INV EST PORT STEPHENS INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 3

WHY INVEST IN PORT STEPHENS? 4 OUR STRENGTHS. YOUR ADVANTAGE. 8 GUUDJI YIIGU READY. SET. GROW. 12 The Port Stephens local government area (LGA) Karuah Aboriginal Land Councils. We named the KEY INDUSTRY STRENGTHS 16 is part of the Aboriginal Nation and is the agreement Yabang Gumba-Gu, or ‘Road to Tomorrow’ traditional land of the Worimi people. Council in the Worimi language of Gathang. This agreement MANUFACTURING 16 values the unique status of Aboriginal people as sets out the roadmap of projects we want to the traditional owners and custodians of lands and deliver together for the benefit of Port Stephens. DEFENCE, AVIATION & AEROSPACE 18 waters, including those of the Port Stephens LGA. The agreement sets the tone for a respectful, THE VISITOR ECONOMY 20 forward-thinking relationship between our Council, In 2018 Council signed a unique agreement Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the Traditional WE MEAN BUSINESS 22 developed in conjunction with the local Worimi and Owners of the Port Stephens area. PROSPER A message from the Mayor Our Council — in partnership with the Worimi people, our PORT STEPHENS community and the business sector — continues to strive to Welcome to our unique and beautiful part of the world. make Port Stephens an even better place to live, work, play I am proud to say here at we’re INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS and invest. The pandemic pause has only strengthened our renowned for growing new businesses. Our ‘can do’ resolve and provided the time and space to look at the big attitude, blue-sky thinking and innovative approach picture and identify opportunities for the future. We continue to growing our economy has raised eyebrows, won to actively engage with all stakeholders to fine tune and awards and garnered the attention of local, national and implement the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. multinational organisations across the globe. Recognised by the State and Federal Governments as a Recently, our community — like all those around the world regional economic driver, significant investment continues — has been shaken by the Covid-19 global pandemic crisis, to pour into Port Stephens via major public, private and civil which has impacted all aspects of life. I’m proud to say projects. Millions have been committed to infrastructure, our rapid response program ‘Restart Port Stephens’ has including urban development, town centre rejuvenation, highlighted how our organisation’s agility and out-of-the environmental projects, educational facilities, tourism and square thinking and has provided relief where it is needed roads, providing a high level of confidence for investors. most. By working closely with business and community we have managed to adapt to the new challenges, hold fast and We are a hub for manufacturing, resources, defence, prepare well for recovery and growth as the tide turns. aviation, aerospace, tourism, information technology, and marine and energy industries. Port Stephens is located on Port Stephens is a significant economic hub and forms ’s eastern seaboard, 2 hours’ drive north of part of the Greater Newcastle region encompassing the and immediately to the north of NSW’s ‘second city’ of resource rich Hunter Valley — with its mines, wines and Newcastle, but our road, rail, sea and air transport facilities thoroughbreds — and the dynamic cities of Newcastle link us to the rest of Australia and the world. and Lake Macquarie, making it the largest regional economy in Australia. With a competitive, innovative business environment, well-connected transportation links, close proximity to the Port Stephens is home to major strategic centres including ’s rich resources, and accessibility to key Tomago — a thriving manufacturing and industrial area markets, infrastructure and a skilled workforce — plus a — the Newcastle Airport, RAAF and aerospace precinct at coastal lifestyle that is the envy of most — Port Stephens is Williamtown, and a thriving tourism industry linked directly the obvious choice for business and investment. to our unique natural environment of National Parks, Marine Parks and the Worimi Conservation Lands — the largest As we emerge from our pandemic pause I invite moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. you to share in our inevitable prosperity and discover for yourself why Port Stephens truly Port Stephens people are justifiably proud of where we is a land of opportunity. live. Our sense of place is inextricably linked to the natural beauty we have been blessed with and the lifestyle this affords us, however it’s our people who make Port Stephens Ryan Palmer such a special place. Mayor of Port Stephens

3 WHY INVEST IN PORT STEPHENS?

In short - you’d be crazy not to. significant capital investment commitments from both public and private sectors across housing, infrastructure, The Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) is situated tourism, transport and technology - Port Stephens has on the northern boundary of the and stretches from Fern Bay in the south, west to Duns Creek much to offer investors, innovators and those that realise east to and north to Karuah and encompasses the good life is all about balance.. not just a balance sheet. the , the Worimi Conservation Lands Almost 73,000 people call Port Stephens home and and a 98,000 hectare Marine Park. this is expected to grow to over 90,000 in the next 20 The Port Stephens economy has a diverse industry and years. People come to the area for many reasons - employment base built around the natural environment whether to visit, raise a family in a safe environment, which is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque work in a thriving and diverse economy or retire in this locations on the Australian coastline. From the powder beautiful part of the world. Port Stephens’ diverse social, soft sands and turquoise waters of the sheltered Shoal environmental and economic characteristics are part of Bay to the spectacular desertscape and monumental what makes it so unique. sand dunes of the Worimi Conservation Lands… Port Technology is increasingly enabling people to live Stephens is much more than a natural beauty! the dream in Port Stephens - operating a business With a growing Gross Regional Product (GRP) estimated and working from home while still having access at $5.334 billion per year, a diverse economy, a bustling to work teams and clients across Australia via 4 tourism industry welcoming 1.7 million visitors a year and Newcastle Airport. ...the good life is all‘‘ about balance, ‘‘not just a balance sheet...

5 TAMORTH

PORT MACQUARIE

TAREE

DUBBO FORSTER GLOBAL MUSELLBROOK CONNECTIONS

PORT STEPHENS LGA Port Stephens is located at

SINGLETON the hub of a well-developed DUNS CREEK KARUAH transport network ensuring easy RAYMOND connections to local, state and MAITLAND TERRACE NELSON BAY international markets. HUNTER VALLEY HEATHERBRAE INE COUNTRY TOMAGO ILLIAMTON

PORT OF NECASTLE

NT

QLD

BRISBANE

GOSFORD 1hrs SA BYRON BAY

DUBBO RICHMOND PORT STEPHENS NSW NEWCASTLE BLUE MOUNTAINS SYDNEY WAGGA WAGGA PENRITH PARRAMATTA VIC SYDNEY BANKSTON hrs CRONULLA TAS 6

CANBERRA $5.334 THE BILLION 1.7 ECONOMY $ 2019 GROSS MILLION 27,346 73K REGIONAL PRODUCT POPULATION VISITORS 2019/20 JOBS

7

OUR

STRENGTHS 10 minutes to ‘‘ YOUR the M1 Motorway ‘‘... just 2.5 hours ADVANTAGE. north of Sydney

Port Stephens has a lot to offer prospective investors. It is home to one of Australia’s fastest-growing aviation and defence hubs, has a long-established manufacturing sector THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS - and is one of the east coast’s most loved tourism destinations. It is an integral part of TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS, INFRASTRUCTURE the Hunter – the largest regional economy in Australia and has been identified by all tiers of government as a strategic centre Port Stephens is strategically located at the hub of a well- east coast of Australia and the world’s largest coal port. for economic growth. developed multi-modal transport network ensuring easy With a deepwater shipping channel, capacity to double connections to local, state and international markets. Just trade volumes, plenty of portside land available and 2.5 hours drive north from Sydney and a 1.5 hour flight berthside connections to the heavy rail network - you would from Melbourne (2 of the largest domestic markets in be hard pressed to find another port in Australian that could Australia) and an easy 3 hour direct flight to New Zealand. match the unique capabilities of the Port of Newcastle. We are ideally located on the eastern seaboard, midway between Melbourne and , bordered by Newcastle Port Stephens businesses also benefit from the nearby rail to the south, the Hunter Valley to the west and provide the network. The heavy rail network supports passenger and gateway to the north coast of . freight services from the Port of Newcastle to the Hunter Valley and beyond including the Hunter Valley Coal Chain. Over 40,000 vehicles pass through Port Stephens daily via The passenger and freight rail network also links the east the Pacific Highway, with the bustling centres of Raymond coast of Australia including Sydney and Brisbane. Terrace and Heatherbrae just 10 minutes from the end of the M1 Motorway which earmarked for a major bypass Newcastle Airport, located in Port Stephens at Williamtown, upgrade to improve connectivity. is our global gateway. It plays a significant role in enabling the export of Hunter region services and skills, and unlocks Located immediately south of the Port Stephens LGA, The unrealised potential for our tourism industry, both domestic Port of Newcastle is the largest bulk shipping port on the and international. 8 THE ENERGY KNOWLEDGE TO THRIVE IS POWER

Investment in the energy sector continues to keep energy With strong academic and logistical links to the nearby Local schools partner with manufacturing and defence supply well ahead of demand, creating confidence for University of Newcastle (UON), now ranked in the top based industries, and through Regional Development investors. The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) is 250 global universities, Port Stephens is cleverly Australia, STEM programs are well-integrated into the investing $400 million to construct and operate a duel fuel connected to some of the nation’s and the world’s school curriculum providing unprecedented access to an fast-start peaking power plant with a nominal capacity of best intellects. appropriately skilled future workforce. 250 MW with gas pipelines, electricity transmission lines, site access and associated ancillary facilities at Tomago. This The close relationship established with UON affords The Port Stephens Fisheries Institute is a premier research will form part of AGL’s strategy to introduce new electricity unique business collaborations for research and facility focusing on biosecurity, fisheries compliance, generating development to improve energy security and development and limitless possibilities for innovation. research and aquaculture. Internationally respected reliability in the region research and development facilities in the region include TAFE courses in Port Stephens are about to receive a huge the CSIRO Energy Centre, Hunter Medical Research The Hunter has 4 power stations and a range of competitive boost, with TAFE NSW investing $7 million to develop a Institute, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, electricity retailers with ample capacity to keep up with Connected Learning Centre in Salamander Bay. This facility Hunter Research Foundation and Breast Cancer Trials to growing demands for both existing and new residential uses state of the art technology and facilities to connect name a few. developments as well as the commercial and industrial local students with courses being delivered at any TAFE enterprises of the future. campus. TAFE and the University work closely with local The depth of talent and innovative thinking that thrives business and industry to develop courses specifically in these centres of excellence make for a smarter, Four out of the 5 Hunter Water raw water sources are located designed to grow the workforce that will be required by the brighter future as homegrown opportunities become within the Port Stephens LGA and with a $950 million investment region’s emerging industries. an attractive prospect. in infrastructure upgrades over the next 10 years, Hunter Water can ensure a clean, reliable service long into the future. 9 The government ‘‘ has identified key ‘‘ advantages for Port Stephens.

THE INVESTMENT PIPELINE

The time is now – as the post-pandemic boom looms. $400 million to the development of a 250MW gas fired Government funding continues to be injected into the The ground work has been laid, the opportunities are power station at Tomago. This quick start gas generation growing Port Stephens visitor economy with more than ripe and despite the odds, confidence is still strong with project can be activated during peak demand times, or $26 million committed to a range of projects from the NSW long term investment from both public and private sector whenever renewables are unavailable. National Parks Tomaree Coastal Walk ($6.7 million), the igniting the local economy and creating tangible prospects Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary ($7 million), Birubi Point for a strong future. The NSW state government has committed $275 million Information Centre ($6.4 million) and the Irukandji Shark, to the duplication of Nelson Bay Road which connects Ray and Turtle Centre ($6 million). These projects will be With development occurring around the main sectors of Port Stephens to the City of Newcastle and the Port supported with ongoing investment in indigenous tourism manufacturing, tourism and defence, new industries are of Newcastle. cultural and educational tourism experiences across Port emerging to support the growing regional economy. Stephens with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council Investment in housing is strong with the King’s Hills With the federal government’s investment of $1 billion close to completion of the Murrook Cultural Centre along Urban Release Area expected to create an additional in the RAAF Base at Williamtown, the arrival of the F-35A JSF with a proposal for a $14 million eco-tourism resort on the 3500 homes. The NSW Government has committed aircraft and $11.7 million committed to the development of entrance to the Worimi Conservation Lands at Williamtown. $80 million to the development of infrastructure to the Astra Aerolab aviation and innovation hub, both public support this new suburb, located just 40 minutes from Underpinning this investment is Port Stephens Council’s and private investment continues to flow into Port Stephens. the CBD of Newcastle, 20 minutes from the Williamtown ongoing commitment to creating vibrant and liveable This growth in infrastructure includes a renewable energy Special Activation Precinct and directly linking to the communities with $15.9 million of infrastructure projects mix supported by traditional sources. AGL has committed M1 Pacific Highway. underway bringing the total program to almost $50 million. 10 A GENUINE WORK A FUTURE A COLLABORATIVE LIFE BALANCE FOCUS APPROACH

The secret is out! Where else can you work and live this Port Stephens has been identified by state and federal Council believes in the value of a collaborative approach close to Sydney, still be an hour’s flight to Brisbane or governments as an important driver for regional to business development and attraction and is committed Melbourne and have an affordable yet ‘wow’ lifestyle? economic growth. to investing in relationships with stakeholders from relevant government, business, employment and industry Port Stephens offers an enviable lifestyle for people of The investment in the Williamtown Special Activation bodies to create mutually beneficial connections and help all ages. Residential choices range from coastal and Precinct combined with the recognition of Nelson Bay and facilitate investment. hinterland villages, waterfront homes and as strategic centres and Heatherbrae to spacious homes in the suburbs and rural retreats - and Tomago as catalyst zones ensures a long term and In 2019, Council signed the historic ‘Yabang Gumba- all within an hour easy driving of the largest regional targeted focus on investment and development across economy in Australia. Gu’ agreement with the Worimi and Karuah Aboriginal the LGA. Land Councils. Translating to ‘Road to Tomorrow’ in the The desirability and liveability of Port Stephens provides a Government modelling is projecting strong employment Worimi language of Gathang - this collaborative blueprint competitive edge for business, particularly when recruiting growth across the LGA with almost 4000 new jobs provides a roadmap of projects which will be delivered highly skilled and/or qualified staff. anticipated in the next 15 years. in partnership with the indigenous community for the The diverse beauty of the natural environment lures benefit of the entire Port Stephens community. This rapid employment growth will translate to a boom in visitors and those looking to escape the rat-race but with residential housing on suitably zoned land in close proximity the convenience of a city nearby. Port Stephens is an These genuine partnerships across all levels of to the identified employment precincts. enticing offer with thriving business, quality of life, access government, traditional owners and community are a to world-class health and educational institutions and a major contributor in attracting business and investment flourishing arts, culture and entertainment scene. to Port Stephens. 11 READY. SE T. GROW.

Port Stephens has been identified by government as a pivotal location for economic growth. With increasing private investment and substantial financial commitments by both state and federal governments for projects ranging from infrastructure and residential developments, to defence, aerospace, innovation and education - the future growth of the region is assured. AIRPORT DEFENCE/ TRADING INNOVATION AVIATION/ HUB EDUCATION As part of the NSW government’s ‘big picture’ AEROSPACE CLUSTER focus on creating jobs and attracting investors, key precincts have been identified to nurture WILLIAMTOWN growth in specific industries. Williamtown is positioned just east precinct will attract business and fighterjets and drive $246 million of Raymond Terrace and 25 minutes investment, create jobs and fuel into the NSW economy. south of Nelson Bay. It is the home economic development. of Newcastle Airport and the Royal Newcastle Airport is the gateway to Australian Air Force (RAAF) base, The federal government’s $1 billion Australia’s Hunter region, with and a growing aerospace and investment in the new F35 Joint 1.284 million passengers passing defence service cluster. Strike Fighter (JSF) fleet is a game through in 2019. The airport is the changer for Williamtown, which second international gateway into Identified as one of the NSW will be ‘home base’ for the majority New South Wales and the second government’s ‘Special Activation of the 72 strong Australian fleet of busiest airport in the state. Precincts’ (SAP), Williamtown will jets. Maintenance contracts have benefit through government-lead been awarded to the primes, with Key to future growth of the airport is development and infrastructure capability being ramped up as the a runway upgrade to accommodate investment as well as fast- jets arrive on base. Primes servicing larger aircraft. This upgrade would tracked planning processes. JSF maintenance contracts are unlock numerous tourism and air actively seeking out innovative SMEs freight opportunities, drive more By identifying Williamtown as a to support service delivery. defence, aerospace and aviation passengers and inject a projected hub as well as an education The globally significant ‘Astra $70 million a year in recurrent and innovation cluster, the NSW Aerolab’ will house maintenance tourism spend across the Hunter 12 government has ensured that the and support services for Australian and Northern NSW. HEALTH RETAIL STRATEGIC COUNCIL BULKY GOODS JOBS LINK TO SMALL HUB CENTRE HQ CLUSTER M1 MANUFACTURING

RAYMOND TERRACE HEATHERBRAE

An historic riverside town and trading hub and Defence Administration Centre and Located on the Pacific Highway, south home to existing industrial estates, at the junction of the Hunter and Williams has been identified as particularly suitable of the Raymond Terrace CBD and north major bulky goods retailers, boat and Rivers, Raymond Terrace has evolved for the development of health services to of the Tomago manufacturing precinct, caravan manufacturing and sales along to become the main service centre for support the region’s growing population, Heatherbrae has been earmarked as a with smaller manufacturing and highway Port Stephens. The Hunter Regional Plan including the 3500 King’s Hill Urban significant employment land cluster in the service businesses. 2036 identifiesRaymond Terrace as an Release Area and proposed infill housing. Hunter Regional Plan. important strategic centre which provides This area is expected to continue to grow Raymond Terrace’s proximity to major a range of facilities for surrounding Heatherbrae is easily accessed by the with Port Stephens Council strategies employment and industry centres communities including retail, government, major population centres of Newcastle, providing the framework for the release including Heatherbrae, Tomago, civic and professional services. Maitland and Port Stephens and with of additional commercial land well into Newcastle and Maitland, access to the federal government funding of $1.6 the next decade. Raymond Terrace is home to Port state’s major freeways and affordable billion driving the extension of the M1 Stephens Council Administration, NSW commercial and residential real Pacific Highway, is set to evolve into a Department of Family & Community estate make it an attractive option for destination for bulky goods retailing. Services, two successful shopping centres businesses and residents alike. and a diverse and busy main street. The town has seen significant public and Port Stephens Council is currently Heatherbrae offers large parcels of private investment over recent years, developing a Public Domain Plan for the affordable, vacant land with high including a new GP Super Clinic, NSW Raymond Terrace CBD which will support visibility, ample space for parking and Police Local Area Command, Courthouse the growth and vibrancy of his community. transport logistics. The area is also 13 TOURISM STRATEGIC RESIDENTIAL HEALTH JOB INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING TRADING CENTRE CLUSTERS HUB

NELSON BAY TOMAGO

A major tourism hub, Nelson Bay is Existing professional services with an With global heavy hitters such as Not just a logistics hub, Tomago is also identified as a strategic centre with expanding retail and hospitality sector Tomago Aluminium, Westrac, Sandvik home to growing businesses across the significant opportunity for growth, will service the fast-growing population, and Ampcontrol all calling the Tomago spectrum - manufacturing, small and particularly in tourism product and improved health care will service precinct home it’s little wonder it has medium businesses, defence and mining and experiences. the needs of the over 55s attracted to caught the attention of state government. support, warehousing and distribution. the region. A boost in public and private investment The Hunter Regional Plan 2036 identifies Tomago represents a huge opportunity in local infrastructure is underway to Our Council has also endorsed a plan Tomago as a catalyst zone and a for economic growth within the enhance tourism facilities that capitalise to revitalise the town centre and update significant employment land cluster. manufacturing and industrial sector and on the incredible natural assets, and aging infrastructure to unlock the is set to become a vibrant trading hub investigation is underway for medium potential for growth in the Port Stephens Its close proximity to Newcastle Airport, attracting international, national and density developments which complement visitor economy. We have committed the Port of Newcastle, the Hunter River, local tenants to complement the major the visitor, recreational and residential to partnerships with industry to deliver the M1 Motorway and the rail corridor corporates located in the precinct. appeal. There’s also a significant destination marketing strategies to means Tomago is ideally placed to commitment by our Council and the NSW drive awareness, increase visitation take advantage of existing freight and Government to drive future workforce and reach a visitor spend of $1 billion logistics infrastructure to move product development with education and training. by 2030. around Australia and the globe.

14 15 KEY INDUSTRY STRENGTHS

The diverse industry base in Port Stephens is built around the region’s natural assets. A highly visible visitor economy, a well established aviation, defence and aerospace precinct and a thriving manufacturing and MANUFACTURING industrial cluster all in close proximity to lucrative markets in Sydney, the Hunter Valley, northern Port Stephens is home to internationally recognised advanced manufacturing to develop specific skills and NSW and the central west of the state. and highly specialised manufacturing businesses knowledge in local students. mainly concentrated in the Tomago, Williamtown In other parts of Port Stephens, manufacturers are and Heatherbrae precincts where prime industrial mainly smaller light industrial operations located in the land and easy access to all transport networks various industrial estates, with clusters of manufacturing (rail, road, sea and air) provides the ideal setting for businesses in Salamander Bay and Taylors Beach. Many manufacturers, investors and major international of these smaller manufacturing and industrial businesses industry headquarters to stake their claim. service the local and regional markets and are sustained Current corporates include a concentration of metals by strong population growth, housing developments and manufacturing, heavy engineering, light industrial and by business growth in the Lower Hunter Region. bulky goods retailing linked to the resource and Manufacturing in Port Stephens remains strong defence sectors including Varley Group, Ampcontrol as economic restructuring takes place across the and Westrac. Hunter Region with industry transitioning from Through regional partnerships, investment in the traditional goods-producing sectors, like mining and development of a higher skilled advanced manufacturing manufacturing, to high value-added, knowledge-based workforce is strong. The RDA Hunter ME program service sectors particularly in the defence, aviation and (Advanced Manufacturing Industry School program) aerospace industries. connects industry and schools to ensure industry is well These foundations in advanced high value, high skills prepared with a skilled and adaptive workforce. manufacturing and research and development provide The Port Stephens P-Tech program (Pathways In genuine opportunity for locally based firms to diversify Technology) is aligned with skill demand in defence and into defence, aviation and aerospace.

16 $309 VALUE ADDED MANUFACTURING MILLION

3,225 $43,638 IN WAGES SALARIES $468 JOBS MILLION OUTPUT MILLION 17 DEFENCE

$670 $436 VALUE ADDED AVIATION & MILLION MILLION IN LOCAL 2,876 IN WAGES SALARIES AEROSPACE JOBS EXPENDITURE $986 MILLION

18 Jointly owned by Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport is the gateway to Australia’s largest regional economy, with more than $43 billion annual output and 48,500 businesses. Newcastle Airport contributes more than $1.16 billion to the state’s economy each year, including $300 million direct to the visitor economy which supports over 5700 DEFENCE, full-time employees across tourism and the airport cluster. Serviced by , , QantasLink, AVIATION & Regional Express, and FlyPelican, passengers can fly to eight direct destinations and onward to more than AEROSPACE 65 worldwide destinations. The Airport’s Master Plan outlines proposed developments to deliver the airport the region deserves, including Williamtown has been identified and established as Fighter (JSF) fleet. BAE Systems within the Williamtown upgrades to the runway and terminal to accommodate a defence, aerospace and aviation hub as well as an Aerospace Centre has been named as the Australian larger aircraft, opening the region to the world. education and innovation cluster. It is a significant F-35 JSF maintenance hub and the F-35 JSF Pacific asset and has been recognised as such by all tiers of Hemisphere Sustainment facility. government with plans in place to activate economic Williamtown has been identified by the NSW Government growth and employment. as a Special Activation Precinct (SAP), one of only three The value of engineering and technology industry output is in NSW. about to be significantly increased with greater access to SAPs are designed to accelerate investment and growth government procurement under the Defence White Paper. through high-value regional hubs and benefit from Astra Aerolab is a globally significant Innovation, With a building phase budget of $195 billion over 10 years streamlined planning processes to unlock investment. Aerospace and Defence Precinct being developed on and a sustainment bill estimated to be approximately This, in turn, drives more jobs, opportunities and funding 76 hectares of prime land in Port Stephens. It directly adjoins the thriving Newcastle Airport and the RAAF Base $750 billion over the succeeding 25 years, it will be the within the area. Williamtown, Australia’s primary Defence Fighter Base. largest defence investment since WWII. The Williamtown Aerospace Centre, is a hub of commercial defence capability established to create, Astra Aerolab will become the pre-eminent space for The Federal Government has adopted a policy of innovation across several sectors including agri-tech enhance and facilitate industrial and business activities maximizing Australian content by requiring Prime expertise, aviation and aerospace, and mining providing on 120 acres of land adjoining RAAF Base Williamtown Contractors to outreach to SME companies. Engineering a hub for research and education. and Newcastle Airport. Foundation tenants include and technology companies in the Hunter stand to benefit Lockheed Martin, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Astra Aerolab has secured significant public investment due to the proximity of primes in aerospace, ship building Raytheon Australia and University of Newcastle. The and support from all levels of government, which will and sub-primes in land defence. development includes the 95 room Mercure Hotel and ultimately deliver 5500 new jobs and global connectivity. Stage 1 construction works commenced in 2019. The Williamtown base will be the RAAF’s command, conference centre. operations and training base for the new F-35 Joint Strike 19 Destination Port Stephens (DPS) is a not-for-profit, THE VISITOR incorporated body, strongly supported by Port Stephens Council, owned by members and autonomously ECONOMY managed by a skills-based Board of nine industry representatives. DPS advocates for its members in areas of visitor economy policy and regulation, builds The tourism industry generates in excess of $569 million invested over $7 million in the world class restaurant, collaborative networks throughout the region and for the local economy attracting on average 1.7 million function and accommodation facility - Bannisters Port creates opportunities for new and existing tourism visitors a year. The popularity of Port Stephens to both the Stephens, located at Soldiers Point. product. It also develops and implements a range domestic and international markets is directly linked to the of destination and event marketing programs in Visitors and residents enjoy an abundance of festivals natural environment and proximity to the M1 Motorway partnership with the tourism industry, aimed to and Newcastle Airport. Specifically, tourism provides and events that including the internationally recognised increase destination awareness and drive visitation 2,093 jobs and is vital to the economy of Port Stephens. Sail Port Stephens, the Port Stephens Pro Surfing Event, from both domestic and international markets to Love Sea Food, the Williams River Barefoot Marathon grow the visitor economy. The waters of Port Stephens cover almost 160 square and Spartan Port Stephens. kilometres - about 2 and a half times the size of Sydney This unique and successful partnership is recognised as a best practice industry model and continues to Harbour and are home to more than 165 bottlenose Investment across the visitor economy continues to grow. drive the growth of the visitor economy sector – dolphins year round. Around 20,000 humpback whales The Murrook Cultural Centre will provide a world class currently valued at $70,000 per hour to the Port pass through from Port Stephens on their annual migration aboriginal arts, culture and education facility at Williamtown Stephens economy. to warmer waters in the tropics and back to Antarctica. where it will continue to foster and understand the local Local, national and international visitors flock to the area to indigenous culture which makes this place so unique. catch a first-hand glimpse of these magnificent mammals The $6.7 million, 20 km Tomaree Coastal Walk project and a fleet of vessels leave from d’Albora Marina each day from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point will be developed over to provide the best vantage point. Port Stephens is also an four years, delivering a key piece of tourism infrastructure internationally renowned game fishing hot spot with many for Port Stephens. The walk will cater for a variety of world record catches of marlin and shark. visitor experiences from short walks to half or multi-day Out of the water, the famous Stockton Bight sand dunes options and provide opportunities for commercial tourism in the Worimi Conservation Lands are the largest of their and build a valued legacy for future generations. kind in the southern hemisphere. Tour operators provide a wide range of activities such as sand boarding, 4WD New investment projects include the Port Stephens beach and dune driving, horse and camel riding and quad Koala Sanctuary which provides a world class visitor biking along with unique cultural experiences from the experience combined with facilities to care for sick and traditional owners of the land, the Worimi People. The long injured koalas; the Birubi Visitor Centre and Tourism term potential as an international tourist destination is not Interchange and the Worimi Eco Tourism Resort, both lost on big name operators such as the development of catering to growing visitation to the culturally significant a luxury hotel in partnership with Rick Stein who recently Worimi Conservation Lands. 20 THE VISITOR 2.7 $569 MILLION MILLION ECONOMY 1.7 VISITOR NIGHTS IN VISITOR 2,093 MILLION 2019/20 EXPENDITURE VISITORS 2019/20 2019/20 JOBS

21 MAKING BUSINESS GROWTH EASIER

Put simply - we want your business! But we realise we’re Council leads industry with a focused approach to the not alone in this quest. That’s why, here at Port Stephens delivery of actions which create genuine change for Council, we’ve made the process easier, the incentives more business across Port Stephens. In this process we will irresistible and we continue to work to reduce red tape. build capacity in the local business community, facilitate employment opportunities and increase the wellbeing of Council’s role is critical in the development of a the resident population. strong and stable local economy and for the region to attract investment and encourage growth. Our core This leadership has been particularly evident through functions to achieve this include land use planning, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic where a rapid response procurement, public asset management, reduction in to business and the community provided some much development application processing time, environmental needed assurance during a very difficult time. management and the design of our public spaces. This To achieve these goals we are working collaboratively influence however, does not occur in isolation and key with community, business and government. By building to the growth of the Port Stephens economy is the relationships, creating connections and growing development of strong partnerships with business, trust, we are creating an environment that supports state and federal agencies, industry organisations and business growth, injects vibrancy into our communities neighbouring councils. and drives the economy.

22 BIRUBI POINT TOWN CENTRES INTERCHANGE REJUVENATION $6.4 MILLION $25 MILLION

ASTRA AEROLAB KEY ROADS INVESTMENT $19.8 $100+ MILLION MILLION

SMART PARTNERSHIP KING’S HILL TOMAREE MULTI-FUNCTION DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE URBAN DEVELOPMENT SPORTS COMPLEX $2 MILLION $80 MILLION $10 MILLION

23 phone: 02 4988 0255 portstephens.nsw.gov.au