More Hunter jobs as the Premier reports back on Job Summit

4 September 2009

The NSW Premier, Nathan Rees, today unveiled plans to support jobs and investment in the Hunter region during the report-back session for the Hunter Jobs Summit.

“I visited the Hunter at the end of May to talk to local businesses and community leaders about how the New South Wales Government can help create and support local jobs,” he said.

“We are committed to delivering for the Hunter to support infrastructure investment and jobs in the region.

“We’ve committed $2.5 million to help refurbish the Channel Berth on Newcastle Harbour and to promote the Hunter as a cruise ship hub.

“This investment will inject an estimated $50 million into the economy over the next five years.

Mr Rees also announced a Smart Grid Taskforce would be established to assist Newcastle bid for clean energy projects.

“Clean energy is important for the future of the Hunter and the region is well positioned to take advantage of job opportunities in the sector,”

Mr Rees also announced:

• the NSW Government would contribute $70,000 toward a recovery package promoting the Hunter as a premium business tourism destination.
• the approval for a major industrial park at Tomago that will allow Redlake Enterprises to construct around 130 industrial lots and a 23-hectare machinery manufacturing facility to be operated by WesTrac creating around 1,000 construction and operational jobs.
• the expansion of Banlaw Pty Ltd, a Lake Macquarie firm which is utilising the NSW Government’s Payroll Tax Incentive Scheme to help create 36 new ‘green’ jobs.
• the NSW Air Combat Capability Hub – Hunter Region Advisory Council had held its first meeting as part of ongoing efforts to secure defence jobs and investment in the region.

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay welcomed the investment in the future of the region.

“This is great news for the Hunter region, creating local jobs and boosting the local economy,” Ms McKay said.

“We have listened to the views of the Hunter community and are committed to supporting development in the region.

“The Hunter Jobs Summit is an example of how Government and industry can work together to drive investment to support business and economic growth.”