Visionary Plan to Expand Airport to Meet Community Needs

The people of the Hunter and Central Coast will today be able to see for the first time how their airport will grow over the next 20 years, to meet the needs of the local community.

This is through the release of Newcastle Airport’s Master Plan, which provides a 20-year plan for growth and a vision that extends to 2076.

The 2036 Newcastle Airport Vision outlines the proposed development to deliver the Airport the region deserves.

“The people of the region deserve a vibrant airport with a clear vision of how it will continue to serve them well into the future. We have an amazing region that is already Australia’s largest regional economy and we anticipate our passenger numbers will keep increasing. We will have double, possibly even triple our current numbers travelling through Newcastle Airport by 2036,” Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock said.

The Master Plan describes the airfield, terminal, landside, ground transport and aviation support facilities needed to cater for these increased numbers, including:

• terminal transformation with facilities expanded over two levels
• additional food, beverage and retail businesses
• international services implemented into the facilities
• aero-bridges from the upper level
• major modifications to integrate ground transport and road access
• creation of a pedestrian plaza
• additional car parking areas and offerings
• creation of a ‘campus’ style business precinct.

“A successful airport is vital to a bright future for the region and community in which it serves. It is imperative that we have the plans in place to meet the needs of the Hunter and Central Coast to allow it to grow and flourish. Our vision will help deliver what our thriving region deserves - freedom to travel, opportunity to conduct business, trade, smart jobs and education for future generations, and much more,” Peter added.

Supported by the NSW Government and developed in consultation with local, state and federal government stakeholders plus the community, the Master Plan provides a clear direction and capitalises on the role of the Airport in stimulating economic and social prosperity.

Intended to guide the ongoing development of New South Wales’ second busiest airport, the Master Plan supports continued investment in vital infrastructure that provides capacity to support strong regional, national and global connectivity, benefiting both the NSW visitor and knowledge economies.

Commenting on the Newcastle Airport 20-year Master Plan, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald MLC said, “The plan provides a clear vision for this vital piece of infrastructure to continue to the serve the Hunter community well into the future.

Aligned with the NSW Government’s Hunter 2036 Regional Plan, the Newcastle Airport Master Plan will ensure enhanced linkages to support economic growth, foster strong strategic trade and employment centres, enable connections to the Asia Pacific and maximise the presence and contribution of Defence related industries. The Airport delivers over $1.1 billion in economic impact to the region. This is only the beginning,” Scot MacDonald added in support.

As it grows, the Airport is expected to generate more than 3,000 additional jobs and significant economic activity across both the Airport site and complementary businesses it attracts to the area.

“Adelaide direct flights have already debuted this year, our passengers continue to recognise us as best-in-class in the renowned Airport Service Quality (ASQ) global benchmarking survey and the Airport celebrated 70 years in commercial aviation. We can plan to build on these milestones. We are committed to support the future of our local community and are excited by the vital part the Airport can play in the region’s development”.

The 2036 Newcastle Airport Vision was officially unveiled at a community stakeholder breakfast held today at the Newcastle Club with speaker Scot MacDonald MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter.

A summary of the Master Plan is available to download from the Newcastle Airport website or by clicking here.