 metres
long with night landing facilities. Both jet and avgas fuel are
available from a modern facility operated by Skyfuel. Aircraft
maintenance and storage hangars are also available.
Enquiries should be directed to Aviation & Leisure
Corporation Pty Ltd on (02) 4991 2153.
SCONE AIRPORT
Owned by Upper Hunter Shire Council, Scone Airport
includes a 1,404 metre fully sealed runway, night landing
facilities and a 24 hour fuel depot. Scone Airport is a
significant air link to the Upper Hunter area. A $2.2 million
gateway to the
Hunter
upgrade was completed in 2011 which included a full
runway rehabilitation, construction of a Runway End Safety
Area (RESA) and upgrading of the airport taxiways.
The airport precinct includes Scone Airpark, an aviation
industry business cluster with fully serviced lots available
for purchase ranging in size from 2,600 sqm to 3,500sqm.
Several significant aviation businesses have already based
themselves at the airpark including aircraft maintenance and
manufacture, aerial agriculture, National Parks fire fighting
centre and charter operators.
Future developments include a new terminal building and
car parking.
MAITLAND AIRPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
The Royal Newcastle Aero Club (RNAC) owns the
aerodrome known as Russell Field at Rutherford, near
Maitland. The aerodrome is defined as an Authorised
Landing Area by the Civil Aviation Regulations. It is
primarily used for flight training, joy flights, private charter
operations and private aircraft and consists of two
sealed and one grass runways, making the aerodrome
operational in most conditions. The main runway is 1,290
metres long and provides sufficient take-off and landing
directions to allow circuit training to be conducted for
most situations. It has facilities for night flying and can
accommodate aircraft up to 5.7 tonnes.
Connecting the Hunter to
Australia and the world
Newcastle Airport is a significant transport hub for
the Hunter. We connect the region directly to
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and the
Gold Coast.
From these hubs, connections are easy to the rest of
Australia and the world.
The Airport contributes almost $1 billion each year
to the local economy, and supports more than 4,000
jobs.
We are proud of the access we provide to our region
and the contribution we make to our local economy.
Newcastle Airport: gateway to the Hunter
www.newcastleairport.com.au
53
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

In 2010, the previous two grass runways were consolidated Commercial aircraft maintainers and operators or those
into a single north / south runway in order to change the requiring hangar leases should direct their enquiries to the
flight paths to assist neighbours with their developments. General Manager of the Royal Newcastle Aero Club on (02)
Work also commenced on a further six hangars. 4932 8888.

RNAC is also the home base of Matt Hall, Australia’s only Red
Bull Air Race competitor. He is a regular visitor to the club
during his off season and occasionally operates a WW11
vintage Mustang from the airfield giving joy rides to the
public. Two TBM Avengers and a Wirraway are operated by
Paul Bennet, the Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champion
Pilot, whose home base is also RNAC.
OTHER AIRPORTS
Belmont Airport has a 914 m sealed runway; however, it has
been virtually unused since Aeropelican moved its operations
to Newcastle Airport in 2006. Mirvac has purchased the site.
Singleton Airport has an unsealed runway and is not currently
used on a regular basis.

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54
PORT OF NEWCASTLE
The Port of Newcastle is one of Australia’s most diverse
regional ports and one of the world’s largest coal export
ports. With over 4,500 ship movements a year, the port
provides major economic benefit to the city, the region and
the state of NSW.

The export of coal is the ports’ core trade: however, over

40 different commodities are handled through the port
including alumina, aluminium, cement, fertiliser products,
forestry products, grain, mineral concentrates, petroleum
products and steel.

Infrastructure within the port can handle all types of cargo

including dry bulk, bulk liquids, break bulk, project and
containers. The Port of Newcastle is a critical supply chain
interface for the movement of cargo and includes 19

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

operational berths, 11 of which are allocated to handling
a range of cargoes and 7 allocated to the handling of coal.

Newcastle Port Corporation is a state owned corporation.

Its role is to provide safe, effective and sustainable port
operations and deliver efficient port development that
enhances the economic growth of the Hunter Region and
NSW. By working with its stakeholders, the Corporation
aims to deliver opportunity that is mutually beneficial.

Whilst coal continues to be the port’s major export,

expertise in handling other project cargo, dry bulk and
bulk liquid products has enabled strong growth in these

Delivering cargo solutions

The Port of Newcastle has the facilities

and expertise to manage all types of cargo.
In fact, our diverse trade base is made up
of more than 40 different commodities.

As one of Australia’s leading bulk ports,

there are 19 operational berths with
11 allocated to all types of non-coal cargo
including dry bulk, break bulk, bulk liquids,
project cargo and containers.

The port is also close to Sydney and has

a range of back-up storage options.

What’s more, the Port of Newcastle

has the only berth-face rail line on
Australia’s east coast, with excellent
road and rail connections interstate
and intrastate.

Talk to Newcastle Port Corporation

about your cargo solution.

Newcastle Port Corporation

(02) 4985 8222
business@newportcorp.com.au
www.newportcorp.com.au

NPC0387

55
 commodities. Total trade through the port in 2011-12 was
valued at $20.01 billion, with coal trade valued at almost
$15.8 billion. In 2011-12 the total tonnage handled through
the port increased by 12.3% to reach over 128 million
tonnes.
Newcastle Port Corporation owns and manages over 610
hectares of port land within five defined precincts: Carrington,
Mayfield, Walsh Point, Kooragang Coal and Kooragang
Future Development. Much of this land is allocated to current
or future trade but a range of development opportunities still
exist for port related industry.
The former BHP Steelworks site located within the Mayfield
precinct has 90 hectares of riverfront land and can support
a diverse range of infrastructure, including bulk and general
cargo, bulk liquid and container terminals. Newcastle Port
Corporation envisages development on this site will focus
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Newcastle Port Corporation invested $25 million to provide
new berth infrastructure at the site. Mayfield No.4 Berth
was officially opened in March 2010 and consists of a 265
metre long wharf area and 10,000 m2 adjoining hardstand
for port-related uses such as cargo handling, storage and
assembly area.
A recently completed refurbishment project saw the re-
commissioning of the channel berth for tie up purposes and
as a dedicated facility for visiting international cruise vessels.
The Port of Newcastle is a thriving commercial port
recognised as a major strategic asset for the NSW economy
and a generator of employment for thousands of people
both directly and indirectly.
Competitive advantages of the Port of Newcastle
• excellent connections to major interstate and intrastate

on the growing maritime trade and offer regional and state- transport routes
wide commercial rewards. The Mayfield site is close to the • only berth-face rail line on Australia’s eastern seaboard
Newcastle CBD, is perfectly positioned within the Port of • 19 operational berths
Newcastle and is accessible by effective road, rail and sea • bulk, break bulk, project and general cargoes, passengers
links. and containers
• range of covered and uncovered storage options
In support of this unique development opportunity, • 15.2 m deep channel

Trade through the Port of

Newcastle for the year
ended June 2012
COMMODITY TONNES
Coal 121,904,634
Alumina 1,347,904
Grains 1,3862,691
Other bulk 1,009,748
Mineral concentrates 389,383
Fuels 440,242
Woodchips 257,764
Fertiliser products 268,011
Steel import/export 302,567
Petroleum coke 260,437
Other general cargo 343,775
Aluminium 166,202
Grinding media 56,996
Total All Trades 128,610,354

Newcastle Port Corporation records the

amount of trade imported and exported in
mass tonnes which refer to the actual weight
(in kilograms) of the commodity.

56
Port Services
Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory in the port. The service is provided Australia, NYK Lines, Strang International, Wilhelmsen
by Newcastle Port Corporation and operates 24 hours a Ships Service.
day. More than 80 per cent of Marine Pilot transfers are
provided by helicopter. Stevedoring
Newcastle Stevedores, QUBE Holdings, Patrick.
Communications
The Vessel Traffic Information Centre (VTIC) operates the Quarantine services
ship booking system which includes planning, booking Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
and coordinating vessel movements, and provides
information to vessels about movements within the port.

Towage and line services

These services are provided by Svitzer Australasia utilising
a fleet of eight tugs.

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

Ship repair
Varley Engineering provides a range of maintenance and
repair services with a 24 hour call out service.

Providores
A full range of providore services are available through
local shipping agents.

Customs
The Australian Customs Service operates an office in
Newcastle servicing the port with one customs vessel.

Customs agents and freight forwarders

Hunter Cargo & Customs, Kuehne & Nagel, Panalpina
World Transport, Scorpion International Freight, DB
Schenker Australia.

Marine surveyors
Hunter Marine Surveys

Shipping agencies
Asiaworld Shipping, Clark Shipping, Gulf Agency
Company, Hetherington Kingsbury, Inchcape Shipping
Services, McArthur Shipping Agency, Monson Agencies

57
Port of Newcastle Berth Information

The Port of Newcastle is one of Australia’s most diverse regional ports and one of the world’s largest coal export ports. With over 1,860 ship visits a year, the port provides major economic benefit to the city, the region and the State of NSW. Infrastructure within the port can handle all types of cargo including dry
bulk, bulk liquids, break bulk, project, passenger and containers. The Port of Newcastle is a critical supply chain interface for the movement of cargo and includes 19 operational berths, 11 of which are allocated to handling a range of cargoes and 8 dedicated to the handling of coal. Newcastle Port Corporation
owns and manages over 610 hectares of port land within four defined precincts – Carrington, Mayfield, Walsh Point, and Kooragang. Much of this land is allocated to current or future trade but a range of development opportunities still exist for port related industry.

CARRINGTON PRECINCT WALSH POINT PRECINCT

Berth Details Facilities Cargo/Commodity Operators Berth Details Facilities Cargo/Commodity Operators

Throsby 1 Design depth: 10m LOA: 210m Navy ships Hunter Development Kooragang 2 Design depth: 11.6m LOA: 230m 2 ship unloaders Bulk cargo Common user
Channel depth: 12.8m Max draft: 9.7m Corporation (Owner) Channel depth: 15.2m with overhang 18 tonne gantry grab Bulk liquids
5 Max beam: 35m 35 Max draft: 11.3m Design throughput (combined): General cargo
Max beam: 30m 650tph (commodity dependant) Containers
Western Basin 3 Design depth: 11.6m LOA: 262m 4 ship loaders Grains Common user
Channel depth: 12.8m Max draft: 11.3m Loading height max: 17.1m Frozen orange juice 1 ship loader
10 Max beam: 35m Loading outreach max: 26.5m concentrate Predominant user: Design throughput: 1,000tph
Travel distance: 213.4m GrainCorp Storage area adjacent to berths
Design throughput: 1,000tph
Kooragang 3 Design depth: 13.5m LOA: 255m 2 pneumatic unloaders Bulk cargo Common user
Western Basin 4 Design depth: 11.6m LOA: 262m Berth-face rail line Project cargo Common user Channel depth: 15.2m Max draft: 13.2m Design throughput: 550tph General cargo
Channel depth: 12.8m Max draft: 11.3m Ro/Ro ramp General cargo 31 Max beam: 35m Containers Predominant user:
11 Max beam: 35m 1.5ha wharf storage area Containers Kooragang Bulk
Designed for heavy forklift axle loads Facilities
Eastern Basin Design depth: 11.6m LOA: 262m 7,120m2 storage shed Break bulk Eastern Basin
1 and 2 Channel depth: 12.8m Max draft: 11.3m 10,000m2 uncovered stacking area General cargo Distribution Centre
Max beam: 35m Rail access Containers (PATRICK) KOORAGANG COAL PRECINCT
12
Berth Details Facilities Cargo/Commodity Operators
Channel Berth Design depth: 8.5m LOA: 300m Tie-up berth Passenger ships Common user
Kooragang 4, 5, Design depth: 16.5m LOA: 300m 3 shared ship loaders Coal Port Waratah
Channel depth: 15.2m Max draft: 8.2m Concrete dolphins on steel piles with
15 6 and 7* Channel depth: 15.2m DWT: 232,000 Design throughput (each): 10,500tph Coal Services
Max beam: 50m interconnecting walkways
Total berthing box Max draft: 16.2m
30 length is 1,335m Max beam: 50m
Dyke 1 Design depth: 12.8m LOA: at discretion of Tie-up berth Petroleum products Common user
Channel depth: 15.2m Harbour Master Concrete dolphins on steel piles with *Berth 7 operational Q1 2012
16 Max draft: 12.5m interconnecting walkways Predominant user: BP Kooragang 8, 9, Design depth: 16.5m LOA: 300m 1 ship loader Coal Newcastle Coal
Max beam: 50m and 10* Channel depth: 15.2m DWT: 210,000 Design throughput: 10,500tph Infrastructure Group
29 Total berthing box Max draft: 16.2m
Dyke 2 Design depth: 12.8m LOA: at discretion 1 ship loader Bulk ore Common user
length is 680m Max beam: 55m *Berth 10 operational Q4 2012
Channel depth: 15.2m of Harbour Master Loading height max: 14m (air draft) concentrates
17 Max draft: 12.5m Loading outreach max: 17m Predominant user:
Max beam: 32.2m Travel distance: 115m ConPorts
Design throughput: 1,200tph BERTH MAX DRAFT IS AT ZERO TIDE. SAILING DRAFT IS DETERMINED BY CHANNEL DEPTH PLUS TIDE MINUS UNDER KEEL CLEARANCE.
Concentrate storage shed adjacent
to loader with five separate storage
bays totalling 28,500m3 (60,000 CONCRETE BERTH MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOADINGS* PORT CAPACITY
tonnes capacity)
Berth Crane outrigger (tonnes) Vehicle axles group (tonnes/group) 19 operational berths with 11 allocated to non-coal trade
Dyke 4 and 5 Design depth: 16.5m LOA: 290m + 230m 2 shared ship loaders Coal Port Waratah MID SPAN OVER PILES SINGLE TANDEM TRIPLE
Channel depth: 15.2m Max draft: 16.2m Design throughput: 2,500tph Coal Services Main channel depth 15.2m
19 Total berthing box Max beam: 47m Channel Berth # N/A 28 ‡ 7.5 12 18
length is 615m
Eastern Basin 1 50 65 65 90 100 River port with a tidal range of 2m

MAYFIELD PRECINCT Eastern Basin 2 50 65 65 90 100 Current maximum sized vessel accommodated has 300m LOA
and 50m beam
Berth Details Facilities Cargo/Commodity Operators Kooragang 2 23 78 33 44 51

Mayfield 4 Design depth: 12.8m LOA: 240m 10,000m2 concrete wharf area General cargo Common user Kooragang 3 30 83 40 62 75 Serviced by liner services to Asia and Oceania
Channel depth: 15.2m Max draft: 12.5m 10,000m2 hardstand Project cargo
24 Mayfield 4 100 100 70 90 100
Berth length is 265m Max beam: 50m Designed for mobile or rail-mounted Containers Navigation in and out of the Port of Newcastle is supported
ship-to-shore cranes and heavy forklift Western Basin 3 32 72 35 46 54 by a state-of-the-art swell and under keel clearance system
axle loads
Western Basin 4 52 72 57 76 90 Extensive simulation trials for fully loaded 284m container vessels
BHP 6 Design depth: 7.9m LOA: 130m Tar, pitch and Koppers Carbon have been conducted
(Koppers) Channel depth: 15.2m Max draft: 7.6m creosote Materials & Chemicals *AS OF DECEMBER 2011. ALL TONNAGES ARE INDICATIVE ONLY. HEAVY LOADS MUST BE REPORTED
TO AND APPROVED BY NPC ENGINEERS PRIOR TO BERTHING. # CHANNEL BERTH COMPRISES Operational parameters for high windage vessels have
Max beam: 18.6m exclusive access 3 x DOLPHINS AND CONNECTING BRIDGE DECK. FIGURES STATED ABOVE RELATE
25 TO DOLPHIN COMPONENTS. ‡ ON A 1.5m x 1.5m MAT ON DOLPHIN PILES 2 AND 4. been established
Port of Newcastle

41
40

32
31 1
30 33 39
34
35
36 38
37

24
25
29
23 2

19
28

18 17
26 16 4 3
20 15
14
21 12
13
11
22
10
42 27
9
7
8
6
5

1 Nobbys Headland 10 Western Basin 3 Berth 18 Toll Resources 26 OneSteel 34 Cement Australia Terminal
2
and GrainCorp Terminal 19 Dyke 4 and 5 Berths 27 Koppers Carbon Materials & Chemicals 35
Newcastle Port Corporation Pilot Station Kooragang 2 Berth
11 Western Basin 4 Berth Port Waratah Coal Services
3 Newcastle Port Corporation Office 28 Terminal 4 (T4) Development Site 36 Boral Timber Fibre Exports
12 Eastern Basin 1 and 2 Berths 20 McGrath Newcastle
4 29 Kooragang 8 and 9 Berths 37
Queens Wharf Eastern Basin Distribution Centre (patrick) GrainCorp Agriterminal
21 BP Australia Bulk Fuel Storage Facility Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group
5 Throsby 1 Berth 38 PATRICK Bulk Storage Facility
13 SVITZER Australia 22 Newcastle Stevedores 30 Kooragang 4, 5, 6 and 7 Berths
6 Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club 14 39 Orica
Helicopter Base – Pilot Transfer Service 23 Mayfield Development Site Port Waratah Coal Services
7 NSW Maritime and NSW Water Police 15 Channel Berth 31 Kooragang 3 Berth – Kooragang Bulk Facilities 40 Impact Fertilisers
24 Mayfield 4 Berth
8 Forgacs Floating Dock 16 Dyke 1 Berth 32 Incitec Pivot 41 Mountain Industries
25 BHP 6 Berth – Koppers Carbon Materials
9 CitroVita Juice Terminals 17 Dyke 2 Berth – ConPorts & Chemicals 33 Cargill 42 BHP Billiton Emplacement Cell
 UTILITIES
ELECTRICITY
The Hunter has ample capacity to service any size
development.
Heavy industry can liaise directly with the generation
companies: Macquarie Generation, Eraring Energy, Delta
Electricity and Redbank.
Deregulation of energy provision in mid-2001 has resulted
in better deals for business. Electricity retailers in the
region offer a flexible price structure to suit the needs of
individual organisations. They also provide bulk electricity
to designated heavy industrial zones.
Ausgrid has more than 100 years’ experience in operating
one of the largest and most reliable electricity networks
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
in Australia, supplying electricity to 1.6 million homes and
businesses across Sydney, the Central Coast and the
Hunter Region.
In the Hunter, Ausgrid’s network services nearly 250,000
customers, from households to major industries such as
coal mines, manufacturers and primary producers.
Ausgrid is investing $2 billion across the region between
2009-2014 to upgrade and replace large parts of the
electricity network to improve reliability and to meet
increasing peak demand for power.
Ausgrid also undertakes more than 100,000 maintenance
tasks each year to ensure the Hunter network continues
to serve the community safely and reliably.
Country Energy supplies consumers in the Dungog,
Gloucester and Great Lakes Local Government Areas
(LGAs). It also competes for supply to major commercial
and industrial sites across the region.
Other electricity retailers supplying the consumer market
include: AGL Electricity, Integral Energy, Origin Energy,
PowerDirect and TRUenergy.
Smart Grid, Smart City is a $100 million Australian
Government project that will develop Australia’s first fully
integrated, commercial scale smart grid over three years.
Grahamstown Dam
60
Newcastle and Upper Hunter homes will be among
30,000 households participating in the smart grid project,
which is being delivered by a consortium led by Ausgrid.
Smart grids involve transforming a traditional electricity
network by adding new, smart technology that can make
the network more efficient, help reduce interruptions,
support more renewable energy and give households
greater control over their energy use.
GAS
Reticulated natural gas is available to most industrial sites
in the Hunter. The region is serviced by AGL Retail Energy,
Country Energy and EnergyAustralia.
Hunter Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd is building a $900 million
natural gas pipeline from Queensland to the Hunter to
supply gas to industry in the region. This addition to the
market is expected to make supply more certain and
pricing more competitive. It will also make it feasible to
build a gas-fired power station in the Upper Hunter as
well as transportation of NSW coal seam gas to market.
Santos is planning to build a gas pipeline to an export
terminal on land it has purchased at Kooragang Island.
The $300 million project would include two laterals – one
to the Bayswater power station and another to the meter
station at Hexham.
Dart Energy has completed four coal seam gas exploration
holes at Fullerton Cove.
AGL is planning to extract coal seam gas from Gloucester
Basin and pipe it to meet existing infrastructure at
Hexham. The Gloucester Basin currently has certified
reserves of 423 petajoules (PJ) of 2P (Proved and
Probable) Reserves and 630 PJ of 3P (Proved, Probable
and Possible) Reserves. Gas from the Gloucester Basin
would produce 20 – 30 PJ per annum, which is more than
10% of the existing NSW market.
Other huge reserves of coal seam gas have been located
in the Hunter Valley and commercial development is likely
in the future subject to approval.
Advent Energy is exploring for natural gas in the PEPII
permit which has been estimated to contain over
370 billion cubic metres of prospective recoverable
gas resources (estimated Australian consumption in
2009 was 26.6 billion cubic metres). The site also has
strong prospects as a potential major carbon dioxide
geosequestration site.
The NSW government has declared as critical
infrastructure AGL’s proposed $300 million gas storage
facility at Tomago. Able to store up to 30,000 tonnes
of LNG, the plant would help secure gas supply to the
Hunter, Sydney and Wollongong. It is currently under
construction and is due to be completed and operating in
December 2013.
networks serviced by a number of competing carriers.
The Hunter is connected to the internet by a range of
local and national internet service providers. Uptake of the
internet in the Hunter is greater than the national average.
Since January 2010, RDA Hunter in conjunction with RDA
Central Coast has been engaged in a project to put the
Hunter and Central Coast forward as priority regions for
the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN).
In February 2013, the rollout of fibre optic connectivity
in Maitland commenced. By December 2013, work on
the NBN roll out will begin in Newcastle and a year later,
NBN fibre cable is due to start being installed in Lake

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

Macquarie. Other areas within the Hunter will receive high
WATER speed broadband via fixed wireless, satellite services and
The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, fibre, pending further announcements by NBN Co.
Cessnock and Dungog Local Government Areas are
serviced with mains water supplied by the Hunter Water
Corporation (HWC).

The Hunter Water Corporation has three catchments:

Chichester and Grahamstown Dams as well as the
Tomago Sandbeds.

State Water owns dams at Glenbawn, Glennies Creek

and Lostock in the Upper Hunter and supplies water
to Muswellbrook, Singleton and Scone, with the local Bayswater power station in the Upper Hunter
councils providing the distribution network.

Drinking water in the Hunter is of a very high standard and

is well within the national guideline requirements.

Although water restrictions have been in place for some

years in many parts of Australia, the Hunter Water
Corporation was able to provide a largely unrestricted
water supply.

WASTE WATER
The Hunter Water Corporation is an Australian leader in
innovation for effluent use. It provides reliable transport of
sewage throughout its area of operations via a wastewater
pipe network and treatment system.

Wastewater charges vary according to the strength and

volumes generated as well as the organisation’s proximity
to the treatment works.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The telecommunications network in the Hunter rivals that
of capital cities. The region is serviced by all the major
national carriers. Local carriers Soul and Ipera provide
a range of state-of-the-art telephone and high speed
broadband services, with optical fibre loops running
through Newcastle CBD and offering gigabit ethernet
capabilities. All exchanges are linked to the national
network for carriage of voice and data.
The region has comprehensive 3G and 4G mobile
Developer
Services
Whether it is a development such as a small
or large subdivision, commercial building, a
new industry or even a single house, they all
require water and/or wastewater infrastructure.
Hunter Water’s Developer Services Team
provides a single point to service the needs
of developers and their consultants who do
business with Hunter Water.
Contact Developer Serivces on 1300 657 657.
www.hunterwater.com.au

61
 INDUSTRIAL AREAS
As a consequence of the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy
and aggressive action by Local Government Areas the
Hunter Region continues to offer a wide range of industrial/
employment sites to meet the needs of business and
industry. Mature industrial areas provide opportunities to
obtain premises for immediate occupation while many new
industrial estates offer sites ready for development with,
in many cases, developers offering design and construct
packages.
is still to be released. In February 2012, the developable
land was purchased by Hunter Investment Corporation who
is now marketing the remaining available land. HEZ offers
affordable, fully-serviced industrial sites from 1 to 120 ha. A
new primary school and high school have been approved.
There are also plans to include a new hospital and release
residential land.
For further information visit www.hez.com.au.

CESSNOCK LGA DUNGOG LGA

Cessnock Civic Business Park Dungog Industrial Estate services the local Dungog
Cessnock Civic Business Park is strategically located adjacent community.
to Vincent Street, with main street access to Cessnock CBD.
Comprising light industrial and business support sites initially, GLOUCESTER LGA
Cessnock Civic Business Park will provide extensive public Gloucester Industrial Estate services the local Gloucester
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT

open space, future bulky goods retail opportunities, and an community.

exciting residential precinct within a close walk to shopping.
Development commenced in 2012.
Companies locating in this estate include:
Bunnings Warehouse, Endeavour Industries
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
Hunter Economic Zone
Located at Kurri Kurri, HEZ is Australia’s largest industrial
zone, occupying some 3,200 hectares of which 900
hectares is zoned developable for industrial use. A number
of companies have moved into HEZ but much of the land
LAKE MACQUARIE LGA
Cameron Park Industrial Estate
This is a 50 hectare subdivision located at the Sydney-
Newcastle Freeway and Newcastle Link Road interchange.
Stage 4 is presently under development. Lot sizes range
from 2,000 to 20,000 sqm. Prices are in the $120 to $150
per sqm range.
Companies located at Cameron Park include:
Ampcontrol, Hyne Timber, John Farragher Removals & Transport
and Veolia Environmental Services.

SPECIALIST COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & RETAIL AGENTS

Servicing Newcastle and the

Hunter Region in the sales, leasing
and management of all types of
commercial property assets.

Specialist services:
• Commercial property investments
• Project marketing
• Design and construction of land and building
packages for tenants and owner occupiers alike
• Commercial development advisory

fourwallscommercial.com ph: 49100 111

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Cardiff Industrial Park
The Cardiff industrial area is one of the older industrial areas in
the region: however in recent years it has been redeveloped.
As a result the park is seeing a more commercial focus
with the proposed Glendale Transport Hub nearby and the
mooted connection to Argenton expected to feed demand.
Companies located at Cardiff Industrial Park include:
Academy Sheetmetal Pty Ltd, Active Forklift Services, Alsco, Amdel
Laboratories, ATF Mining Electrics Pty Ltd, AVM Safety Solutions,
Barry McDonald Transport, Boart Longyear Pty Ltd, Brian Clulow
Industrial Pumping Pty Ltd, Brian Hanson Civil Engineering Pty Ltd,
Cardiff Signs, Case Equipment Sales, Crown Equipment Pty Ltd,
Custom Fluid Power, Dexion, Downer Engineering Power Pty Ltd,
Durham Fabrications, Edgeworth Furniture, EMB Manufacturing Pty
Ltd, Enhanced Telecommunications Pty Limited, Fastway Couriers,
Garry Brown Office Supplies, Graham Stainless Manufacturing
Pty Ltd, Hardy Manufacturing Pty Ltd, Hunter Plastics, Hunter
Watertech Pty Ltd, Inghams Enterprises, Inghams Feeds, Kenshaw
Electrical Pty Ltd, Kev Baldwin Wholesale Confectionery, Kingston
Heavy Haulage, Langford Windows, Macquarie Drywall Pty Ltd,
Mander Toyota Industrial Equipment, Maxwell Engineering Pty
Ltd, McColl Engineering Pty Ltd, MCM Manufacturing Pty Ltd,
Merino Engineering Supplies, Metalcorp Steel, Mining Components
Australia Pty Ltd, Mullings Fasteners, Newcastle Machine Shop,
Newcastle's Pudding Lady, P & H Fibreglass Pty Ltd, Pacific Linen
Services, Paul Harrison Transport, Priestley Electrical Pty Ltd, Pro
Power, PromoBasics, Protection Engineers Pty Ltd, Quickturn Pty
Ltd, Roadhound Electronics Pty Ltd, Sefton & Loudon Services
Pty Ltd, Serck Controls Pty Ltd, Stramit Frames & Trusses, Swift
& Company Limited, Sykes Group Pty Ltd, Taylors Belting Services
Pty Ltd, Tesa Group Pty Ltd, Toll Logistics, Tyrex Technologies Pty
Ltd and Viacitius Management Pty Ltd.
Other business zoned lands in Lake Macquarie Local
Government Areas include:
• Morisset Gateway Industrial Park
• Gateshead/Bennetts Green Industrial Park
• Warners Bay Bulky Goods Industrial Park
MAITLAND LGA
NSW’s fastest growing regional LGA, Maitland has readily
available industrial land predominantly to the west of the city
centre at Rutherford. Hunter Land offers design and construct
development opportunities. In addition there are established
facilities.Thornton Industrial Estate, Racecourse Business
Park and Anambah Business Park (both at Rutherford)
provide an excellent opportunity for transport, engineering,
mining related, and construction services businesses to
operate.
Thornton Industrial Estate
Located on the New England Highway at the end of
the Sydney-Newcastle Expressway, Thornton Industrial
Estate was commenced in 1995 and is now one of the
Hunter’s major industrial estates. The estate has excellent
access to the Sydney F3, New England Highway to the
north west and the Pacific Highway for the coastal north.
It is adjacent to Maitland and the Newcastle CBD is only
20 minutes away. Developed by Hunter Land, this estate
comprises 100 hectares and is about three kilometres
from the Beresfield industrial estates. There is very limited
land availability from 8,000 square metres to 2.9 hectares.
Land prices start from $140 per square metre. Hunter
Land offers land plus design and construct packages.
Companies that have located in this estate include:
Advanced Technology Solutions, Aggreko, A & D Lifting
Equipment, All Seasons Spas, Arbre Skin Technologies, ASK
Horticultural Distribution, ATSA Defence Services, Australian
Plastic Profiles, Austrian Energy & Environment, Boral Transport,
Boral Plasterboard, Cable Services Australia, Cavalier Homes,
Classic Air Conditioning, Coates Hire, Combined Coatings,
Cope Sensitive Freight, Decorative Technologies Australia,
Delnorth, Primary Industries - Minerals Technical Facility,
Earth Data, Eaton Fluid Power, ERM Australia, First Fleet
Global Acoustics, GWH Build, Harris Transport, Hume Door
& Timber, Hunter Buildings, Hunter Concrete Products,
Hunter Land, Hunter Pets, Hunter Precast Concrete, Hunter
Readymixed Concrete, Hunter Records Storage, Hunter
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Regional Organisation of Councils, Hunter Regional Tourism
Organisation, Hunter Stainless Steel, Steeline Hunter, Hunter
Transport Centre, Hunter Valley Boring, Hunter Valley Buses,
Hunter Valley Interior Linings, Justin Norris Swim Academy,
Life Technologies, ISS Hygeine Services, Linfox, Ludowici
Processing & Handling Equipment, Mainstream Industries,
Maitland Cool Rooms, McDonald Jones Homes, Marathon
Truck & Coach, Midway Metals, Mortels Sheepskin Factory, MI
Power, National Mining Services, National Plant & Equipment,
Neumann Steel, Neumann Contractors, Newcastle Mitsubishi
Trucks, Pinpoint Computer Services, Power Serve, Rapid
Access Australia, Redman Business Equipment, Reece
Plumbing, RTC Building Services, Schenk Australia, Sheer
Stainless Steel, Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Southern Steel,
Speed-E-Gas, Stratco, Steelcom, Thornton Joinery, Towers
Transport, TriState Transport, Woods Electric Battery Charging
Systems and others.
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
Anambah Business Park - Rutherford
Located on the New England Highway at Rutherford,
five kilometres west of central Maitland, Hunter Land’s
Anambah Business Park offers superior access and
exposure to the substantial New England Highway traffic
with a variety of sites in various sizes from 1,500 square
metres to over 2 hectares. Land prices start from $110
per square metre.
With highway frontage and access to the booming
mining sectors of the Hunter Valley, this location offers
substantial market catchment.
Hunter Land offers a design and construct service with
available land ranges, and tailored total land and design
and construct packages.
Companies in this business park include:
Tefol, LD Operations, Pullins Carpets, Signature Floats, CZL
Excavating, Prestige Design Joinery, Esco, Hunter Valley
Tiling, Joy Global, Masters Hardware, Hunter Commercial
Vehicles, Kennards Hire, Caltex, Firestorm, Hunter Valley
Filters, BT, Downunder Minesite Maintenance, P&H Minepro,
Thompsons Mining Fabrications, Thompsons Paint Assembly,
MRM Engineering, Warner Group, 1825 Interiors, Martin
Building Services, Framing Memories, Hunter Valley Tile Mart,
Seamless Mining Product, Reel Tech Remote Lighting, Lifter
Light Mounting Australia.
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 Racecourse Business Park - Rutherford
Located on the New England Highway at Rutherford, five
kilometres west of central Maitland, this business park
covers 90 hectares and is one of the Hunter’s major land
release areas offering level sites. Developed by Hunter Land,
it adjoins the original Rutherford Industrial Area.
Australia’s leading retailer, Harvey Norman, opened a new
22,000 sqm retail facility in early 2007 developed by Hunter
Land at the entrance to the business park. There is over
20,000 square metres of other bulky goods development
completed. Limited bulky goods opportunities are still
available.
Limited sites are available from $110 per square metre.
Companies that are located in this business park include:
AJW Earthmoving Pty Ltd, Allrak Storage Systems, Atlantic Pacific
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Foods, Bearing Dynamics, D & K Safety Consultants, Firestorm
Fire Protection, G & D Donnelly, Emeco, Everyday Living, Fantastic
Furniture, Harvey Norman, H & M Engineering & Construction,
Hogan’s Heavy Haulage, Hunter Valley Granite & Marble, Inbye
Mining Services, Industrial Maintenance & Fabrication, Jarmain
Electrical, John Holland Rail, Juganaut Industries, Jurox, Laffort,
Maitland Fabrications, P&H MinePro Services, National Ceramic
Industries Australia, Nationwide Oil, N J Contracting Services,
Pioneer Road Services, Pneumatic Equipment Repair Sales &
Service, Polymer Technology International, P W King & Sons
– General Engineers, Royal Equipment, Rutherford Industrial
Supplies, RSPCA, SLS Custom Stainless, Spotlight, Terex, Total
Temco, Transpacific Industries, Transport Repairs & Services,
Treloar, Ultrafloor, Valley Industrial & Irrigation, Vast Interiors, Vinkem
Packaging, Wax Converters Textile and others.
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
MUSWELLBROOK LGA
Muswellbrook Industrial Park
Located less than five minutes from Muswellbrook town
centre and off the main Industrial route (Thomas Mitchell Drive),
Muswellbrok Industiral Park has been developed by Mirvac.
Access has been designed for the needs of mine service
companies with power, water and telecommunications at
each lot. Muswellbrook Council recently announced plans to
connect sewer to lot boundaries at no cost to land owners
thanks to a government grant. Only a limited number of lots
remain in the estate ranging in size from 2,300 sqm to 1.2
hectares selling from $42 per sqm plus GST.
Generally, companies operating in the estate provide
services and support for the coal mining industry. Some of
these include:
A & D Lifting, Atlas Copco, Bell Scaffolding, Bradken, Bro-
Built Engineering, Coates Hire, Convatech, Cummins, Ellavale
Engineering, Enzed, Goodyear Hunter Valley, H & M Engineering &
Construction, Hitachi Construction Machinery, John Holland, Laing
O’Rourke, LeTouneau, Mitchell Drilling Contractors, Muswellbrook
Bearing Centre, Phillips Engineering, Reliable Conveyor Belt,
Sandvik Materials Handling, Thomas & Coffey, Titan Wheels &
Rims Pty Ltd, and Valley Longwall Hydraulics.
For more information on availability of sites in this
industrial area, contact Four Walls Commercial at www.
fourwallscommercial.com, Boyle Estate Agents www.
boylerealestate.com.au, or LJ Hooker www.ljhooker.com.
au/muswellbrook
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NEWCASTLE LGA
Steel River Industrial Park, Mayfield West
Steel River is located on Industrial Drive at West Mayfield,
a 10 minutes drive from Newcastle CBD, and covers an
area of 104 hectares. Lots are level with B-Double access.
Power, water telecommunications and sewer are connected
to the boundary of each lot. Lots range in size from 4,339
sqm to 4,833sqm. Land prices range from $155 per sqm
plus GST with strata industrial units approximately $1,500
per sqm plus GST.
Companies that have already located at Steel River include:
CSIRO Energy Research Centre, Hunter Water Australia,Ullrich
Aluminium, HIA Display Centre, Computer Science Corporation,
Scorpion International Freight Services, Horan Steel, Steel
River Brewery, Grace Records Management, SGE Australia,
AeroLogistics Helicopter Base, RMD Australia, Advitech,
Protector Alsafe, RCR Stelform VRBT Pty Ltd, Thomas & Coffey
and others.
For more information visit www.steelriver.com.au, or
contact Colliers International on 02 4926 4888 or Ray
White Commercial on 02 4974 3011.
Warabrook Industrial Estate
First developed in the mid 1980s, Warabrook is located in
Newcastle’s inner west, off the Pacific Highway at North
Mayfield. Some redevelopment is now taking place with
new commercial office complexes under construction.
Companies that are located in Warabrook include:
AAMHatch, Australia Post – Hunter Mail Centre, Carbon
Consulting International, Civico Manufacturing, Douglass
Partners, ENSR, Hermes Precisa, Hunter Special Engineering,
Hydratech Engineering, Pace Farms, Robtec Control Solutions,
Service Forms Australia, Sherrin Hire, Star Dean-Willcocks
Crosbie, Transfield Holdings, Worley Parsons, Wormald and
others.
Freeway Business Park, Beresfield
Hunter Land’s Freeway Business Park offers land in lots up
to four hectares. New releases in Freeway Business Park
– South Precinct (20 hectares) and Freeway Business Park
- North Precinct (30 hectares) are now available with prices
from $110 per square metre.
Companies that are located in this estate include:
Air Liquide, Aldi Foods, Apollo Kitchens, Atlas Specialty Metals,
Australian Safety Specialists, Beavis Party Hire, Blackwoods
Trade Centre, Coates, CTM, Chubb Security Services, CH2,
Coventry Fasteners, Bucyrus, Fletcher Insulation, F3 Motor
Auctions, John R Turk Electrical Supplies, KAB Seating
Systems, Keller Civil Engineers, MiniStor Self Storage, Quarry
Mining, Reece Onsite, Robson Civil Projects, Southcott, Target
Australia, Toyota Materials Handling, Geared Engineering, CSR
Building Products and Volvo Mack.
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
Holmwood Business Park , Beresfield
Holmwood Business Park is located on the border
of Newcastle and Maitland Local Government Areas
and serviced by major roads; Sydney Newcastle F3
Expressway, New England Highway and Pacific Highway.
Holmwood Business Park offers very limited vacant land
from approximately $130 per square metre.
Companies that are located in this estate include:
Anderson Group of Companies, Aquanaut Pty Ltd, Atlas-Copco,
Beresford Park Nursery Supplies, Boral Concrete Plant, Chep
Systems, Clark Food Service, Coast Reo, Control Synergy,
David Reid Homes, Fairfax Regional Printers, Firebox Australia,
Glenwood Rural Buildings, Global Food Equipment, Howard
Haulage, Hunter Industrial Supplies, Hunter Joinery Supplies,
Hardy Spicer, Hitachi Construction Machinery, KAB Seating
Systems, LJH Electrical Mining, Manor Park Homes, McCabe
Engineering Pty Ltd, Moody Kiddell & Partners, AUS Multicam
CNC Routing Machines, National Truck Repairs, Northern
Transport Services, Opalite Plastics, PowerDown, RTC Group, R
T Taylor – Iveco, Specialised Welding Products, Symbion Health,
Ultra Lite Plastics and WACO Kwikform.
PORT STEPHENS LGA
Hunter Industrial Park, Tomago
This serviced industrial estate is located adjacent to the
Pacific Highway at Tomago, just north of the Hexham bridge.
The land is level with power, water, telecommunications
and sewer available to each lot. The sewer is a Community
Association owned and operated facility as Hunter Water
sewer is not otherwise available. Lot sizes range from 1881
to 4071 square metres from $100 per square metre and
limited opportunity to consolidate adjoining lots.
Companies that have already located in the Hunter Industrial
Park include:
Ampcontrol, Cannavale Constructions, Coates Hire, Komatsu,
SGM Fabrications, Tropic Tomago, Varley, Volgren and Williams
River Steel.
For further information contact Raine & Horne Newcastle on
02 4915 2555 or your preferred Newcastle industrial agent.
Heatherbrae Industrial Estate
This estate comprises ten hectares off the Pacific Highway
between Hexham and Raymond Terrace. Building products
manufacturer Weathertex’s production facility is located
adjacent to this estate. Fully serviced level lots range in size
from 1,800 square metres. Limited sites are now on the
market at approximately $120 per square metre.
An adjacent major facility is occupied by Sandvik’s Hunter
Valley Supersite, a 16 hectare lot with major infrastructure
developed in 2011 by Hunter Land.
Taylors Beach Business Park
Taylors Beach has available land from $100 per square metre,
with sizes from 2,000 square metres upwards. Completed in
2010 by Hunter Land, the latest release includes level cleared
sites adjacent to Bunnings Warehouse.
Companies in this estate include:
Bunnings, Tradelink and Supercheap Auto.
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
Williamtown Aerospace Centre
Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC) at Newcastle Airport
will be a key economic driver for the Hunter Region and has
the potential to position the Hunter as a major national and
potentially international centre for the aerospace and aviation
industry. It comprises Newcastle Airport and the soon to be
commenced Williamtown Aerospace Park (WAP).
Available from 2013, WAP is a 50 hectare employment park
with an emphasis on aerospace, aviation and the existing
industrial base that clusters around RAAF Base Williamtown.
Land for aerospace users includes sites with airside access.
Land and design/construct packages (for both owner
occupiers and lessees) are available. WAP offers Torrens title
freehold. Early stage proposed components of WAP include
a hotel and office buildings.
Visit www.hunterland.com.au for further information on WAP.
SINGLETON LGA
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
McDougall Business Park
Located on the New England Highway North of Singleton
CBD, the 65 hectare McDougall Business Park is being
developed by Hunter Land. The estate has signalised entry
from New England Highway, connecting through to Maison
Dieu Road. Singleton Toyota and Bunnings Warehouse are
located at the entry. Other users are from transport, mining,
engineering and agricultural support industries.
Land is now available with sizes ranging from 2,000 sqaure
metres to over 2 hectares with prices from $80 per square
metre. In addition, Hunter Land offers land and design and
construct packages.
Companies in this estate include:
Ausgrid, Bunnings, Hunter Valley Buses, Singleton Toyota, TNT,
Entire Concrete, Singleton Elite Self Storage, Whitmore Industries,
Tutt Bryant Hire and Cox Plant Hire, Actrol, Greg Hedges Smash
Repair, HMA – Halley & Mellowes Australia, Prospectors Earth
Science.
For more information visit www.hunterland.com.au
Maison Dieu Industrial Estate
Located off Maison Dieu Road at Singleton, this 50 hectare
estate services the coal mining industry in the Upper Hunter
area generally as well as other parts of the Region. Lot sizes
range from 2,000 to 4,000 sqaure metres however, there is
limited availability of land.
Some of the leading companies that are located in this estate
include:
Birrana Engineering, Blackwoods, Boon Logistics, Bradken, CCI
FluidTech, CCI POPE, Consolidated Bearing Company, Enzed,
Fanquip, Garland Engineering, LEGRA, Lubritene Australia,
Marathon Equipment, MTU Detroit Diesel Australia, MVD Australia,
Outbye Engineering, PowerServe, Sandvik Surface Mining Division,
Tefol, TradeLink, Tri-Steel, and Wormald Fire Systems.
For more information contact David Williams Real Estate
www.realestatesingleton.com.au
Mt. Thorley Industrial Estate
Mt Thorley is a 130 hectare estate located west of Singleton.
It is a mature industrial area servicing the coal mining industry.
Around six lots are currently available.
65
 Companies operating in this estate include:
Ellavale Engineering, Allen Precision Engineers, Firefly International,
Gough & Gilmore, Hedweld Engineering, Hunter Frame & Truss,
Komatsu, Leibherr, Marathon Tyres, SGS Australia, Terex Mining,
Total Fire Solutions and Westrac.
UPPER HUNTER LGA
Although there is some industrial zoned land in the Upper
Hunter LGA, there has been a shortage for a number of
years. A significant new estate at Scone was launched in
2010 to help ease this shortage.
Scone Business Park
John R Burton Contractors is developing the new Scone
Industrial Park. The 19.28 hectare estate, which is zoned
light Industrial / Special Business, will provide a significant
economic boost for Scone which has long suffered from a
shortage of quality industrial and commercial land. Located
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
on the northern boundary of the Scone township, bounded
by the highway and the Great Northern Rail Line, the estate
offers fully serviced lots ranging in size from 1900 to 6670
sqaure metres.
For further information contact Elders Scone or Macallum
Inglis Scone www.maccalluminglis.com.au.
PROPOSED NEW INDUSTRIAL AREAS
There are also a wide variety of new industrial areas planned
or under development which will provide powerful economic
stimuli for decades to come.
The major new industrial areas include:
Former BHP Steelworks site, Port of Newcastle, Mayfield
This 150 hectare site consists of two main sections: the
60 hectare Intertrade Industrial Park managed by Hunter
Development Corporation, formerly managed by Regional
Land Management Corporation (RLMC). The second section
is the 90 hectare port-side portion of the site, managed by
the Newcastle Port Corporation. This park, with deepwater
frontage to the Hunter River, is the site of the former BHP
Steelworks. The Hunter Development Corporation has been
undertaking a $110 million remediation program on the site
in two stages. Stage One of the remediation, covering 30
hectares, was completed in mid-2008. The second and final
stage was completed in November 2012, bringing the total
area remediated to 90 hectares. The remaining 60 hectares in
the Buildev Intertrade footprint will be remediated as the land
is developed.This land will be suitable for general industry,
freight and commercial uses, with plenty of room for a wide
range of port-related industrial development. The Buildev
Intertrade Consortium Pty Ltd plans to redevelop the site in a
deal that would bring $120 million in new investment and an
estimated 3,000 jobs. The consortium has plans to develop
62 hectares of the site: 10 hectares in the Intermodal Zone
which will be capable of supporting port-related industry;
and 52 hectares in the General Industry Zone.
Kooragang Island is adjacent to the Port of Newcastle
and managed by Hunter Development Corporation and
Newcastle Port Corporation, formerly managed by RLMC.
This Kooragang Island site comprises 1,300 hectares with
good rail and road transport links. Almost 100 hectares
66
are already occupied by companies including HiFert,
Graincorp, Tomago Aluminium, Sims Metal, Toll Transport,
Barclay Mowlem, BOC Gases, John Holland and Custom
Transportable Buildings. More than 800 hectares are
zoned for environmental protection, with the remaining
400 hectares suited to a range of activities including an
expansion of coal loading capacity and other large-scale
industrial development. The Newcastle Coal Inrastructure
Group (NCIG) constructed a third coal loader which
commenced operations in 2010. Port Waratah Coal
Services is planning to construct a fourth coal loader on
the site to be known as T4.
Tomago is adjacent to Port of Newcastle and managed by
the Hunter Development Corporation, formerly managed
by RLMC. This site is on former rural lands and comprises
545 hectares of land suitable for both light and heavy
industry on a large scale and developers requiring large,
uniform and level land sites. It is situated adjacent to the
Tomago Industrial Area, which is an older industrial area.
In 2010, the Corporation sold a 240 hectare site adjoining
on Tomago Road to WEPL Investments Pty Ltd. The site
is adjacent to the 108 hectare industrial subdivision which
includes 66 hectares sold to NSW/ACT Caterpillar dealer
Westrac to establish a $120 million service, training and
apprentice facility employing 300. In early 2012, HDC
sold a 242 hectare parcel of land to Port Waratah Coal
Services for use as environmental offset for its proposed
T4 coal terminal. The transaction included the lodging of a
covenant over the land which dictates it must be used for
environmental offset purposes even if the T4 coal terminal
does not proceed.
West Wallsend is adjacent to Port of Newcastle and
managed by Hunter Development Corporation, formerly
managed by RLMC and formerly owned by BHP. This
land comprises 1,545 hectares and is situated on the
outskirts of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s existing
suburbs. The Lower Hunter Regional Strategy identified
355 hectares of land at West Wallsend suitable for a range
of employment uses. With a shortage of employment
lands in Lake Macquarie, the unique scale and size of the
site mean that a range of integrated sustainable industrial
and residential uses are possible. The feasibility of land
development options are currently being considered.
Visit www.hunterdevelopmentcorporation.com.au for
further information on the preceding four sites.
Singleton Industrial Development
Located opposite the New England and Golden Highways
intersection at Wittingham and being developed by
Buildev, this park is approximately 370 hectares, with 270
hectares zoned for industrial development. Worth around
$400 million when complete, the site has excellent
transport links, including 25 hectares of rail-side site,
New England Highway and Golden Highway. The new
Hunter Expressway will join the New England Highway
just to the east. A wide range of lot sizes are planned,
with consolidation possible for large operations.
For further information visit www.buildev.com.au.
 Building BETTER PlACES
FoR PEoPlE
The Hunter Development Corporation is a State
Government agency working to create better
places for people to live, work and enjoy.

The Corporation’s role is to facilitate private

sector investment on State-owned lands that
would otherwise remain closed to the public.

It does this by removing constraints that prevent

development and by encouraging development
that creates public spaces for the community
to enjoy. The Corporation’s area of operation
includes eleven local government areas in the
Hunter Valley.

For further information,

phone 4904 2750.
hunterdevelopmentcorporation.com.au
HDC0199
 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The large majority of commercial development in the
Hunter Region is in the Lower Hunter. The Lower Hunter
Regional Strategy, a 25 year plan announced in late 2006
by the then NSW Minister for Planning identifies Newcastle
as a Regional City and Charlestown, Maitland, Cessnock
and Raymond Terrace as Major Regional Centres. Of these
five growth areas, Newcastle, Charlestown and Maitland
currently lead the way in commercial development.
NEWCASTLE CITY
The City of Newcastle is the business capital of the Hunter
and has over 250,000 square metres of office space.
Office vacancy rates in the Newcastle CBD for the 12
months to January 2013 have fallen to the lowest level in
five years, according to the Property Council of Australia’s
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Australian Office Market Report.
Demand for CBD office space (net absorption) was 2,571
square metres in the year to January 2013 and has grown
strongly in recent years. Overall vacancy rates have
crashed from 14.5% to 6.9% in just four years. The fall is
due almost exclusively to positive demand.
A and B grade office space remains tight, with vacancy
rates of 3.4% and 3.5% respectively. C grade office space
vacancy tightened in the year to 11.7%. The demand for
D grade office space remains low, with the vacancy rate
increasing to 27.9%.
The renewal phase of the Newcastle CBD incorporates
the construction of multi-storey residential complexes as
more people are finding the city an enjoyable place to
live as well as work. This growing residential population
supports a vibrant retail, dining and entertainment
commercial sector and is turning the Newcastle CBD
into a living city. Visitor accommodation ranging from
budget to 4.5-star hospitality further enhances the city’s
commercial appeal.
In December 2012, the NSW Government announced
68
plans to cut the inner-city rail line and build a transport
interchange at Wickham. Linking the older part of the
Newcastle CBD with the harbour foreshore, the decision is
expected to act as a major catalyst for the redevelopment
of Newcastle and result in a major influx of investment.
Bordering the CBD, the Honeysuckle Cottage Creek
Precinct is contributing to the revitalisation of Newcastle’s
CBD by generating investment and attracting business
along the Hunter River foreshore.
The Hunter Development Corporation will be a key
driver in the development and renewal required to help
stimulate economic growth in the Hunter consistent with
the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy. As part of this work,
the Hunter Development Corporation will continue the
work in redeveloping 50 hectares of land and buildings
along Newcastle Harbour, one of Australia’s largest urban
renewal projects. In 2012, Newcastle marked 20 years of
the 50 hectare Honeysuckle urban renewal project.
Honeysuckle is made up of seven distinct precincts:
Carrington, Cottage Creek, Honeysuckle, Hunter Street,
Linwood, Marina and Wickham.
• Carrington is designed to be the epitome of an inner-city
suburb enjoying the inner-city revival. It is here that the
4 km stretch to Nobbys begins with a meander through
Throsby Creek’s famous mangroves.
• The Cottage Creek Precinct is the main commercial
centre of Honeysuckle with the Sparke Helmore
Building, PricewaterhouseCoopers Centre, Hunter Water
Corporation head office and the NIB head office housing
busy offices. The precinct provides a hub of A-grade
office space in the western end of the city centre, which
is earmarked as the part of the city with the greatest
potential for higher density commercial development into
the future. The 14,500 sqaure metres NIB head office
building on Honeysuckle Drive is also the new home
for professional services firm GHD and a major bank as
tenants. Facilitating commercial activity in the Cottage
Creek Precinct is part of Honeysuckle’s objective to
encourage around-the-clock activity in the CBD, enabling
this new hub on the harbour to become the gateway to
the city of Newcastle. The Corporation has exchanged
contracts with the Greater Building Society for the purchase
of a commercial development site next to the Hunter Water
Building for its new corporate headquarters.
The precinct features cafes, a travel agent and childcare
centre, catering to the needs of office workers. The
Corporation is preparing to release more land to the market
in Cottage Creek in the near future.
• The Honeysuckle Precinct has been designed to be the
region’s foremost social gathering place, with a collection
of restaurants, cafes, public spaces, live entertainment and
cultural activity making it a vibrant destination where there is
always something happening. Within this precinct, Harbour
Square is a wide area of open space, while the Boardwalk
houses an assortment of restaurants, casual bars and
cafes. The precinct features the Lee Wharf pontoon and
the Harbour Square Boat Dock, both of which act as
bases for tourism-related uses such as harbour cruises and
whale watching tours and also for use by private vessels.
Construction was recently completed on the third stage of
the Lee Wharf development, a mixture of lifestyle-retail shops,
cafes, restaurants and residential opening to the foreshore
promenade. It also features a large park by the habour called
Worth Place Park, and the popular Honeysuckle Hotel which
showcases the adaptive re-use of an historic cargo shed on
the harbour at Lee Wharf. The Chifley Serviced Apartments
building in Lee Wharf commenced operation in mid-2009.
Meanwhile, the Buildev group has been working towards
commencing development on a mixed-use site at Lee
Wharf to be known as “Honeysuckle Central”, featuring
20,000 square metres of commercial office space. Nearby,
the heritage-listed railway workshops provide living history
in the form of venues for community events. The Newcastle
Museum, which takes up several of the heritage buildings,
opened in mid-2011. The Forum gymnasium and Wine
Selectors occupy the other former railway buildings.
• The Hunter Street Precinct offers accommodation
for visitors to the city as well as to residents at the Cove
Apartments. It also features the Bellevue Apartments
and the Ibis Hotel. These developments have been the
catalyst for revitalisation in Newcastle’s City West, with the
community health centre consolidating this culture change
and the Hunter Street Precinct becoming a convenient and
colourful mix of commercial, retail and residential uses. A
new 1,000 square metres park on Hunter Street links the
new Community Health Centre and the Hunter Institute of
Technology.
• Linwood has been designed as a peaceful piece of
Honeysuckle showcasing the latest in architectural
excellence, with innovative terrace-house design fitting into
the waterfront village and forming a community with 300
dwellings set amongst hectares of landscaped foreshore
parkland and a casual café.
• The Marina Precinct has been designed as a unique
maritime experience. Headquarters to the Newcastle
Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC), this precinct features 200
marina berths, shipyard maintenance facilities with 40-tonne
travelift and hardstand, a commercial centre with ship’s
chandler, yacht broker, cafés and beauty clinic. Newcastle
Fishermans Co-operative operates a seafood processing
and retail store as well as supplies for Newcastle’s
commercial fishing fleet which have their own marina berths.
Work on the Marina Precinct was finalised following the
completion of the Glasshouse commercial office building on
the Wickham waterfront and the Newcastle Cruising Yacht
Club’s new clubhouse in late 2008.
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
• Historic Wickham is home to heritage-listed buildings and
sites. The redevelopment of the aging, semi-industrial area
has provided a catalyst for revitalisation of the inner-city
community.
CHARLESTOWN
Charlestown is a major retail and commercial centre for
Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter. It has experienced
high growth in recent years and continues to attract large
volumes of investment in commercial development.
The CBD of Charlestown is home to well over 500 businesses
and has over 200,000 square metres of leasable floor area.
Its main regional shopping complex, Charlestown Square,
opened its $470 million redevelopment in October 2010
which included around 100 new stores, a 1,000 seat food
hall, a new Reading Cinemas complex and an additional
1,000 car spaces.
There are a number of other major current, proposed and
recently completed developments.
MAITLAND
Maitland, including nearby Rutherford and Green Hills, is a
major retail and commercial centre servicing the surrounding
residential, industrial and mining areas including Singleton
and Muswellbrook.
Property developers Hunter Land are active in the
construction of new commercial and retail space in the area
from Thornton (east of Maitland) to Rutherford.
Stockland Green Hills is planning a $350 million
redevelopment that would include a new level and provide
a total gross lettable area of around 70,000 square metres.
The expansion would include a new Myer store, an additional
discount department store and approximately 130 new
specialty shops. Major construction is expected in 2015.
The NSW Police Department’s Infringement Processing
Bureau is located in Maitland, along with the NSW
Department of Mineral Resources Division of the NSW
Department of Primary Industries.
69
 HVRF...freely providing
independent research and
analysis to aid the Hunter’s
development since 1956.

HVRF programs are funded

by over 150 organisations &
individuals and include:
• Economic indicators
Hunter & Upper Hunter

• Business innovation
• Technology usage
• Residential market outlook
• Investment projects monitor
New format in 2013

• Community wellbeing
• Online resources

Research solutions...tailor-made and cost-effective

• Quarterly surveys of businesses and households
• Expert advice from experienced researchers
• Strong and proven customer focus

To become a member visit www.hvrf.com.au | call 02 4969 4566

INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
Innovation has been a hallmark of the Hunter since its early
days and is a major driver of today’s economy, providing
unique market solutions and opening up new markets
across the globe.
Innovation, combined with the traditional Hunter qualities
of cooperation, positive attitude and result-driven nature, is
also making the Hunter a leading alternative energy region
and one that is facing the current environmental challenges
head on and producing solutions.
INNOVATION
Innovation is an essential quality for success in today’s global
marketplace, particularly in countries such as Australia which
cannot compete on the basis of labour costs against many
countries, particularly the rapidly-growing Asian economies.
The Hunter Region is embracing innovation as an important
component of business and has a broad range of success
stories, from small organisations developing one or two
unique products or technologies to major international
companies that invest millions of dollars into research and
development to continually produce new and better designs
that enable them to be at the forefront of global markets.
With an increasing emphasis in the Hunter on exporting,
many businesspeople are realising that by supplying the
global marketplace they can have very successful and quite
large businesses in even small niche markets.
There are many successful, innovative, Hunter-based
businesses, ranging from large global suppliers such as
Ampcontrol and Bradken to numerous small to medium
specialist businesses offering original solutions to the
marketplace.
The Hunter is also home to a number of world-class
organisations that are conducting ground-breaking research
or teaming with businesses to facilitate commercialisation of
their ideas.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is a world-class institution
delivering quality tertiary education and innovative research.
The University’s priority is to collaborate and engage with
business, industry and government at the local, national and
international level to deliver high impact, quality research that
is valued by the community and which provides solutions
to real world problems. Establishing and strengthening
relationships with partners is an important driver in the
University’s research success and in advancing its global
reputation.
Engaging with international partners on research provides
opportunities for new discoveries, innovations and
knowledge exchange. It also ensures that the University’s
students learn from curricula that are informed by the latest
research from Australia and overseas.
The University’s research includes areas that align to areas
of importance for local business and industry, including
many areas where it is ranked among the top performers
in the country such as in social work and neurosciences.
For example, University researchers are currently working
with employers and employees on the impact of disruptive
work practices on mental health, which are now becoming
more common place in the local mining and transport
industries, due to the shortage of skilled workers. These
aspects of research application are just as important as
the more traditional engineering and technology-based
collaborations.
The Australian Government’s 2012 Excellence in Research
Australia (ERA) process placed the University of Newcastle’s
engineering research in the top two in the country and its
medical and health research in the top five in the country.
The University has also established strengths in applied
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
sciences including chemistry and plant sciences.
Internationally, the Academic Ranking of World Universities
places Newcastle in the top four per cent of universities
in the world, and the Times Higher Education World
University Rankings and QS World University Rankings
place the University in the top three per cent. Both the
Times Higher Education and QS also rank Newcastle in
the top 50 universities in the world under the age of 50.
The University hosts two world class research institutes
– the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the
Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), both
of which demonstrate the University’s commitment to the
needs of its communities and partnerships with industry
and business. NIER was established to augment the
University’s existing reputation of research excellence and
expertise within the minerals, energy and resources fields.
HMRI, which promotes the translation of laboratory-based
findings into improved clinical care, opened its new $90
million world-class clinical research building in September
2012 on the Rankin Park campus adjacent to the John
Hunter Hospital.
Through its research achievements, the University of
Newcastle is addressing the key challenges of our time,
helping to shape the world for future generations and
A DNA researcher
71
 taking key leadership roles in its spheres of achievement.
It is committed to ensuring the inspirational work of its
researchers and emerging research leaders continues to
contribute to communities around the world.
. Newcastle's state-of-the-art research capabilities and
To find out more about the University’s research activities
please visit www.newcastle.edu.au/research/
Newcastle Innovation
Newcastle Innovation is the technology transfer office of
the University of Newcastle. Since its creation in 1969,
Newcastle Innovation has facilitated the transfer of
knowledge, technology and scientific research from the
University to commercial partners.
This is achieved by linking the University's consulting and
contracted research to industry and securing investments
to commercialise innovative technology developed within
the institution. Key areas of expertise include health,
biotechnology, mining, minerals processing, energy,
logistics and science.
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
Newcastle Innovation provides an efficient and effective
commercial interface that focuses on:
• Identification, protection and commercialisation of novel
technologies
• Delivery of specialist consultancy and contracted
research services to industry and government
• Access to the expert knowledge base within the
University of Newcastle, and
• Promotion of the University's world-class scientific
WE MAKE IT OUR BUSINESS TO
WORK WITH INNOVATIVE COMPANIES
Does your business need innovative thinking to turn a
bright idea into reality? Newcastle Innovation can help.
As the University of Newcastle’s technology transfer
office, we have access to over 1,000 of the brightest
researchers in Australia and bring their expertise,
inventions and new technologies to market.
We’re all about forging strong, productive partnerships.
If your business has a challenge to solve or a bright idea
we would love to talk to you.
www.newcastleinnovation.com.au
02 4921 8777
72
research and commercialisation activities to potential
research sponsors and collaborators, licensees or investors.
Strategically positioned to access the University of
equipment, Newcastle Innovation provides value-added
solutions to the research or technology challenges of
businesses across a diverse range of areas. Newcastle
Innovation delivers:
• Engagement with industry partners to support world
class innovation
• A strong portfolio of new technologies to provide new
capabilities and a competitive edge
• Tailored contract research consulting services from the
University's multi-disciplinary research talent, and
• A direct route to the University's experts and specialist
testing services.
As an example, Newcastle Innovation’s partner Granite
Power was looking to develop its emerging clean energy
technologies. Newcastle Innovation worked with University
researchers to develop a patentable heat exchanger
that could efficiently produce energy without creating
greenhouse gas emissions. Newcastle Innovation provided
the expertise needed, from patenting and intellectual
property advice, assisting to secure government funding,
and the project management skills that led to the licence
of the technology.
In the health space, for example, Newcastle Innovation
facilitates access to clinical expertise in novel drug
AUSTRALIA’S
LEADING IP
FIRM
Our technical and legal specialists in the Hunter and
Central Coast provide straight forward intellectual
property advice, due diligence and protection
strategies.
Contact our Newcastle office for more information
on a free initial consultation.
T +61 2 4960 8366
E dhenshaw@davies.com.au
PAT E N T S | T R A D E M A R K S | D E S I G N S | C O P Y R I G H T
davies.com.au
discovery for airways disease. Via the University’s Centre
for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, state-of-the-art
facilities and validated animal models of disease can be
applied to characterising therapeutics or mechanism for
action studies, and are available for contract research.
To find out how Newcastle Innovation can assist your
business to access the University of Newcastle’s world
class research and facilities, call 02 4921 8777. Visit www.
newcastleinnovation.com.au or you can find Newcastle
Innovation on Facebook.
Industry Development Centre (Hunter) Ltd (IDC Hunter)
IDC Hunter is a not-for-profit organisation established
in 1992 by the Australian Federal Government. Today,
IDC Hunter remains Australia’s leading innovation
development services firm, delivering a suite of specialised
commercialisation products and services to help inventors
and innovative small businesses evaluate, develop, protect
and commercialise new ideas. Each year IDC Hunter
provides help to more than 1000 innovators from across
Australia.
IDC Hunter recommends a step-by-step process
for developing ideas and provides real and cost-
effective solutions designed to minimise risk along the
commercialisation pathway, as well as provide clients with
the best chance for success.
With its comprehensive range of innovation development
products and services, experienced staff and strong
networks with government, industry, business, research
and education providers, IDC Hunter is well-positioned
to assist innovators take their ideas from concept to
commercialisation.
For further information, please contact IDC Hunter on 02
4962 0999 or visit www.innovation.org.au
CSIRO
The CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle’s Steel River
Industrial Estate provides a focal point in Australia for
Part of the CSIRO Solar Centre
research in the fields of:
• renewable energy technologies
• energy future scenario modelling
• distributed energy generation and demand management, and
• low emission electricity from coal.
CSIRO is a unique provider of energy research and
development, with a broad, multidisciplinary research
capability and knowledge of the whole energy sector and
value chain. The objective of CSIRO’s energy research
is to enable pathways and solutions for Australia to
transition safely and smoothly to a secure, low-emissions,
prosperous future.
In April 2010, construction began on CSIRO’s new solar
thermal research hub, at CSIRO’s National Solar Energy
Centre. The $5 million site, funded by the Australian Solar
Institute, covers an area of 4000 square metres and
consists of a 30 metre high solar tower and a field of 450
heliostats (mirrors). Although being used for research, a
site of this size could generate enough electricity to power
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
nearly 200 homes.
The first of its kind in Australia, this large scale demonstration
site is a national and international hub for researching
and commercialising solar thermal technologies, already
attracting collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
(Japan) and Abengoa Solar (Spain).
The CSIRO Energy Centre incorporates and demonstrates
many low emission energy technologies and design
features, including:
• 115 kW photovoltaic system comprising three types of
building integrated photovoltaic arrays
• 120 kW gas fired microturbine cogeneration system
• One 1 kW vertical axis wind turbine and two 20 kW
horizontal axis wind turbine
• A 500k W solar thermal tower and a 200 kW solar tower
• Basic design principles that increase the building’s
efficiency and decrease its energy requirements.
The Energy Centre is also home to the headquarters
73
 of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI), a $150 million
Australian Government commitment to keep Australia at
the forefront of solar energy innovation. The ASI aims to
drive collaborative, focused research and development
that will have a major impact on the efficiency and cost-
effectiveness of photovoltaic and concentrating solar
power technologies. The ASI fosters greater collaboration
between solar researchers in Australian universities,
research institutions and industry, and helps forge strong
links with peak overseas solar research organisations. The
ASI also acts as a catalyst and champion for Australia’s
leadership strengths in solar innovation. A key focus for the
ASI is disseminating the results and learnings from solar
development for the benefit of the Australian and global
solar communities and the Australian public.
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is recognised
as one of the leading medical research institutes in NSW.
HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England
Health, the University of Newcastle and the community.
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
HMRI facilitates relationships between researchers to
integrate research into clinical care, spanning biomedical
research, clinical trials and public health research.
In 13 years HMRI has grown to more than 770 researchers
who are conducting research of national and international
significance. HMRI researchers from the University of
Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and Calvary Mater
Newcastle have been instrumental in establishing the
Hunter as a place of research excellence.
HMRI brings scientists, researchers, clinicians, policy
makers, civic and business communities together to
promote collaboration, enhance planning and improve
resource allocation at a local level. This results in improved
training and employment opportunities, improved health
care delivery and attracts the best professionals to the
region.
For more information visit www.hmri.net.au.
The new $90 million HMRI research facility opened in early 2012
74
Hunter Valley Research Foundation
The Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF) is a leader
in regional economic and social research in Australia.
In 2011, HVRF celebrated 55 years of providing reliable
research information to guide evidence-based decision
making in the Hunter. This not-for-profit organisation has
data series for the Hunter dating back more than 25 years,
giving the region a unique advantage. The HVRF makes
freely available its regional research findings through its
user-friendly website – www.hvrf.com.au, a free public
enquiry service (12-3pm Mon-Fri, ph: 4969 4566) and its
well-attended functions.
HVRF offers a level of versatility and innovation which
ensures a high quality research product tailored to each
client including:
• Regular, cost-effective omnibus surveys
• Tailored projects using a range of methodologies and
questionnaire designs
• Data collection utilising a range of methods
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of results, and
• Facilitation and focus group services.
HVRF has an established reputation for reliability,
independence and research expertise. Its strengths
include:
• A lateral, reliable and consistent approach to research
methods
• High level Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI)
knowledge
• Highly trained field and telephone interviewing teams
• Extensive experience in a variety of data collection
methods
• A strong focus on customer service, and
• Effective and tailored communication of research results.
With diverse backgrounds and qualifications, HVRF’s
researchers combine to form multi-skilled teams able to
tackle complex research questions. For information on
the Foundation or its services, call (02) 4969 4566 or visit
www.hvrf.com.au
RDA Hunter
The Hunter has embraced innovation as an important
contributor to the growth and sustainability of its economy.
RDA Hunter is working to support and develop this mindset
by:
• helping innovating companies to connect
• recognising excellence in innovation, and
• promoting the Hunter as a centre for innovative people,
work practices and businesses.
board committed to promoting a pathway for key
stakeholders to network in an ethical and transparent
manner. Opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and
innovators to exchange ideas, knowledge and discuss
possibilities will be arranged throughout the year.
For further information on the Hunter Founders Forum visit
www.hunterfoundersforum.com.au.

RDA Hunter’s Innovation Festival has been at the forefront

of this work since 2008. RDA Hunter will continue to
grow and develop an innovative culture within the region
by facilitating new and thought-provoking events and
opportunities into the future.

RDA Hunter is also leading the development of the Hunter’s

Innovation Scorecard to measure the region’s innovation
capability. It will provide statistical data on the uptake of
innovation by Hunter businesses and a sample of the

INNOVATION & CREATIVITY

region’s innovative companies.

Hunter Founders Forum

The fundamental purpose of the Hunter Founders Forum is
to serve the Hunter community by fostering innovation and
investment in the r egion that supports diversification and
growth of the economy.

As a non-political, not-for-profit organisation, the Hunter Hunter Valley Research Foundation Breakfast series
Founders Forum is guided by an independent voluntary

Leadership in clean energy research

,

and the minimisation of carbon emissions.

The NIER Research program

> Lowering carbon emissions through next generation clean coal and carbon capture and storage technologies
> Developing alternative energy sources including geothermal, biomass, wind and polymer solar cells
sion

> Promoting social change and the sustainability of resources and the environment.

Collaborate with us
Our research projects provide real value through partnering with industry and government. NIER
is currently working alongside a diverse group of industry partners from short-term collaborations
to major long-term partnerships. For further information about NIER Partnerships contact NIER
on (02) 4033 9000.

www.newcastle.edu.au/nier/

75
 MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
With strong coal mining and power generation industries,
the Hunter Region would initially appear to be one of the
regional economies that will be most at risk with heightened
environmental concerns and particularly the push for
reduced carbon emissions. However, a deeper study would
quickly show that the region is facing many environmental
challenges head on and, in many instances, is employing
and producing cutting-edge technology that will have major
economic flow-on benefits for many years to come.
The existing power stations in the Hunter have made
substantial strides in recent years to reduce their environmental
impact through upgrades and the implementation of new
technology. The Hunter is increasingly building a reputation
as a major centre of alternative energy.
Important research is taking place in a wide range of
alternative energy technologies, including solar, wind and
hydroelectricity. There is also research in the areas of carbon
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
capture, battery technology, energy efficiency and much
more.
Much of the research is occurring at the University of
Newcastle and CSIRO’s Energy Centre which is located in
Newcastle. In 2009, the Federal Government established
the headquarters of the $100 million Australian Solar Institute
at CSIRO’s Newcastle facility – a powerful example of the
growing reputation of the Hunter as a centre of innovation
and alternative energy.
A $5 million experimental solar power plant began installation
at the CSIRO facilities in November 2010. Using air instead
of water to drive the turbines, it will be the biggest of its
type in the world and will help open up many applications in
outback Australia where there are excellent solar conditions
but an extreme shortage of water. The trial plant covers
around 4000 square metres and could power around 200
households even running at low capacity.
There are also billions of dollars of investment being
poured into alternative energy projects by a variety of other
organisations. These include:
• Macquarie Generation, which is currently expanding
Australia’s largest solar thermal project at Liddell Power
Station
• Pamada, which has approval for a $190 million renewable
Macquarie Generation's solar thermal project
76
energy farm near Scone
• AGL which has a proposal for a $200 million project to
extract coal seam gas at Gloucester and feed it into the
main pipeline. It is also investigating other sites in the
Hunter Region
• Geodynamics, which has produced very positive results
for potential geothermal power plants, and
• An Ausgrid led consortium, which is in charge of the
$100 million Smart Grid, Smart City project in Newcastle –
Australia’s first fully integrated, commercial scale smart
grid, with the potential to transform the way electricity is
used.
The Hunter is home to a number of companies that are
establishing local, national and international reputations for
their commercial alternative energy products and services.
Corky’s Carbon and Combustion is a world leader in
biomass technology (energy from biomass waste) and
mine ventilation air methane (VAM) destruction technology.
It has had growing commercial successes in Australia and
overseas.
Crucible Carbon is another innovative Hunter business that
has developed the Crucible Carbon Pyrolysis Process which
turns biomass into energy and biochar with high efficiency.
Wind Prospect, one of the most successful independent
renewable energy developers with offices in ten countries,
has one of their three Australian offices in Newcastle.
The Hunter is also home to a wide range of consultants,
engineering companies, builders, architects and other
organisations with high levels of specialist expertise to help
businesses with their environmental requirements and to
support major green projects.
Whilst all regions face significant environmental challenges,
the Hunter is ideally placed to be a leading national and
global alternative energy centre.
The Hunter’s rapidly growing expertise in alternative
energy and proximity to major markets places the region
in a very powerful position to attract a major share of
the flood of additional investment that will occur in the
coming years.
LIVING IN THE HUNTER
As well as being an excellent business and investment Home owners selling in Sydney and moving to the Hunter
location, the Hunter offers a lifestyle that is difficult to match. Region are usually able to significantly improve their cash
resources, home environment and lifestyle.
The region offers excellent educational and medical
facilities, a regional centre for the arts, first-rate dining and The table below gives a snapshot of land and house
entertainment as well as every opportunity for the amateur prices as a guide.
and professional sportsperson. With an extensive array
of scenic parks, pristine beaches and waterways it is little
wonder that most of those who move to the region seldom Suburb/Town Property type Size Price
leave.
Muswellbrook – 550 -1,000 $160,000-
Not only does the Hunter allow one to take advantage of Land
Eastbrook Links sqm $199,500
superb cultural, educational, recreational and entertainment
Maitland –
amenities, but it does so at a cost of living below that of the 616 - 985 From
Aberglasslyn Land
major metropolitan areas across the country. Residents of the sqm $159,950
Estate
Hunter enjoy relatively affordable housing, easily accessible
Gloucester From
roads and transportation services and an unparalleled 4,000 -1900
– Avon River Land $160,000-
quality of life. Hunter residents benefit from lower mortgage Estate
sqm
$199,500
payments and consumer prices when compared to other
major metropolitan areas. Rothbury - 529 - 2043 From
Land
The Vintage sqm $169,500
What makes the Hunter unique is that people have the Cameron Park
525 -1111 From
opportunity to live in a city or suburban style or become – Northlakes Land
sqm $179,000
part of the many small towns and farming communities and Estate
enjoy the open spaces. With an excellent road and public Cameron Park

LIVING IN THE HUUNTER

From
transport system, getting around is quick and without the – Northlakes House + land
$390,000
congestion of major capital cities. Working people moving Estate
to the Hunter from larger centres find that the reduced travel 600 - 2,000 From
Pacific Dunes Land
times result in greater amounts of leisure time. sqm $185,000
$188,000
The Hunter truly has it all. It is a great place to live and work. 450 -1709
Trinity Point Land to
sqm
$738,000
Real estate Merewether
The Hunter is experiencing continued growth in residential $1.5
executive House + land
real estate across the region, including the harbour and million
residence
inner city urban renewal precincts as well as a range of new
Newcastle – $1.5 to
residential estates. Owning a home is still very achievable harbourside Apartment $4.5
with Hunter residents enjoying high rates of home ownership. penthouses million
Whether looking for water views, a harbourside apartment,
a rural retreat, a house in a new estate or established
housing in one of the major metropolitan areas, the Hunter Health and medical services
has something for everyone and every budget. The Hunter has one of the most advanced health and
medical systems in NSW, administered by the Hunter
New England Health.

The major hospitals for the Hunter Region include John

Hunter Hospital, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Calvary
Mater Newcastle and Royal Newcastle Centre along with
two mental health hospitals: the James Fletcher Hospital
and Morisset Hospital. These hospitals support district
health services and community hospitals throughout the
region. In addition, a further 20 private hospitals enhance
the health services available to the community.

The Health Service works in partnership with the NSW

Ambulance Service and the Hunter Westpac Rescue
The Hunter offers a diverse range of lifestyles. Helicopter Service to safely bring people to the facility
City waterfront apartments in Newcastle. that best serves their needs. These services operate
across the whole region.

77
 Education
The region has an excellent private and public school system
with primary and high schools spread throughout.

Public schooling is well covered, with all residential areas

served by infant, primary and strategically located high
schools.

Merewether High School is one of 17 fully selective high

schools in NSW providing an educationally enriched
environment for high-achieving, academically-gifted
students.
There is a variety of high quality private schools with a history
of success. These include:
• Newcastle Grammar School - Newcastle
• Hunter Valley Grammar School - East Maitland
• Scone Grammar School - Scone
• Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College - Fletcher
• Macquarie College - Wallsend
• St Phillips Christian College - Campuses at Waratah,
Salamander Bay and Cessnock
• Avondale College - Cooranbong
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland provides educational
services throughout the region. The diocese extends from
Lake Macquarie to Taree and as far inland as Merriwa and
Murrurundi with primary schools, high schools and colleges
LIVING IN THE HUUNTER
Newcastle Grammar School
• St Pius X - Adamstown
• St Catherine’s Catholic College - Singleton
• All Saints College - Maitland
The University of Newcastle is a world-class institution
delivering quality tertiary education and innovative research.
Internationally, the Academic Ranking of World Universities
places Newcastle in the top four per cent of universities in
the world, and the Times Higher Education World University
Rankings and QS World University Rankings place it in the
top three per cent. Both the Times Higher Education and
QS also rank Newcastle in the top 50 universities in the

in all main towns. world under the age of 50.

Major Catholic schools include: The University’s most important role is providing access to
• St Francis Xavier - Hamilton a high-quality learning environment and producing first-rate

SUCCESS IN 2012
Leading non-selective School in the Region

In the 2012HSC, Newcastle Grammar School ranked 59th in the State

35% of Students received an ATAR over 90
95% of Students received an ATAR over 60
Top ATAR of 99.7
Students nominated for:
Encore 2013
2013 ArtExpress Exhibition
2013 DesignTECH
OnSTAGE 2013

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2014

ACADEMIC and MUSIC
APPLICATIONS CLOSE15 MARCH
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE

OPEN DAY TOURS

BETWEEN 9am - 11am 20 MARCH

Newcastle Grammar School

p: (02) 4929 5811 w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

78
graduates ready to compete in the global arena. There are
currently 36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students
enrolled across five faculties: Business and Law, Education
and Arts, Engineering and Built Environment, Science and
Information Technology, and Health.
In addition to a world-class university education, the
University offers students a great coastal lifestyle. The
University’s campuses at Callaghan, Ourimbah and Port
Macquarie are located in New South Wales and are each
just minutes from spectacular beaches, waterways, national
parks and state forests. The University also has a strong
presence in Singapore and Sydney.
On the Newcastle campus, first-class sporting facilities
are available for students and the community at the
University’s award-winning Forum Sports and Aquatic
Centre, which houses a 50 metre indoor heated pool, an 18
metre climbing wall, a fully-equipped gymnasium and two
martial arts/aerobics studios. Additionally, the Forum Health
and Wellness Centre in the Newcastle CBD offers a fully-
equipped gymnasium and access to a 25-metre harbour-
side pool.
Comprehensive support services on all campuses include
career guidance, health care, banking and sporting clubs.
The University also offers a wide range of clubs and
groups. Additionally, staff and students are never short of
entertainment, with national and international acts regularly
featuring at the renowned Bar on the Hill on the Callaghan
Campus.
ENGAGE
NEWCASTLE
celebrating and connecting people
newcastle.edu.au/engage
Around 8,000 international students attend the University’s
campuses. International students receive a world-class
education, excellent support services and the benefits
of living in a vibrant and supportive community. In return,
they bring the world to the University, their enthusiasm and
diversity enriching the experience of domestic students and
the region.
It isn’t only while studying that the University’s students
contribute to the region. The University’s 30,000 Hunter
alumni continue to devote their skills and knowledge they
learnt here to improving the community through work and
civic activity. Local graduates join the 110,000-strong global
alumni network contributing to their own communities
across more than 100 countries.
Hunter TAFE is Australia’s largest multi-award winning
regional training organisation.
With 15 campuses stretching from Scone in the Upper
Hunter to Newcastle and the Central Coast, Hunter TAFE has
become the preferred choice for over 14,000 apprentices
and trainees in their trade each year.
To ensure training meets the growing expectations and
standards of industry, Hunter TAFE has established Centres
of Excellence in a range of fields:
• Aged Care and Nursing Training Centre
LIVING IN THE HUNTER
• Animal Studies Centre
• Auto Trade School
• Central Coast Hair and Beauty
Our Community, Your University
79
 • Central Coast Retail and Management Centre
• Children’s Services Centre
• Cisco Academy Training Centre
• Construction Centre of Excellence
• Electro-technology Centre of Excellence
• English Language Centre ELICOS
• Equine Studies Centre
• Fitness and Massage Centre of Excellence
• Hunter Valley Hotel Academy
• Heavy Plant and Machinery Training Centre
• Institute of Accounting
• Mining Skills Centre
• Newcastle Art School
• Newcastle Business and Retail Training Centre
• Newcastle Hair and Beauty Academy
• Newcastle Media and Film School
• Newcastle School of Music
• Retail Food Processing Centre
• The Regional Institute of Performing Arts
Shopping
Anything you can buy in the cities, you can buy in the Hunter.
Retail complex shopping is conveniently located across the
region.
Larger centres such as Westfield Kotara, Charlestown
Square and Maitland’s Stockland Greenhills feature major
retail outlets including David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Target,
LIVING IN THE HUNTER
Coles and Woolworths, catering to the shopper’s every wish.
There is continued investment into the region’s shopping
centres. GPT showed their faith in the region with a
$470 million expansion of Charlestown Square that was
completed in late 2010.
Charter Hall has almost completed a $64 million
redevelopment of the Gowrie Street Mall in Singleton. The
expansion will increase the size of the existing shopping mall
by 9,500 square metres of floor space and includes a new
multi-storey car park for over 870 vehicles.
80
Stockland Greenhills has lodged a development application
for a $350 million redevelopment that would include a
new level and provide a total gross lettable area of around
70,000 sqare metres. The plans include a new Myer
department store, a new major discount department store
and approximately 100 new specialty stores. Construction
is expected to commence in 2015.
The announcement of the closure of the inner-city rail line
in December 2012 is also expected to lead to substantial
investment in new CBD retail facilities in coming years.
Boutique shopping is available in the trendier suburbs of
Newcastle and 24-hour supermarket shopping is available
in many locations across the region.
All major furniture and electrical discount stores are
represented in the region.
Sporting Recreation
Almost every sport imaginable can be played in the Hunter
with top-class sporting facilities throughout the region
available for the player or spectator, regardless of age.
Sporting teams at all levels from junior to adult compete
across the region in sports such as cricket, football, netball,
basketball, rugby league, rugby union, AFL and hockey.
Sailing is enjoyed on all the waterways, whether racing or
cruising, and there is an exceptional choice of world-class
golf courses.
The region’s strong sporting background is highlighted by
the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League and the
Newcastle Jets in the National A-League – very successful
teams and each with a very strong fan base.
Surfing is a high participation sport in the Hunter because
of the great selection of pristine surfing beaches. Surfest, an
international surfing event attracting the world’s elite surfers,
occurs annually at Newcastle Beach.
The Vintage Golf Club - just one of
the Hunter’s world-class golf courses

The Vintage Golf Club - just one
of the Hunter's world-class golf courses
Glendale Sports and Athletic Centre and the University’s
Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre are regularly used by elite
athletes, including visiting Olympic teams in their Sydney
2000 Olympic preparations.
The region’s leading golf courses include:
• The Vintage Golf Club, Rothbury
• Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club, Cessnock
• Cypress Lakes, Pokolbin
• The Oaks Golf and Country Club, Cessnock
• Westside Golf Club, Rutherford
• Le Meilleur Horizons Golf Resort, Salamander Bay
• Pacific Dunes Port Stephens, Medowie
• Nelson Bay Golf Club, Nelson Bay range of entertainment options, from a place to meet friends
• Newcastle Golf Club, Fern Bay
The Hunter has something to offer the outdoors lover.
Superb national parks and wildlife reserves abound. Parts of
the Barrington Tops National Park are world heritage listed
and activities include bushwalking, eco-tourism facilities
and white water rafting. Myall Lakes National Park in the
Great Lakes district is around 44,000 hectares Watagan
State Forest extends for over 7,000 hectares, and Blackbutt
Reserve, just 15 minutes from Newcastle CBD, showcases
native flora and fauna in vast unspoiled bushland.
The Hunter’s pristine beaches, Lake Macquarie (Australia’s
largest saltwater lake), the Hunter River and the beautiful
bays of Port Stephens give residents the opportunity to relax
and indulge in all kinds of water sports – sailing, waterskiing,
surfing, fishing and swimming.
Entertainment
There is a diverse range of entertainment available across
the Hunter for singles and families.
Fine art collections are housed in the Newcastle Regional
Gallery, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery and Maitland
Regional Art Gallery as well as more intimate galleries.
The relocated Newcastle Museum and the new Maritime
Museum have extensive collections to both educate and
entertain.
Newcastle’s fully restored Civic Theatre is the venue for
regular local, national and international performances and
the Newcastle Entertainment Centre accommodates rock
concerts, exhibitions and conventions. Established for
over 50 years, the Conservatorium of Music regularly hosts
national and international musicians and performances.
Wine Country venues such as Tempus Two Winery,
Bimbadgen Estate and Hope Estate have a reputation for
attracting major local and international artists. Across the
region, numerous registered clubs and hotels provide a
LIVING IN THE HUNTER
to concerts of all types.
The Hunter is also home to a wide range of annual festivals
that attract many locals as well as an increasing number of
visitors to the region. These include Jazz in the Vineyards,
Opera in the Vineyards, Newcastle Jazz Festival, Newcastle
Blues Festival, Mattara Festival, Hunter Valley Steamfest,
Lovedale Long Lunch, Dungog Timberfest / Rodeo, Surfest,
Shakespeare Festival, Scone and Upper Hunter Horse
Festival, Festival of the Fleeces, Port Stephens Whale &
Environ Fest, Blue Water Country Music Festival and many
81
 others. A number of regional shows are also held annually.
You’ll never have a hard time finding something to do in the
Hunter.
Dining out
The Hunter’s culinary delights are sure to tempt with a vast
array of dining experiences to enjoy throughout the region.
Diners can choose from alfresco dining in cosmopolitan
cafés, seafood restaurants by the water, quality rural
establishments and much more. There’s a place to suit
every taste, mood and budget.
While public transport links are extensive, most residents
choose to drive because of the uncongested roads and
ample parking facilities.
Churches
The Hunter has a predominantly Christian community,
with approximately 29% of the population Anglican, 24%
Catholic, 7% Uniting Church and 4% Presbyterian and
Reformed. Newcastle is the seat of the Anglican and Catholic
Hunter bishops, with stately Christ Church Cathedral one
of the region’s best known icons. Other religions, including
Buddhism and Islam, are also represented in the region.

Of course there’s no better way to enjoy the local cuisine

than with one of the region’s world famous wines. Vineyards
stretch throughout the region where you’ll find gourmet
restaurants, world class resorts, quaint B&Bs and cellar
doors.

Transport
The Hunter is easily accessible by road, rail and air.

One of Australia’s fastest growing airports, Newcastle Airport

is just 25 minutes from the Newcastle CBD. It is serviced by
Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Brindabella Airlines, Aeropelican
and Regional Express with direct flights to Ballina, Brisbane,
Canberra, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. Further
services are expected to be added in the near future.
LIVING IN THE HUNTER

Commuter rail services operate suburban passenger trains

within the Hunter and link the region to the East Coast of
Australia via Cityrail and Country Link.

HBR
Hunter Business Review

Come join us at the

Newcastle Panthers -11 April 2013

Contact us for further information (02) 4925 7760

www.HBRmag.com.au
82
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
The Hunter Region is unique in that the community The councils that make up the eleven LGAs in the Hunter
works together at all levels to achieve positive outcomes Region are:
for the social and economic good of the region. This is • Cessnock City Council
evidenced by the close working relationship that the local • Dungog Shire Council
government areas of the region have maintained over fifty • Gloucester Shire Council
years. • Great Lakes Shire Council
• Lake Macquarie City Council
Hunter Councils is the representative body of the eleven • Maitland City Council
LGA councils. It ensures strong communication between • Muswellbrook Shire Council
Mayors, Councillors and General Managers, shared • Newcastle City Council
professional expertise through staff forums and many • Port Stephens Shire Council
inter-council collaborative projects. • Singleton Shire Council
• Upper Hunter Shire Council
The goodwill established by successive councils over
such a long time period has underpinned the success of These eleven councils are members of Hunter Councils,
the organisation making it a leader in local government an important organisation that fosters cooperation and
co-operation in Australia. It is through this culture of co- resource sharing between its member councils, encourages
operation that local government is able to work more investment and advocates for the local government areas
closely with state and federal government for the benefit it represents. Further information is available from their
of the community. website at www.huntercouncils.com.au.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

83
 NEWCASTLE LGA
Area: 183 sq km
Population: 154,896 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 170 km north of Sydney
The announcement of Newcastle as one of the top ten cities
in the world in ‘Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011’ guide
catapulted Newcastle onto the world stage and set the wheels
in motion for the creation of a vibrant Newcastle brand which
was launched in June 2011 with the message that Newcastle
is a world class, always changing, genuine, real and hard-
working city. The brand is gaining awareness and is continuing
to be adopted by local businesses that are keen to spread
Newcastle’s message.
Newcastle is the economic hub of the Hunter Region,
accounting for approximately 30% of the Hunter's developed
industrial space and 80% of the office space. While Newcastle's
industrial sector continues to play an important role, Newcastle
is no longer a 'steel city'.
A substantial and growing portion of Newcastle's economy is
now based around the service sector. Newcastle's workforce
is over 60,000 strong and the region's occupational structure
has undergone significant up-skilling, with an increase in
professional, associate professional and clerical employment.
Newcastle's city centre is the most diversified in NSW outside
Sydney and employs over 17,000 people in a vibrant mix of
commercial, educational, entertainment, cultural and community
enterprises. Inner city renewal and renovation projects, notably
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
Surfhouse at Merewether, are continuing to stimulate investor
interest while contributing to efforts in revitalising the city.
In December 2012, the NSW Government released the
draft Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy which considers
the suitability of the Newcastle city centre for urban renewal.
UrbanGrowth NSW (formally Landcom) and the Hunter
Development Corporation have continued to provide a well
supported structure for the Urban Development of the city and
will be heavily involved in the realisation of change in the city
in the near future. The development of a new Legal Precinct
in the Civic area of Newcastle is well under way with the $94
million construction of the new Law Courts Building beginning
in January 2013.
The Port of Newcastle is Australia's major bulk export port and
a growing cargo and container hub. It currently handles nearly
129 million tonnes of bulk cargo, worth $20 billion per year (12
months to June 2012). It also hosts a range of ship-repair and
marine support businesses, as well as a marina and fishing
cooperative.
Contact information:
Lord Mayor: Councillor Jeff McCloy
Address: 282 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Postal Address: PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 4974 2000
Email: mail@ncc.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.ncc.nsw.gov.au

the award winning Royal Hospital site redevelopment and Economic Development Coordinator: Greg Fenwick

Far more than From a bustling cosmopolitan arts,

business as usual
dining and shopping culture to
booming businesses both big and
small, Newcastle has grown into a
world-class city of opportunity.

We are a city with endless

potential and endless
possibilities.
A city where businesses of all sizes can grow and prosper. Businesses like
Ampcontrol, a once small Newcastle business that has flourished to become
one of the region’s largest employers and a leading supplier of award winning
continuous monitoring and control solutions, ensuring mine-wide safety at
mining operations around the world. Ampcontrol
Our businesses experience the best of both worlds. Access to world-class
facilities, talent and opportunities with a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.

See world-class business opportunities. See Newcastle. See change.

84
LAKE MACQUARIE LGA
Population: 195,909 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population) Contact information
Location: 110 km north of Sydney Mayor: Councillor Jodie Harrison
General Manager: Brian Bell
Lake Macquarie City has a strong economy, a diverse Economic Development Manager: Graeme Hooper
industry mix of over 12,000 businesses, and a projected Address: 126-138 Main Road, Speers Point NSW 2284
population increase of 40,000 over the next 25 years. Postal Address: PO Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail
As the fifth largest city in NSW, the population of nearly Centre NSW 2310
200,000 provides a pool of highly skilled labour supporting Phone: +61 2 4921 0333
innovative industry. Email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
Websites: www.lakemac.com.au
Lake Macquarie’s natural attractions provide opportunity and www.lakemacquariecity.com.au
for a quality lifestyle in an economic climate conducive
to business. Relax beside the city’s centrepiece, Lake
Macquarie, a vast blue-water expanse twice the size
of Sydney Harbour. Sandy inlets, secluded bays and
protected foreshores are perfect for water activities, or
enjoy the city’s beaches, mountains, shopping precincts,
and art galleries.

Lake Macquarie is well positioned to be one of the

fastest growing cities in NSW. It is located in a strategic
position with access to an extensive range of products,
services, and transport networks. A cosmopolitan and
progressive city, Lake Macquarie retains a sense of
community,courtesy of nine thriving town centres, each
with an individual character and focus.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

board meeting Have you thought
about relocating
your business to
Lake Macquarie?
The city’s nine thriving
town centres offer families
an affordable lifestyle, with
beaches, mountains, and the
lake, providing the perfect
backdrop for balancing family
life with business success.
Call 02 4921 0425 or go to
lakemacquariecity.com.au for
more information.

85
 MAITLAND LGA
Area: 392 square km
Population: 69,646 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 27km west of Newcastle, 170 km north of
Sydney
Featuring prime agricultural hinterland, an expanding
contemporary city and established transport links to
surrounding areas and facilities, it is little surprise that
Maitland consistently remains one of the state’s fastest
growing regional cities.
Located on the fertile, alluvial flats of the Hunter and
Paterson Rivers, Maitland is one of the most highly
productive areas in NSW and is home to many hard
working crop and livestock producers. This is in contrast
to the bustling city, featuring convenient road and rail
links to Newcastle, Sydney, New England, NSW North
Coast and Queensland.
Maitland provides an ideal business location, situated
within a short distance from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie,
Port Stephens and the wine and coal industries of the
Hunter Valley.
Extensive land releases for residential, industrial,
commercial and retail developments are fuelling a strong
construction industry and are supported by a series of
Council planning documents including the Maitland
Urban Settlement Strategy, Employment Centres
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
86
and Clusters Strategy, the Maitland 2021 Community
Strategic Plan and the Central Maitland Structure
Plan. Fast growing industrial and commercial areas at
Thornton and Rutherford are attracting a diverse range of
industries and industry support businesses for the region
as a whole.
The city is set to undergo a major transformation from
this year starting with a complete revitalisation of Central
Maitland. This includes the full redevelopment of the
city centre, which is set to become a modern lifestyle
precinct known as ‘The Levee’. It also encompasses
a major upgrade of the railway precinct, with Council
securing an $11.3m grant from the Federal Government’s
Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) program to build
infrastructure for the provision of affordable housing.
Maitland also offers a diverse variety of independent
and mainstream retail options along with a burgeoning
tourism market, with a focus on high quality events.
Contact information:
Mayor: Councillor Peter Blackmore
General Manager: David Evans
Address: 285-287 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320
Postal Address: PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320
Phone: +61 2 4934 9700
Website: www.maitland.nsw.gov.au
Economic Development Officer: Pierre Malou
PORT STEPHENS LGA
Area: 979 sqare km Valley. Other major employment industries include tourism,
Population: 67,058 (ABS 2011 Estimated resident population) government, transport and logistics, manufacturing,
Location: 200 km north of Sydney construction and retail.

There's no need to decide between a sea change or a
tree change in Port Stephens. Here, you can have both.
Port Stephens boasts both rural and coastal environments
and a rapidly growing population base supporting a range
of industries and businesses, all just a two-hour drive
north of Sydney.
From the bushland suburbs of Medowie, Seaham, Bobs
Farm and Salt Ash to the surfside suburbs of Anna Bay,
Fingal Bay, Boat Harbour and Soldiers Point – to name
a few – Port Stephens spans an area of almost 1000
square kilometres and has an address to suit everyone,
from young families to retirees.
The business community is vibrant and supportive with
a multitude of business associations and networking
opportunities open to both aspiring and established
entrepreneurs.
Residents enjoy an abundance of lifestyle options without
the high cost of city living. Swap the commute for a choice
of recreational pursuits and get involved in any number of
sporting, cultural and community organisations.
And big city attractions are still within easy reach.
Newcastle and its major shopping centres, national
sporting teams and university are a mere 25 minutes
away, and Sydney just a two hour drive down the road.

Newcastle Airport is a short 20 minute drive from Port Contact information:

Stephens' two main centres, Raymond Terrace and
Nelson Bay, connecting the region to the rest of Australia
and beyond with six airlines offering daily services to
destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne,
Canberra, the Gold Coast and Ballina.
Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown are key
economic drivers for Port Stephens and the wider Hunter
Mayor: Councillor Bruce MacKenzie
General Manager: Peter Gesling
Address: 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Postal Address: PO Box 42, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Phone: +61 2 4983 2549
Email: admin@businessportstephens.com.au
Website: www.businessportstephens.com.au

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

Change your outlook LIVE, WORK & INVEST IN PORT STEPHENS

■ A unique combination of industries with four key industry

sectors:
- Global manufacturing and logistics.
- Defence and aviation.
- Retail and services.
- Tourism.
■ A growing population – 93,271 forecast by 2031.
■ Breathtaking coastal scenery, national parks and a host of
tourism activities.
■ A growing and educated workforce – 2,221 increase in jobs
forecast in major industrial precinct by 2031.
■ Extensive transport network comprising road, rail and air in
place.
■ An abundance of housing choices – Median house price
$368,000.
■ Education and health care facilities catering for all ages.

For information on living, working and investing in Port Stephens contact the
Port Stephens Council Economic Development Unit on 02 4983 2545 COUNCIL

87
 SINGLETON LGA
Area: 4,893 sqare km
Population: 23,456 (ABS 2011Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 80 km west of Newcastle, 200 km north-west of Sydney
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Singleton is a
dynamic and growing destination for industry, commerce,
agriculture and tourism. With a growing population located
on the doorstep of wineries, Mt Royal National Park, Lake St
Clair and being an hour from the Newcastle city and coast,
Singleton is also a preferred place to live.
With 7,000 people employed in 18 local coal mines,
Singleton is on the forefront of the international resources
market with major companies such as Xstrata, Rio Tinto and
Vale investing in the region. This industry brings substantial
infrastructure such as rail, roads and ports as well as world-
class support industries. New industrial estates are opening
to meet the expanding need for industrial land.
Singleton is also helping power Australia with the largest
solar farm in the southern hemisphere powering 100 homes
and a solar thermal power trial taking place at Macquarie
Generation’s Liddell Power Station. These green-initiatives
are supporting the existing Liddell, Bayswater and Redbank
Power Stations.
in the Broke-Fordwich and Hermitage Road areas, against
the scenic views of the Brokenback Ranges. Other long-
standing agricultural industries include beef cattle, dairy,
market gardening and citrus. More recent times has also
seen the emergence high quality olive and mushroom
industries.
Singleton is also home to the Singleton Infantry Centre, a
lively hospitality scene, sporting clubs, varied retail outlets
and a number of educational providers. A modern Visitor
Information and Enterprise Centre (VIEC) has just opened
and this facility, along with the extension of the F3 Freeway
to Branxton, will continue to help provide the Singleton
Community with a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Contact information:
Mayor: CouncillorJohn Martin
General Manager: Lindy Hyam
Manager Economic Development: Salena Avard
Address: New England Highway, Singleton NSW 2330
Postal Address: PO Box 314, Singleton NSW 2330
Phone: (02) 6571 5888
Website: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au

Just as Singleton is leading the way with cutting-edge

industry, it also is part of the world-famous Hunter Wine
Region. Award-wining grapes and wines can be sampled
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

Singleton offers a wonderful lifestyle, welcoming community and

excellent business and employment opportunies.
Singleton has a dedicated Economic Development team, housed
in the Singleton Visitor Informaon and Enterprise Centre, to facilitate
the growth and development of business in Singleton. Contact For business and investment.
the team today.

www.singletonbusiness.com For more information, please contact

Cessnock City Council’s Economic
Singleton Visitor Informaon and Enterprise Centre
Development Manager on 02 4993 4257.
T 02 6571 5888 | F 02 6571 5999 | E business@singleton.nsw.gov.au
www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/business
Townhead Park, New England Highway, Singleton NSW 2330

88
DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL LGA
Area: 2,251 square km
Population: 8,673 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 76 km north of Newcastle
Dungog Shire is in the north-east corner of the Hunter
Region and is renowned for its forests, mountains and
picturesque towns and villages. Dungog Shire Council is
committed to the preservation and protection of the Shire's
natural environment and cultural heritage and offers a high
quality rural lifestyle within 2.5 hours easy drive of Sydney.
The Shire's economy has traditionally been based on
agriculture, grazing and timber, with the alluvial river flats
suitable for intensive agricultural production. Tourism is
also a focus of Dungog Shire's economy with the National
Parks, State Forests, Chichester Dam and the river
systems as well as the historic and scenic character of the
area providing the major focus for attracting visitors.
Dungog Shire's Economic Development Unit is involved in
the attraction of innovative businesses, professionals and
skilled tradespeople to the area through the development
CESSNOCK LGA
Area: 1,966 square km
Population: 52,493 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 40 km west of Newcastle; 120 km north of Sydney
Strategically located within the growth corridor of the
Lower Hunter, Cessnock local government area has
abundant and affordable industrial and residential lands.
The majority of residents are concentrated in urban
zones between the CBDs of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.
The nature of settlement is set to change in the long
term with the proposed Huntlee town development near
Branxton (over 20,000 people) and emerging Greenfield
developments at Bellbird, Greta and Cliftleigh. The growth
rate of Cessnock local government area between 2006
and 2011 at 10% is one of the strongest in the Hunter
Region.
Cessnock’s diverse towns and villages emerged from a
prominent coal mining history and are now sustained by
a diverse business environment with a backdrop of wine
and tourism. The Hunter Valley brand is recognised as
one of the top three regional wine brands in Australia. This
is Australia’s oldest wine producing region and Australia’s
top wine tourism destination attracting around 2.5 million
overnight visitors each year. Wine Tourism in the Hunter
Valley is estimated to be worth $521 million supporting
just under 3000 jobs. The wine industry employs over
7000 people. The flow on effect of tourism spending and
investment is estimated at approximately $227 million.
Close to major highways including the F3 and the Hunter
Expressway, Cessnock is well situated for access to the
of strategies aimed at enhancing the opportunities
available in the region. These activities will create wealth
in the area, allow for the development of new skills and
the enhancement of existing resources, which in turn will
ensure a more sustainable future for the Shire.
An existing network of business and community groups
within the Shire offer new businesses the opportunity to
develop extensive networks within the area and when
combined with the resources of Dungog Shire Council,
it is understandable why existing operators enjoy doing
business in the Shire.
Contact information:
Mayor: Councillor Harold Johnston
General Manager: Craig Deasey
Address: 198 Dowling Street, Dungog NSW 2420
Postal Address: Box 95, Dungog NSW 2420
Phone: (02) 4995 7777
Fax: (02) 4995 7750
Email: shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport.
A number of manufacturing, engineering and mining
support businesses contribute significantly to local
employment. There is also substantial investment in
poultry farming, chicken meat and egg production, timber
milling, dairying and beef.
Cessnock City’s outstanding natural environment has
large expanses of state forest and a backdrop of natural
and rural scenery. There are many fine heritage structures
and an emerging cultural precinct, with the Cessnock
Performing Arts Centre and Cessnock Regional Art
Gallery centrally located.
Kurri Kurri is mainland Australia’s largest mural town, and
the community have also embraced Rock'n Roll, classic
cars and all things from the 50s and 60s era with the
annual Nostalgia Festival.
Recently undergoing an expansion, the Cessnock
Correctional Complex when fully occupied will house and
manage in excess of 750 inmates.
Contact information:
Mayor: Councillor Bob Pynsent
General Manager: Lea Rosser
Economic Development Manager: Rhiannon Stevens
(Acting)
Address: 62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325
Postal Address: PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325
Phone: +61 2 4993 4257
Website: www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au
89
 MUSWELLBROOK LGA
Area: 3,405 square km
Population: 16,322 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 135 km west of Newcastle
Just 3 hours from Sydney and 90 minutes from Newcastle,
Muswellbrook Shire is centrally located between the
Gunnedah and Ulan Coal basins and Port Waratah’s Coal
Handling facility. Serviced by the New England and Golden
Highways and corresponding rail links, the Shire has huge
capacity for continued growth.
Residential growth in the Shire has experienced continued
expansion with property value rises significantly out-
performing the state. Even so, property still remains relatively
inexpensive. Industrial property is available and affordable.
Muswellbrook Shire Council has lots available in its Glen
Munro industrial sub-division and Enterprise Estate has a
number of large lots available for development.
Investment opportunities are extensive with continued
population growth expected as mining and power
production opportunities occur in the near future.
Employment opportunities throughout Muswellbrook Shire
for skilled labour in the mining, power generation, transport
and agricultural industries are strong. The Muswellbrook
and Denman business chambers support new business
investment in Muswellbrook Shire and work closely with
Council to support new investments across the Shire.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
work opportunities in a relaxed rural environment.
A regional art centre and recently refurbished public
library are located within the shire and are dedicated to
providing regular innovative and imaginative services to the
community. Home to the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of
Music, Muswellbrook Shire provides lessons to over 600
students with regular community performances.
Health services include a small hospital in Denman and a larger
hospital in Muswellbrook with associated aged care facilities,
including two nursing homes and independent care services.
Education providers include Muswellbrook High School, eight
primary schools and a Hunter TAFE campus. The Mining Skills
Centre, an innovative apprentice training ground, continues to
provide youth in the Shire with local educational deliveries.
The rich diversity of Muswellbrook Shire is demonstrated
by strong coal and power generation industries surrounded
by viticulture, dairying, thoroughbred horse breeding and
award winning wine making industries.
Contact information:
Mayor: Councillor Martin Rush
General Manager: Steve McDonald
Address: 157 Maitland Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333
Postal Address: PO Box 122, Muswellbrook NSW 2333
Phone: +61 2 6549 3700

Excellent community services and opportunities for social Email: council@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

activity make Muswellbrook Shire an ideal place to live; close to Website: www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

UPPER HUNTER
Is it worth A Quality Rural Lifestyle - in a caring and thriving community

relocating your THE FACTS

business to
The Upper Hunter provides a pleasant and relaxed lifestyle in
a region that boasts a strong agricultural sector and supports
the second largest thoroughbred industry in the world.Home to
Australia’s multi-billion dollar thoroughbred breeding industry with

Muswellbrook
the second largest concentration of thoroughbred studs in the
world. Home to Australia’s most sophisticated and concentrated
network of equine support industries - including Scone Equine
Hospital, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Shire? • Growing population base

• Expanding industry
support services
• Relatively cheap
Identify business opportunities commercial, industrial and
residential land for sale
DEVELOPMENTS
• 35 hectare industrial land
development
• 50 hectares of residential
land development
• Major residential rezoning

by contacting the economic • A range of towns and

lifestyles on offer
• Located within 2 hours
development staff at of Newcastle, 3 hours of
Sydney, 2 hours of Dubbo
Muswellbrook Shire Council. and 1 hour of Tamworth
• Strong business centres
Ph: 02 6549 3700 with expansion potential
proposal with 100ha in
Stage 1 release
• Rezoning for commercial
purposes
• Upgrades and expansions
of existing medical services
• Expansion of the Scone
Air Park
• Major commercial
developments

Muswellbrook Shire Council Sean Constable

157 Maitland Street Manager Economic Development and Tourism
PO Box 208, SCONE NSW 2337
Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Ph: 02 6540 1135
Mob: 0428 659 705
council@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au sconstable@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

90
GREAT LAKES LGA
Area: 3,376 sqare km
Population: 35,601 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 70 km north of Newcastle
The Great Lakes area is nestled on the border between
the Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. Only 200 km
north of Sydney and 70 km north of Newcastle, the area
provides excellent access to metropolitan and regional
markets between Sydney and Brisbane via the Pacific
Highway. Major population centres are the twin towns of
Forster/Tuncurry and Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest. With its
beautiful beaches, lush hinterland and fabulous climate,
the Great Lakes has been a favourite holiday destination
for generations of Australians and overseas visitors. A
cooperative approach to local economic development
in the area is designed to encourage business activities
that complement the area’s environmental and lifestyle
attributes and diversifies local employment opportunities.
UPPER HUNTER LGA
Area: 8,050 square km
Population: 13,822 (ABS 2011 Estimated Resident Population)
Location: 152 km north-west of Newcastle
The Upper Hunter LGA includes the major centre of
Scone and the smaller, yet growing, townships of Merriwa,
Murrurundi and Aberdeen.
Predominantly a rural area, key industries in the Shire
include agriculture, manufacturing and the equine industry,
although agriculture remains the main economic driver.
Primo Abattoir has embarked on an expansion program
that will see it doubling production levels in the next two
years. Council recently completed a $2 million upgrade of
its regional airport and has also commenced its $1 million
upgrade of the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre to
remain in the top seven ranked NSW saleyards.
Investment opportunities in the Upper Hunter continue to
expand with continued population growth and the mining
and construction industries within the surrounding region.
Stage 1 release of Scone Business Park is now available
for purchase. With approval for several large windfarm
projects within the LGA there are great opportunities for
industries related to clean energy production to locate and
expand in this thriving region. The Scone and Murrurundi
business chambers support new business investment in
the Upper Hunter Shire, and work closely with Council to
support new investments across the Shire.
The major employment base includes industries such as
retail, tourism and hospitality, construction, education,
health and community services. The area also boasts
strong on-land agriculture, oyster farming, fishing and a
small but innovative light manufacturing sector. The area
has a strong and diverse range of home-based businesses
and a developing arts and cultural industry.
Contact Information:
Mayor: Councillor Jan McWilliams
General Manager: Glenn Handford
Economic Development Manager: Deb Tuckerman
Address: Breese Parade, Forster NSW 2428
Postal Address: PO Box 450, Forster NSW 2428
Telephone: +61 2 6591 7222
Email: council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
Websites: www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
and www.greatlakesbusiness.com.au
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
The equine industry includes some of the largest
thoroughbred studs in Australia. Other horse-related
activities include equestrian, polo and stock horse events.
Scone is the national headquarters to the Australian Stock
Horse Society, Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre,
Scone Equine Hospital (the largest veterinary practice in
the southern hemisphere) and a TAFE campus specialising
in rural and equine studies.
The magnificent Barrington Tops and Goulburn River
National Parks, Towarri, Washpools, Burning Mountain
and Lake Glenbawn provide tourist destinations with the
Goulburn, Pages and Hunter Rivers enabling intensive
agriculture to thrive on the alluvial flats. The reliable
water supply and relatively inexpensive land also provide
significant opportunities for business relocation and
establishment within the LGA. Council and privately owned
residential land developments provide affordable housing
in all the population centres within the LGA.
Contact information:
Mayor: Councillor Michael Johnsen
General Manager: Daryl Dutton
Economic Development & Tourism Manager: Sean
Constable
Address: 135 Liverpool Street, Scone NSW 2337
Postal: PO Box 208, Scone NSW 2337
Phone: +61 2 6540 1100
Website: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
91
 GLOUCESTER LGA
Area: 2,952 square km
Population: 4,974 (ABS 2011 Estimated resident Population)
Location: 125 km north of Newcastle, 160 km south west
of Armidale

Gloucester is historically associated with the birth of the

Australian Agricultural Co., which has led to a long history
of agricultural production, timber milling and in earlier days,
commercial gold mining.

The location of Gloucester at the base of the World Heritage

Barrington Tops has been the catalyst for a dynamic
experiential tourism sector as well.

Gloucester has experienced significant growth in recent Chichester Dam

years, with both population and industry output on a steady
incline.
• Manufacturing – light manufacturing of specialist
The economic base of the community is now much broader commodities
as the community embraces a very diverse and growing • Professional, retail and service industries
industry base. With its relaxed lifestyle and close proximity
to Newcastle and the coast, Gloucester is attracting light Contact information:
manufacturing and lifestyle-based businesses. Mayor: Councillor John Rosenbaum
General Manager: Danny Green
Currently, the major contributing factors to the Gloucester Economic Development Officer: Tim Weeks
economy are: Address: 85-89 King Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
• Agriculture – beef, dairy and intensive agribusiness Postal Address: PO Box 11, Gloucester NSW 2422
• Tourism – Barrington Tops, farm-based experiences and Phone: +61 2 6538 5250
adventure Email: council@gloucester.nsw.gov.au
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

• Mining – coal and coal bed methane gas Website: www.gloucester.nsw.gov.au

 

The Councils of the Hunter
Working together in Australia’s most dynamic and diverse Region 

 
         

COUNCIL
  ... a community partnership
 
   

Hunter Councils
Hunter Councils – PO Box 137, Thornton NSW 2322   Phone:  (02) 4978 4040   Fax:  (02) 4966 0588   Email:  admin@huntercouncils.com.au 
Website:  www.huntercouncils.com.au 

92
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS
EMPLOYER ORGANISATIONS Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales
Australian Industry Group – Newcastle Branch
Regional Manager: Adrian Price Branch Secretary: Catherine Wilkinson
Suite 1, 265 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300 PO Box 393, Newcastle NSW 2300
PO Box 811, Newcastle NSW 2300 Phone: +61 2 4924 7268
Phone: +61 2 4925 8300 Website: www.irsnsw.asn.au
Website: www.aigroup.asn.au
Newcastle Law Society
Hunter Business Chamber President: Gary Fox
President: Richard Anicich PO Box 160, Warners Bay NSW 2282
PO Box 607, Hamilton NSW 2303 Phone: +61 2 4925 2849
Phone: +61 2 4969 9600 Website: www.newcastlelawsociety.com.au
Website: www.hunterbusinesschamber.com.au
PROPERTY AND BUILDING INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Housing Industry Association – Hunter
Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors – Newcastle Area 17 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Steel River Estate, Mayfield West NSW 2304
Local Representative : Grant Muller Phone: +61 2 4041 2000
PO Box 266, The Junction NSW 2291 Website: www.hia.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4965 4722
Website: www.aiqs.com.au Hunter Development Corporation
General Manager: Bob Hawes
Engineers Australia – Newcastle Division Level 5, PWC Centre, 26 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle NSW 2300
President: Karlie Collis PO Box 813, Newcastle NSW 2300
122 Parry St, Newcastle West NSW 2302 Phone: +61 2 4904 2750
Phone: +61 2 4926 4440 Website: www.hunterdevelopmentcorporation.com.au
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS
The voice of
Hunter business
Hunter Business Chamber is integral to the
way in which business drives Australia’s most
productive and innovative regional economy.
The Chamber is the vehicle
through which business
advocates, informs and networks.

hunterbusinesschamber.com.au info@hunterbusinesschamber.com.au 02 4969 9600

93
 BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS (CONT.)
Newcastle Master Builders Association of NSW Dungog Shire Visitors Information Centre
Regional Manager: Len Blakeney Cnr Brown & Dowling Streets, Dungog NSW 2420
Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Phone: +61 2 4992 2212
Phone: +61 2 4953 9400 Website: www.visitdungog.com.au
Website: www.newcastle-mba.com.au
Gloucester Visitors Information Centre
Property Council of Australia – Hunter Chapter 27 Denison Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
NSW Regional Director: Andrew Fletcher Phone: +61 2 6558 1408
122 Parry Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302 Website: www.visitgloucester.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4927 1550
Website: www.propertyoz.com.au Great Lakes Tourism
General Manager: Richard Old
UDIA-NSW (Urban Development Institute of Australia) Hunter 2 Little Street, Forster NSW 2428
Chapter Phone: +61 2 6554 8799
Chairman: Shane Boslem Website: www.greatlakes.org.au
Suite 2, Level 11, 66 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 4945 7500 Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism
Website: www.udiansw.com.au Executive Manager: Dean Gorddard
Vintage Hunter Wine & Visitors Centre,
TOURISM INDUSTRY 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Tourism Hunter Phone: +61 2 4990 0940
Executive Manager: Sheridan Ferrier Website: www.winecountry.com.au
PO Box 3137, Thornton NSW 2322
Phone: +61 2 4978 4000 Lake Macquarie Tourism
Website: www.visithunter.com.au Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre
228 Pacific Highway, Swansea NSW 2281
Denman Visitors Information Centre Phone: +61 1800 802 044
7 Olgivie Street, Denman NSW 2328 Website: www.visitlakemac.com.au
Phone: +61 2 6547 2799
Website: www.visitdenman.com.au
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Assisting Small Business to Thrive

Providing services and support to start up and established small businesses across the Hunter for over 27 years

Business Advisory Networking

Mentoring Programs Casual Room Hire
Workshops and Training Training Facilities
Bite-sized Business Briefings Serviced and Virtual Offices
Benchmarking, Diagnostics and Analysis Funding and Partnership Programs

265 King Street Newcastle 4925 7700 www.businesscentre.com.au

Developing business by developing people

94
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS (CONT.)
Maitland Visitor Information Centre Hunter Digital Innovation Growth & Industry Taskforce
Ministers Park, Cnr New England Highway and High Street, A not-for-profit member organisation committed to establishing the
Maitland NSW 2320 Hunter Region as a leading digital economy with a global reputation
Phone: +61 2 4931 2800 by 2020.
Website: www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au President: Brendan Brooks
PO Box 4029
Merriwa Visitor Information & CTC Centre Kotara East NSW 2305
Tourist Officer: Tina Taylor Phone: 0414 362 557
PO Box 111, Merriwa NSW 2329 Website: www.hunterdigit.com.au
Phone: +61 2 6521 7046
Website: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au Hunter Councils
Fosters co-operation and resource sharing between its 12 member
Murrurundi Visitor Information Centre councils, encourages investment and advocates for the local
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrow government areas it represents.
Mayne Street, Murrurundi NSW 2338 CEO: Roger Stephan
Phone: +61 2 6546 6446 PO Box 3137, Thornton NSW 2322
Website: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au Phone: +61 2 4978 4040
Website: www.huntercouncils.com.au
Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre
87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre
Phone: +61 2 6541 4050 Provides information, training and support for business development
Website: www.muswellbrook.org.au for new and exisiting businesses.
Manager: Kerry Hallett
Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Phone: +61 2 4936 2557
Chairperson: Debera Mackenzie Website: www.hunterregionbec.com.au
PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 4929 5181 HunterNet
Website: www.ntig.org.au A network of the region’s small to medium sized engineering and
manufacturing companies.
Port Stephens Tourism Chief Executive Officer: Tony Cade
Marketing Manager: Tars Bylhouwer Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Visitor Information Centre, Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 Phone: +61 2 4908 7380
Phone: +61 2 4980 6905 Website: www.hunternet.com.au
Website: www.portstephens.org.au or portstephenstourism.com.au
Industry Development Centre (IDC)

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS
Scone Visitor Information & Horse Centre IDC Hunter is involved in delivering a range of programs to facilitate and
Tourism Co-ordinator: Belinda McKenzie support industry and business development in the Hunter Region.
Cnr Kelly & Susan Streets, Scone NSW 2337 CEO: Darrell Nicholls
Phone: +61 2 4962 0999
Phone: +61 2 6540 1300
Website: www.idc-hunter.org.au
Website: www.upperhuntertourism.com.au
Business Growth Centre
Singleton Visitor Information & Enterprise Centre
Provides a business incubator, business training and business
Manager: Salena Avard
information advisory and support service.
Singleton Visitor Information & Enterprise Centre
Manager: Brett Gleeson
Townhead Park, New England Highway, Singleton NSW 2330
48 Oakdale Road, Gateshead NSW 2290
Phone: +61 2 6571 5888
Phone: +61 2 4942 3133
Website: www.visitsingleton.com
Website: www.mybgc.org.au
WINE INDUSTRY
Regional Development Australia – Hunter
Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association Inc. CEO: Todd Williams
President: Andrew Margan Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
PO Box 352, Cessnock NSW 2325 Phone: +61 2 4908 7300
Phone: +61 2 4991 4533 Website: www.rdahunter.org.au
Website: www.hvwia.com.au
RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS
SUPPORT NETWORKS Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF)
The Business Centre (Newcastle Region) HVRF provides independent research services and undertakes regular
General Manager: Narelle McClelland economic, wellbeing and environmantal monitoring in the Hunter and
A community-based, not-for-profit, business assistance organisation Upper Hunter.
providing business advisory, mentoring, training and serviced offices. CEO: Wej Paradice
265 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302 PO Box 322, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 4925 7700 Phone: +61 2 4969 4566
Website: www.businesscentre.com.au Website: www.hvrf.com.au

95
 Newcastle Innovation (formerly TUNRA) Phone: +61 0499 779 972
Newcastle Innovation is the technology transfer and contract research Website: www.ftchamber.com.au
office of the University of Newcastle. Since its inception in 1969,
Newcastle Innovation has facilitated the transfer of knowledge, Gloucester Chamber of Commerce
technology and scientific research from the University to commercial Vice President: Yvonne Reynolds
partners. PO Box 111, Gloucester NSW 2422
CEO: Dr Brent Jenkins Phone: +61 0409 607 934
IDC, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308 www.gloucesterchamber.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4921 8777
Website: www.newcastleinnovation.com.au
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Inc.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE President: George Yarnis
Hunter Business Chamber PO Box 92, Hamilton NSW 2303
President: Brett Derwin Phone: +61 2 4969 7555
99 Selwyn Street, Mayfield East NSW 2304 www.hamiltontown.com
Phone: +61 2 4969 9600
Website: www.hunterbusinesschamber.com.au Kurri Kurri District Business Chamber
President: Rod Doherty
Belmont Chamber of Commerce PO Box 255, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327
President: Ricky Roberts Phone: +61 4938 0510
PO Box 296, Belmont NSW 2280 Website: www.kurrikurri.com
Phone: +61 2 4945 5079
Website: www.belmontnsw.com.au Lambton (Village)
President: Gary Croese
Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc. PO Box 50, Lambton NSW 2299
President: John Sahyuon Phone: +61 2 4956 1640
PO Box 30, Bulahdelah NSW 2423
Phone: +61 2 4997 4764 Maitland Business Chamber
Website: www.bulahdelah.net.au President: Bob Kerr
8 Bulwer Street, Maitland NSW 2320
Cardiff Chamber of Commerce Phone: +61 2 4934 3343
Town Coordinator: Jacinta Mackey Website: www.maitlandbusiness.com.au
298 Main Road, Cardiff 2285
Phone: +61 410 557 071 Mandurah Hunter Indigenous Business Chamber
CEO & Chairperson: Debbie Barwick
Cessnock Chamber of Commerce PO Box 681, Maitland NSW 2320
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

President: Geoff Walker Phone: +61 2 4932 7722

PO Box 329, Cessnock NSW 2325 Website: www.mandurahibc.com.au
Phone: +61 428 245 678
Website: www.cessnockchamber.com.au Mayfield Business Association
Chairman: Ivor Davies
PO Box 235, Mayfield NSW 2304
Business Charlestown Inc.
Phone: +61 2 4968 1785
Town Coordinator: Jennie Barrie
Website: www.mayfield.asn.au
PO Box 479, Charlestown NSW 2290
Phone: +61 411 222 429
Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc
Website: www.businesscharlestown.org.au President: Mike Kelly
PO Box 683, Muswellbrook NSW 2333
Cooranbong Chamber of Commerce & Community Precinct Phone: +61 2 6541 1285
President: Michael Chamberlain Website: www.muswellbrook.org.au/chamber
PO Box 190, Cooranbong NSW 2265
The Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc.
Denman Chamber of Commerce President: Rob Anderson
President: Gloria Wargent PO Box 70, Hawks Nest NSW 2324
PO Box 115, Denman NSW 2328 Website: www.myallcoast.org.au
Phone: +61 2 6547 2972
Website: www.visitdenman.com.au Nelson Bay & District Business Chamber
President: Steve Sampson
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce PO Box 6, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
President: Jennifer Lewis Phone: +61 0416 223585
PO Box 210, Dungog NSW 2420 Website: www.baybusinesschamber.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4992 1441
Website: www.ddcc.org.au New Lambton Village Community Chamber Inc.
President: Robyn Bradbury
Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber Inc PO Box 279, New Lambton NSW 2305
President: Gary Gersbach Phone: +61 2 4981 1813
PO Box 380, Forster NSW 2428

96
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS (CONT.)
Newcastle Now
Chair: Edward Duc
137 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 49294644

NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce

Chairperson: Debbie Barwick
5/34 Racecourse Road, Rutherford NSW 2320
Phone: +61 2 4932 1325
Website: www.nswicc.com.au

Scone Chamber of Commerce & Industry

President: Steven Bell
PO Box 100, Scone NSW 2337
Phone: +61 6545 2611
Website: www.sconechamber.com.au

Singleton Chamber of Commerce & Industry

President: Tony Charlesworth
PO Box 298, Singleton NSW 2330
Phone: +61 0400 460 412
Website: www.singletonchamber.org.au

Southlake Business Chamber and Community Alliance

President: Robert Kemmis
143 Dora Street, Morisset NSW 2264
Phone: +61 2 4973 3483
Website: www.southlakemac.com

Swansea & District Chamber of Commerce

President: Peter Johnston
PO Box 127, Swansea NSW 2281
Phone: +61 4971 6282
Website: www.swanseabusiness.com.au

Toronto Chamber of Commerce & Industry

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS
President: Gail Ryan
PO Box 382, Toronto NSW 2283
Phone: +61 2 4950 5216
Website: www.toronto.com.au

Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce

Town Centre Coordinator: Rhonda Campbell
PO Box 722, Warners Bay NSW 2282
Phone: +61 0458 549 222
Website: www.warnersbay.net.au

Wallsend Town Business Association

Chairperson : Max McCorkell
PO Box 218, Wallsend NSW 2287
Phone: +61 2 4950 1878
Website: www.wallsendtown.com.au

97
 GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Hunter businesses are well placed to access government
assistance, with a number of state and federal government
departments and agencies providing business support
services having Hunter-based offices.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA- HUNTER
(RDA- HUNTER)
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian
Government initiative that brings together all levels of
government to enhance the growth and development of
Australia’s regions. A national network of RDA Committees
has been established to achieve this objective.
The RDA Hunter Committee has five key roles:
• consult and engage with the community
• inform regional planning
• support whole of government activities
• promote government funding programs
• community and economic development.
RDA Hunter works within the community through
consultation, partnerships and representation to encourage
investment in the region’s priority areas:
• Infrastructure to improve productivity and efficiency
• Grow the Hunter's economy
• Comprehensive and cohesive long term planning
• Investment in Education, Skills and Workforce
development
• Build knowledge, skills and innovation capabilities
• Enriching the natural and built environment to create
livable places.
Contact:
CEO: Todd Williams
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
GOVERNEMNT ASSISTANCE
Phone: (02) 4908 7300
Email: info@rdahunter.org.au
Website: www.rdahunter.org.au
AUSINDUSTRY
AusIndustry is the Australian Government's business
program delivery division in the Department of Innovation,
Industry, Science and Research. AusIndustry delivers a
range of more than 30 programs including innovation
grants, tax and duty concessions, small business skills
development, industry support and venture capital.
Contact:
Regional Manager: Jo Fisher
IDC – Hunter, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308
PO Box 189, Hunter Region Mail Centre NSW 2310
Phone: (02) 4960 3823
Email: jo.fisher@innovation.gov.au
Website: www.ausindustry.gov.au
98
NSW TRADE & INVESTMENT
NSW Trade and Investment (NSW T&I) works to attract
business investment to NSW and the Hunter Region.
NSW T&I supports innovative, sustainable and globally
competitive businesses, industries and sectors through
assistance and advice.
The Hunter regional office can assist your business with:
• Information about the Hunter Region, including hosting
company visits and site selection
• Engaging with Hunter industry and key organisations
• Liaison with regulatory authorities, and
• Accessing utility, infrastructure and service providers.
Contact:
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4908 7333
Email: laila.christensen@business.nsw.gov.au
www.business.nsw.gov.au
Twitter: @businessnsw
Facebook: BusinessNSW
INDUSTRY CAPABILITY NETWORK (ICN)
The Industry Capability Network can help businesses to
find competitive local sources to meet their procurement
and project needs, irrespective of their business, and can
assist to find either a buyer for your products, or a supplier
that will deliver the goods and services that you require.
Contact:
Regional Manager: Ken Ford
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4908 7390
Email: kford@icnnsw.org.au
Website: www.icnnsw.org.au
AUSTRADE
Austrade is the Australian Government’s trade, investment
and education promotion agency.
Through a global network of offices, Austrade assists
Australian companies to grow their international business,
attracts productive foreign direct investment into Australia
and promotes Australia’s education sector internationally.
Austrade provides information and advice that can help
you reduce the time, cost and risk of exporting. We also
administer the Export Market Development Grant Scheme
and offer a range of services to Australian exporters in
growth and emerging markets.
Contact:
Regional Representative: Isaac Court
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4925 8777
Email: isaac.court@austrade.gov.au
Website: www.austrade.gov.au
RDA - Hunter and Hunter Business Publications Pty Ltd thank the following organisations
for their support of the Hunter Investment Prospectus and the Hunter Region:

GOLD SUPPORTERS
Hunter Development Corporation
Hunter Economic Zone
Hunter Valley Research Foundation
James Estate
HunterNet

SILVER SUPPORTERS
Accent Group
Australian Industry Group
Forsythes Recruitment
Four Walls Commercial
Harris Wheeler
Hunter Business Chamber
Hunter TAFE
Hunter Valley Training Company
JSA
Lake Macquarie City Council
Maitland City Council
Newcastle Airport
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle Grammar School
Newcastle Port Corporation
Port Stephens Council
Prosperity
Scorpion
The Business Centre
Tourism Hunter
University of Newcastle
Varley

BRONZE SUPPORTERS
Cessnock Council
Davies Collison Cave
DYWIDAG-Systems International Pty Ltd
GHD
Hunter Water
Mine Subsidence Board
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Newcastle Innovation
Singleton Council
Upper Hunter Council

For enquiries regarding support of the 2014

edition of the Hunter Investment Prospectus,
please call Garry Hardie on (02) 4925 7760
or email garry@HBRmag.com.au

99
HUNTER INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS 2013

Published by:
Hunter Business Publications Pty Ltd
PO Box 853, Hamilton NSW 2303
Phone: + 61 2 4925 7760
Email: info@HBRmag.com.au
Web: www.HBRmag.com.au

In conjunction with:
RDA - Hunter
Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: +61 2 4908 7300
Email: admin@rdahunter.org.au
Web: www.rdahunter.org.au

Printed by:
Print National Pty Ltd
10 Denney Street, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
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