In The News
Budget establishes strong regional foundation, but rapidly transforming Hunter needs more investment in housing and major projects
While the region looks to elections for a windfall, it is the quiet work behind the scenes on annual budgets that delivers. The outcomes for the Hunter in the federal budget reflect smart and persistent advocacy over years by a range of stakeholders, working together with Hunter MPs to secure the support our region needs.
Hydrogen Headstart program will fast-track Hunter Region’s clean energy transformation
The Federal Government’s new $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program will fast-track the Hunter’s transformation into a hydrogen superpower, industry leaders believe.
‘Opportunity missed’: Community providers say federal budget offers little to fix Hunter housing crisis
You only need walk the streets of inner-city Newcastle to see the public face of homelessness in the Hunter.
Budget 2023 assigns High Speed Rail Authority to plan Newcastle to Sydney link
A new High Speed Rail Authority to be formed next month has been allocated $13.58 million across three years to plan a Newcastle and Sydney connection.
Federal Budget Newcastle: Hunter leaders applaud cost-of-living relief
SLASHING cost-of-living pressures is a central feature of Labor’s Federal Budget announcement which politicians and Hunter leaders have lauded as a win for locals.
Federal budget: Hunter poised for action as Labor doubles down on renewable energy
Labor’s second federal budget prioritised cost-of-living relief over nation-building infrastructure spending, but the government’s pumped-up clean energy commitment offers opportunities for the Hunter.
Federal election: Hunter leaders want cash to keep flowing for energy, roads, housing
Hunter leaders highlight key regional challenges including economic transition, clean energy, affordable housing and road infrastructure.
Community consultation reveals strong support for Hunter Offshore Wind Project
More than 1900 submissions were received during a three-month community consultation process for the proposed Hunter Offshore Wind zone.
NSW election 2023: Hunter MPs promise strength in numbers to deliver for region in new Labor government
By Michael Parris March 26 2023 Peree Watson and supporters. The pressure will be on the Hunter's new government MPs to deliver for the region after Labor swept to victory in the NSW election on Saturday night. A 6.6 per cent swing to...
NSW election 2023: Labor MPs push for ‘fair share’ for Hunter after Chris Minns leads red wave
By Michael Parris March 27 2023 Kate Washington gives her fellow Hunter Labor MPs Yasmin Catley, Jenny Aitchison, Sonia Hornery, Jodie Harrison and Tim Crakanthorp the thumbs-up in Newcastle on Sunday. Picture by Jonathan Carroll. The Hunter's...
hunter youth take their seat on policy bus
Opinion By Dylan Shoesmith March 25, 2023 Young voters in the Hunter are keen to offer solutions to complex issues that are holding them back. Young people in the Hunter have no shortage of concerns that make life harder than other places. From...
State election 2023: Hunter’s young voters share concerns about climate change, housing affordability, mental health services, public transport and energy transition
By Madeline Link March 24 2023 Zack Schofield wants to see more efforts made towards energy transition. Picture supplied. AS the Hunter's younger voters prepare to head to polling booths for Saturday's election, climate change, energy transition,...
NSW needs federal help to tackle chronic shortage of social and affordable housing
Opinion By Lyndall Robertshaw March 21 2023 In many areas in the region rental housing isn't just unaffordable, it's unavailable. The housing market is a continuum, not a series of independent sections. What happens in one part of the housing...
Everybody’s Home campaign calls on the Government to build at least 25,000 social homes each year for 20 years
By Matthew Kelly March 20 2023 Housing crisis: experts warn social and affordable housing must be a national priority. National housing campaign Everybody's Home has warned that Hunter renters on low incomes will continue to struggle to...
Newcastle and Hunter property market pressures are biting
Editorial: March 20 2023 Home truths about the Hunter's property pain demand serious foresight Photo by Max Mason Hubers. HOUSING is perhaps one of the more fraught topics in modern Australian life. Those who are battling to buy now are regularly...
Committee for the Hunter calls for government intervention to address the Hunter’s affordable housing crisis
By Matthew Kelly March 20 2023 Nicola and Justin Holl and their daughter Remy. The couple searched across the Hunter for an affordable first home before eventually settling in Cliftleigh. Photo by Max Mason Hubers. Nicola and Justin Holl spent...
Housing crisis: why Hunter can’t afford to languish further on waiting list for government action
Opinion: By Nissa Phillips, Seema Sanghi and Brad Webb March 13 2023 Five out of the 10 local government areas with the highest housing need in NSW are in the Hunter. The term "crisis" is being thrown around a lot these days. The media has...
Urging the NSW Government to keep fast rail plans on track
The Guardian March 7, 2023 A UK expert says ‘everybody is going to end up living in Sydney’ unless the NSW government acts on a fast rail network. Photograph: mikulas1/Getty Images/iStockphoto. The expert behind the New South Wales government’s...
Hunter lobby groups call for clarity on NSW government’s fast rail plans
Media: By Michael Parris March 3 2023 A fast rail concept image released by the NSW government in 2019. Key Hunter lobby groups have called on the NSW government to clarify whether it has abandoned its plans for fast rail between Newcastle and...
Dollars and sense: Why the hunter offers top value for money
Op ed: By Alice Thompson February 25 2023 The Hunter is a $65 billion economy entering transition. Despite the challenges, the region’s future is one of growth and optimism. Population growth has surpassed projections. Investment demand is booming...
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