Topping out of Kongsberg facility signals Hunter's next wave of investment and jobs
Hunter property leaders have welcomed today's topping out ceremony of Kongsberg Defence Australia's missile manufacturing facility at Astra Aerolab, calling it a clear signal the Hunter is stepping into its next economic chapter.
Property Council Hunter Regional Director Stephen Crowe said the project highlighted the region's growing profile in advanced manufacturing, defence and global supply chains – and the critical role Newcastle Airport plays in driving investment in employment lands and enabling infrastructure.
"This is exactly the kind of investment the Hunter needs more of - globally connected, high-skilled jobs that build on our industrial strengths and position the region for the future," Mr Crowe said.
"The Hunter has always been an economic powerhouse, but projects like Kongsberg show how we can evolve into a globally connected second city with a diverse and resilient economy."
Mr Crowe said Astra Aerolab and the broader Williamtown precinct was a perfect example of smart government investment in regional NSW.
"The development of an international terminal and defence precinct in Williamtown has transformed the aspirations of our region and is a perfect example of government working with the private sector to drive economic outcomes in our region," Mr Crowe said.
"If we want to attract similar projects, we need to continue to make it easier to invest - that means planning certainty, shovel-ready employment land, and the infrastructure to support it," he said.
Ahead of next month's NSW Budget, the Property Council is calling for a coordinated push from government to unlock similar opportunities across the region, including:
- Investment in enabling infrastructure to bring forward employment land supply, including the re-purposing of mining land.
- Further planning reforms to speed up approvals and reduce barriers to delivery.
- A focus on greater access to the airport from all parts of the region to connect jobs, workers and investment as well as driving the visitor economy.
"Projects like Astra Aerolab show what's possible when the right settings come together – but they can't be one-offs. The Hunter deserves more" Mr Crowe said.
"We're calling on the NSW Government to double down on the success we're seeing at Williamtown by backing projects like the Broadmeadow precinct, Newcastle's urban renewal and the infrastructure needed to unlock employment land right across the Valley," he said.
"If we get this right, we won't just see one facility topping out – we'll see a pipeline of projects delivering jobs, investment and long-term economic growth across the Hunter," Mr Crowe said.
