Committee for the Hunter

Shaping a bold vision for the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail to inform project design and the business case. Aspirations emerging from the Vision Workshop centred on economic potential and making a difference in peoples lives. Including the role of accessibility in bringing the socio-economic outcomes of Hunter communities in parity with NSW and Australian averages. Our CEO Alice Thompson invited others to imagine what it would be like for our generation looking back: 'There was before high speed rail; and then there was after'. Unlikely to pass the test for a vision statement, but it does capture the punctation mark in our lives we know is possible from high speed rail. We would be proud for the Hunter region to be the birthplace of a future national high speed rail network. Welcoming the assertive action of the High Speed Rail Authority (Australia) and strong level of engagement with the Committee and local stakeholders who are invested in its success.

The Hunter welcomed The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO back to the Hunter for insights on American politics and outcomes for Australia in the US election. Arthur was Australia's Ambassador to the US until 2023. Hosted by Sparke Helmore Lawyers in their Newcastle offices, with our CEO Alice Thompson moderating the Q+A. In a wide ranging discussion, Arthur spoke about industry policy, AUKUS, energy and climate, and contemporary geopolitics. In the hours right before the presidential debate, the audience was keen for the former US Ambassador to elaborate on what happens if Trump wins. The answer? Obviously a double edged sword with an edge of unpredictability! This is apparent in Trump’s threats to unwind the Inflation Reduction Act should he win presidency – a AU$520 billion package of incentives for clean energy, domestic manufacturing and healthcare. At a time when the Hunter is competing to attract finance, manufacturing and skilled workforce to drive our clean energy transition and national sovereignty, the IRA is sucking global investment away from Australia. Tearing up or diminishing the IRA would level the playing field. At the same time, Trump is likely to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement with devastating consequences for us all. Thanks to Committee for the Hunter Chair Richard Anicich AM, Sparke Helmore's National Practice Group Leader Julien Castaldi and Managing Partner Emma Gruschka for your leadership in initiating this important dialogue. Nell McGill Scott Puxty Bill Kritharas

An awesome milestone in Newcastle Airport Pty Limited's journey to become the next international gateway to Australia. The full benefits of $250M upgrades to the runway and terminal are now within reach, offering more services, more choices, more competition for over 1 million NSW residents in the Newcastle Airport catchment. The Committee has advocated for focus and funding to attract international airlines to Newcastle. Congratulating Peter Cock and the Newcastle airport team, Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham, Destination New South Wales, Port Stephens Council, City of Newcastle, Australia. With incentives in places, let's pull out all stops to secure carriers in a highly competitive environment. Acknowledging the great work of Hunter Joint Organisation, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Invest Regional NSW and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on Hunter identity/branding and a global tourism strategy, underwriting the case for international airlines to fly Hunter.

Offshore wind matters to the Hunter as the region plays a key role in Australia’s energy, emissions and economic transformation. That’s why we joined Hunter Jobs Alliance, Hunter Workers, HunterNet Co-operative and NewH2 coordinating on submissions to the Senate inquiry into Offshore wind consultation process. Offshore wind offers opportunities for well paid, secure jobs and value-added Hunter manufacturing, with local industry positioned to play a key role in supporting offshore wind areas around Australia as part of a national supply chain. The Hunter Hydrogen Infrastructure Masterplan identifies offshore wind as a critical component of the region’s growing hydrogen hub and heavy industry decarbonisation. Key points in the Committee’s submission: 🔹 The consultation process for the declaration of the Hunter offshore wind area was unremarkable compared to other government-led consultations, with a high number of submissions received. 🔹 Decisions on offshore wind should be informed by evidence, expert advice and economics in addition to public consultation. 🔹 Opportunity to promote the leadership of the Australian Government in making decisions in the regional and national interest that may conflict with some local community views. 🔹 Development of offshore wind and other big decisions in the long-term public interest like nuclear energy should be led by good policy rather than politics. 🔹 The Australian Electoral Commission and the Australian Communications and Media Authority need to closely regulate Hunter-based seats during the next Federal election for truth in political advertising relating to offshore wind. @justin page Boris Novak, BE(ELEC) GAICD Ivan Waterfield Leigh Shears Clare Larkin-Sykes Samantha Mella https://lnkd.in/gDfQstiB

Focus can now be on securing an international carrier to Newcastle Airport Pty Limited, NSW's second operational international airport servicing over 1 million residents. Improving services, connecting families and businesses across more destinations, increasing competition and putting downward pressure on fares. Creating diverse, new jobs and economic activity for the Hunter and NSW. With the Australian Government providing over $120M in international capacity, this is the last ~5% of the job to realise the full benefits of investment. Worth pulling out all stops, just like for Western Sydney.

Extending our thanks to Aurecon who have confirmed their commitment to civic leadership through hosting the Committee for the Hunter team at their Newcastle CBD offices. Building our capacity to be strong advocates for the Hunter. We are proud of our partnership with Aurecon and thank Nathan Roberts and Rowenna Walker GAICD for their leadership on this arrangement. The Committee is lucky to call the best office space in town our home. We are in the offices every Monday and Tuesday and look forward to hosting our members and stakeholders here to admire the view and learn more about Aurecon’s capabilities. Aurecon has a long history in the Hunter Region, having been here for over 60 years. They’ve delivered iconic projects including the University of Newcastle NuSpace, the Newcastle Interchange and Light Rail. Their support of the Committee demonstrates Aurecon’s commitment to the future of the Hunter. And there is no better view than Aurecon's new offices now the Committee's homebase, to show the scale of the opportunity to the partners we need and invite them to be part of it.

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This not the time for scepticism. It’s about getting in there to support Government to succeed and maximise the benefits of high speed rail to be experienced by Hunter communities and our economy. That's where the Committee is focused, chasing that light on the hill of final investment decision 2025 and first contracts awarded in 2027.

We are pleased to invite Committee members to our upcoming Members Networking Event. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with Committee Leadership, discuss priorities for your organisation and the region and share your goals for the Committee. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gY3NVTdX

The Hunter will play an increasingly significant role in global security. A core theme emerging from the Hunter Defence Conference wrapped up last night with a keynote address from the Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Pat Conroy. The Minister announced the establishment of the first large-scale missile factory in Australia: 🔸 $850M investment into the Hunter 🔸 100 ongoing, well paid jobs 🔸 leveraging the region’s competitive advantage in defence and manufacturing 🔸 building sovereign capability 🔸 anchoring a defence industry cluster at Newcastle Airport Pty Limited's Astra Aerolab precinct. Our CEO Alice Thompson was at RAAF Williamtown in the morning in a conversation on why the base is so important to the Hunter’s future, how the base can contribute and what the region can do for Williamtown with our shared interest in its growth and sustainability. Part of the Hunter Defence Support Network initiative. We acknowledge there are local concerns with the manufacturing of arms in the Hunter. We also recognise a changing strategic environment with growing defence and national security needs. At the same time the region needs investments that diversify our economy and grow industries we are good at like defence. We continue to advocate for the development of defence and aerospace at Newcastle Airport and are excited to see the precinct activated with this announcement. Peter Cock Burcak Sezer Alex Zelinsky Tim Owen AM JP HunterNet Co-operative Ivan Waterfield Bob Hawes Business Hunter Bayley Foley Andrew Chapman Jude Munro AO John Quaife Mark McClean