The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
The Hon Dr David Gillespie
Federal Member for Lyne
Minister for Regional Health
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 14 April 2022
OPENING THE HUNTER TO THE WORLD
The Hunter will soon be a gateway to the world, with the Morrison-Joyce Government providing $55 million to make the Newcastle Airport an international hub.
Building on our $66 million investment to upgrade the runway, our Government has locked in this additional funding to upgrade and expand the terminal.
This paves the way for international commercial and freight flights into Newcastle, connecting the Hunter to the world and bringing in a further 850,000 visitors, and more wealth.
Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international hub will generate significant economic benefits across the Hunter, creating more than 4,400 jobs and generating $12.7 billion in economic activity.
Funding for the terminal upgrade is part of the Government’s $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development Plan, which has a specific focus on building the Hunter region.
Under the Plan, we will invest $750 million to support the Hunter’s expansion into new export industries while continuing to support traditional industries, strengthening the local economy and its position as a leading exporter to the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this is part of the Nationals and Liberals plan to make the Hunter wealthier and stronger.
“With the Hunter driving the sale of record volumes of coal at record prices, Australians know the importance of this region to our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This funding to transform Newcastle Airport into an international hub will build on that.
“As we put commodities on boats and send them out to earn money, we are also bringing people in and that in itself creates wealth.
“Making Newcastle Airport an international gateway to the world will further enhance the Hunter’s capacity as a regional powerhouse that drives the development of our nation and makes us as strong as possible as quickly as possible.”
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said: “This builds on our $66 million investment into the runway upgrade that will help build the capacity of what is now becoming one of Australia’s major airports.
“We have been working for some time with both the operators of Newcastle Airport and the broader tourism sector to develop a plan to upgrade this important piece of regional infrastructure.
“Today’s investment delivers on that plan which will bring significant benefits to our region’s economy.”
Nationals candidate for Hunter James Thomson said: “I am committed to doubling tourism to the Hunter and this expansion is a part of a plan to do exactly that.
“We have world-class wine, experiences and scenery in the Hunter and it’s time we opened it up to the world.
“This is fantastic news for families, businesses and individuals who travel overseas.”
Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell said: “Newcastle Airport is in the heart of the electorate of Paterson.
“This is what delivery for the people of the Paterson electorate in the Hunter region looks like with strong candidates who have been relentless advocates for our economic future.
“This is what we can achieve as candidates – we will deliver even more if given the chance to serve our local communities.
“This will further open us up to the world and bring new economic opportunities and jobs for locals and shows what can be done.
“Labor have taken our community for granted for too long. Strong local representatives as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government will get more done for the Hunter to create more jobs and opportunities across our great region.”
Liberal candidate for Newcastle Katrina Wark said: “This will be a game-changer for the Newcastle region. The $55 million to expand the airport into an International airport will secure jobs and expand tourism for this region.”
Liberal candidate for Shortland Nell McGill said: “This is going to bring thousands of jobs for locals both during construction and then servicing an international airport.
“It will open the Hunter to the world and vice versa, allowing people to travel directly to the best place in Australia without having to transit via Sydney and allowing locals to get overseas faster and easier.
“I’m especially excited about the tourist dollars that will be spent in Shortland once this international airport is up and running. This is awesome news.”
