HUNTER INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS 2016 THE HUNTER REGION, NSW INVEST IN AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST REGIONAL ECONOMY Australia’s largest Regional economy - $38.5 billion Connected internationally - airport, seaport, national motorways,rail Skilled and flexible workforce Enviable lifestyle Contact: RDA Hunter Suite 3, 24 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303 Phone: +61 2 4940 8355 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.rdahunter.org.au AN INITIATIVE OF FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES CONTENTS Federal and State Government Welcomes 4 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Australia’s future depends on the strength of our regions and their ability to Introducing the Hunter progress as centres of productivity and innovation, and as vibrant places to live. 7 History and strengths The Hunter Region has great natural endowments, and a community that has shown great skill and adaptability in overcoming challenges, and in reinventing and Economic Strength and Diversification diversifying its economy. RDA Hunter has made a great contribution to these efforts, and 12 the 2016 Hunter Investment Prospectus continues this fine work. The workforce, major industries and services The prospectus sets out a clear blueprint of the Hunter’s future direction as a place to invest, do business, and to live. Infrastructure and Development 42 Major projects, transport, port, airports, utilities, industrial areas and commercial develpoment I commend RDA Hunter for a further excellent contribution to the progress of its region. Education & Training 70 The Hon Warren Truss MP Covering the extensive services available in the Hunter Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Innovation and Creativity 74 How the Hunter is growing it’s reputation as a centre of innovation and creativity Living in the Hunter 79 STATE GOVERNMENT Community and lifestyle in the Hunter The Hunter is the biggest contributor to the NSW economy outside of Sydney and a jewel in NSW’s rich Business Organisations regional crown.