Ahead of the Property Council's Hunter luncheon From Coal Mines to the CBD: The Hunter's Next Chapter on Friday (19 June) Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director Stephen Crowe said governments must match the scale of the region's transition with real funding and coordination.
"The Hunter has powered the NSW economy for decades – now, as the region navigates the shift in coal and energy, we need to see governments step up with a clear plan to secure jobs, investment and housing for the next chapter."
The Property Council event will feature NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee outlining what lies ahead for the region, followed by a panel with energy sector director Katie Brassil, Port of Newcastle executive Lucas Coleman, and Compose Consulting Principal and Property Council Hunter Chapter Chair Julie Rich on the Hunter's future economic direction.
Mr Crowe said the conversation comes at a critical moment, just days out from the NSW Budget.
"It cannot be overstated that the decisions made now will determine whether the Hunter's economy continues to power the NSW economy or falls by the wayside," he said.
The Property Council is calling on the NSW Government to prioritise funding in the 2026-27 Budget to unlock housing and jobs across the region, including:
- Matching the vision set out in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan and Hunter Regional Plan by unlocking catalyst precincts, including on post mining and energy lands;
- Complementing this by fast-tracking the repurposing of mining land for diversified employment; and
- Tasking and empowering the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to deliver tangible outcomes for the region.
Mr Crowe said strategic catalyst sites including Anambah to Branxton, Broadmeadow, northwest Lake Macquarie and Morisset could deliver more than 40,000 new homes and transform 38,000 hectares of mining land into new economic hubs.
"We're staring down the barrel of a major economic transition – but with the right alignment and investment from government, we can drive thousands of new jobs, unlock new housing, and position the region at the forefront of NSW's next phase of economic growth," Mr Crowe said.
"Simplifying planning pathways for mining land reuse and embedding these opportunities in regional planning frameworks would be critical to attracting private investment," he said.
