Council Shareholders Approve Proposed Purchase of Land for Airport Expansion

Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Council, joint owners of Newcastle Airport Pty Ltd, have granted approval for the purchase of a significant parcel of land adjacent to the Airport to future-proof the region’s aviation needs.

The proposition to purchase the land is a key part of the Newcastle Airport 20-year Master Plan and proposed development of a business technology precinct alongside the Airport.

The land is essential to secure the future air transport needs of the Greater Hunter region, and ensures that Newcastle Airport will be the airport the region deserves for generations to come. The purchase also opens opportunities to capitalise on the core strengths of the region in terms of defence aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The Airport already has a strong focus on supporting aviation and defence industries with tenants such as BAE Systems and Jetstar. The new precinct will serve as a focal point for sustainment of the new F35 Joint Strike Fighter jets and will provide the ability locally to sustain other platforms. It will also include an innovation hub for new defence and aerospace-related research, manufacturing and businesses in the region, which continue to cluster around the Airport, as well as non-aviation related industries such as education, technology, mining and tourism operations.

Port Stephens Council resolved to proceed with the land acquisition of Lot 11 DP 1036501 and Lot 3 DP 1036690 at the Ordinary Council Meeting dated 24 April 2018.

Newcastle City Council resolved to proceed with land acquisition of Lot 11 DP 1036501 and Lot 3 DP 1036690 at the Ordinary Council Meeting dated 1 May 2018.

Quote attributable to Port Stephens Council, Mayor Ryan Palmer
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer described the Council resolution as a significant and exciting proposition. “The decision is about the bigger picture for the Airport and the Hunter. This expansion could potentially allow for the growth of our region as a truly world-class tourism destination and business hub.  I am proud that Port Stephens Council was able to support the land purchase proposal that takes a step toward further future-proofing the facility and progressing the development of the whole aerospace precinct.  Critically, expansion of the Airport could potentially mean more local jobs and improved facilities for members of our community that use the Newcastle Airport each day.”

Quote attributable to Newcastle City Council, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes
“Expansion of the airport marks another exciting chapter in our city’s rapid renewal and development,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "As one of the region’s most important infrastructure hubs, the additional land will create a new biz-tech precinct that aligns with Newcastle City Council's Smart City Strategy to transform the greater Newcastle economy and create jobs of the future. Together with government partners and the University of Newcastle, we are charging ahead into the digital age, rolling out critical tech infrastructure to achieve data-based productivity gains for business and industry and deliver digital-based conveniences for residents, workers and visitors. The strategy and airport expansion are mutually beneficial developments which will also boost non-aviation industries, such as education, technology and tourism, in Newcastle, Port Stephens and the wider Hunter."

Quote attributable to Newcastle Airport, CEO Dr Peter Cock
“A successful airport is vital to a bright future for the region and community in which it serves, and we thank our community shareholders for supporting our vision in delivering the Airport the region deserves. This proposal to purchase will protect future aviation growth opportunities and takes us another step closer to the realisation of our Master Plan, which includes the creation of a world-leading commercial and innovation hub. The precinct will allow enhanced linkages to support economic growth, strategic trade, business, education and smart jobs for future generations. Whilst the purchase of the land is still in front of us, we hope to have shovels in the ground by the end of the year.”

Ends.

Media contact
Crystal Bergemann, Newcastle Airport, Marketing and Communication Manager
02 4928 9811 or 0427 333 021
www.newcastleairport.com.au