Port Stephens has so much to offer prospective investors.
Port Stephens has a lot to offer prospective investors. We're home to one of Australia’s fastest-growing aviation and defence hubs, we have a well-established manufacturing sector and we're one of the east coast’s most loved tourism destinations.
Port Stephens is an integral part of the Hunter — the largest regional economy in Australia — and is a strategic centre for economic growth.
Port Stephens is located at the hub of a multi-modal transport network ensuring easy connections to local, state and international markets.
Air: Located in the Port Stephens suburb of Williamtown, Newcastle Airport is our global gateway. It plays a significant role in our domestic and international tourism industry, as well as the export of Hunter services and skills. We're just a 30 minute flight to Sydney, 1.5 hours to Melbourne and 3 hours direct to New Zealand.
Land: Situated midway between Brisbane and Melbourne, Port Stephens is the gateway to northern NSW with more than 40,000 vehicles passing through daily via the Pacific Highway. Our bustling centres of Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae are just 10 minutes from the end of the M1 Pacific Motorway, which is scheduled for a major extension and upgrades to improve connectivity.
Sea: The Port of Newcastle is the largest bulk shipping port on the east coast of Australia and the world’s largest coal port. It's conveniently located on the southern border of Port Stephens. Its advantages include deepwater shipping channel, capacity to double trade volumes, portside land and berthside connections to the heavy rail network.
Rail: The heavy rail network supports passenger and freight services from the Port of Newcastle to the Hunter Valley and beyond including the Hunter Valley coal chain. Ongoing works continue to enhance the rail connection between the Hunter Valley Coal network and the Inland Rail. The passenger and freight rail network also links the east coast of Australia including Sydney and Brisbane.
Investment in the energy sector continues to keep energy supply well ahead of demand, creating confidence for investors.
AGL is investing $400 million to construct and operate a dual fuel fast-start peaking power plant at Tomago with a nominal capacity of 250 megawatts and gas pipelines, electricity transmission lines, site access and associated ancillary facilities.
The Hunter region has 4 power stations and a range of competitive electricity retailers with ample capacity to keep up with growing demands for both existing and new residential developments as well as the commercial and industrial enterprises of the future.
Of the 5 Hunter Water raw water sources, 4 are located in Port Stephens. With a $950 million investment in infrastructure upgrades over the next 10 years, Hunter Water can ensure a clean, reliable service long into the future.
With strong academic and logistical links to the nearby University of Newcastle, Port Stephens is cleverly connected to some of the nation’s and world’s best intellects. This close relationship affords unique business collaborations for research, development and innovation.
TAFE NSW is also investing $7 million to develop a Connected Learning Centre in Salamander Bay. This facility uses state of the art technology to connect local students with courses being delivered at any TAFE campus.
TAFE and the university work closely with local business and industry to develop courses specifically designed to grow the workforce that will be required by the region’s emerging industries.
The time is now — as the post-pandemic boom looms. The ground work has been laid, the opportunities are ripe and despite the odds, confidence is strong with long-term investment from both public and private sector igniting the local economy and creating tangible prospects for the future.
Key public and private investments include:
These projects will be supported with ongoing investment in indigenous tourism cultural and educational tourism experiences across Port
Stephens with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council close to completion of the Murrook Cultural Centre along with a proposal for a $14 million eco-tourism resort on the entrance to the Worimi Conservation Lands at Williamtown.
Underpinning this investment is our Council's ongoing commitment to creating vibrant and liveable communities with $15.9 million of infrastructure projects underway bringing the total program to almost $50 million.
The NSW Government is providing enticing incentives for businesses looking to establish themselves in or relocate to regional NSW:
The secret is out! Where else can you live and work this close to Sydney and still have an affordable yet enviable lifestyle?
Port Stephens is an enticing offer with thriving business, quality of life, access to world-class health and educational institutions and a flourishing arts, culture and entertainment scene.
Residential choices include coastal and hinterland villages, waterfront homes and apartments, spacious homes in the suburbs and rural retreats.
The liveability of Port Stephens provides a competitive edge for businesses recruiting highly skilled or qualified staff looking to escape the rat race but still wanting close city connections.
Port Stephens has been identified by state and federal governments as an important driver for regional economic growth.
Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace have been identified as strategic centres, while Heatherbrae and Tomago are recognised catalyst zones. This, combined with the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct, ensures a long-term focus on investment and development in Port Stephens.
Government modelling is projecting strong employment growth with almost 4000 new jobs anticipated in the next 15 years. This rapid employment growth will translate to a boom in residential housing on suitably zoned land close to the identified employment precincts.
Port Stephens Council believes in a collaborative approach to business development and attraction. We are committed to investing in relationships with stakeholders from relevant government, business, employment and industry bodies to help facilitate investment.
Our Investor Concierge Service aims to make business growth easier by providing personalised support for new, growing and relocating businesses. Here's how we can help you:
To take advantage of our Investor Concierge Service, get in touch.
