MEDIA RELEASE
The Hunter region has been identified as a regional hub and will be targeted for investment in key projects to drive economic and job growth in existing and emerging industries.
The Coalition Government announced $750 million for projects in the Hunter region to establish it as the key regional development and energy security hub in NSW.
Senator for NSW, Perin Davey said making targeted investment in regional hubs that are strategically significant for freight, industry and produce will have flow-on benefits across the State.
“This investment will be complemented by our investment in the Sydney to Newcastle faster rail which will improve access to the region and secure Newcastle as the gateway for the Hunter,” she said.
“The Hunter region is significant because it is on major freight routes, has access to port facilities and already supports key industries with scope to support new and emerging jobs and technologies.
“Through this program, we are investing almost $270 million to build the New England Bypass to Muswellbrook.
“This will provide better, more efficient access for our regional industries to get their products to port and into export markets.
“We will also invest $100 million to support further activities and early works to make the port of Newcastle hydrogen ready.
“This builds on existing commitments by the State and Federal Government for the Hunter region to become a hydrogen hub.”
Senator Davey explained that investing in regional hubs will attract new sources of investment to Australia and further unlock the potential of the regions.
“This investment will create jobs in new industries and diversification of the Hunter economy for the future.
“The Hunter region has everything going for it. It is a key defence location, it has the port, it is the junction of several major highways, it has agriculture, resources, and tourism.
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