NSW Business Chamber has launched its campaign ahead of the March state election. Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes said the campaign was aimed at Keeping NSW Number 1.

“A decade ago NSW had the worst-performing economy in the nation, but now we have the best. However, if we are to stay Number 1, this is not the time to take our recent economic success for granted or to become complacent,” Bob said.

“There are still a number of challenges and opportunities to be addressed and we need to tackle these to realise the full potential of the state.

“To keep momentum, and to retain our Number 1 spot, we need to maintain the right settings to encourage businesses to grow, invest and employ so that we build an even better NSW for all citizens.”

The Keeping NSW Number 1 campaign will focus on five main pillars:

• Skilling NSW for the future and tackling youth unemployment;
• Cutting energy costs for NSW businesses and residents;
• Improving the delivery of major infrastructure;
• Protecting NSW from natural disasters;
• Region-specific issues identified by local chambers.

“Each of these pillars have strong resonance for business and communities in the Hunter region,” Bob said.

“Infrastructure delivery, in particular, is a significant issue in the Hunter as the ability to grow and diversify our regional economy relies on the delivery of a number of key projects.

“These include the redevelopment of the John Hunter Hospital precinct; a Newcastle Airport runway upgrade to drive tourism and trade; improved public transport connectivity including faster rail to Sydney; completion of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass; and, a commitment to construction of the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace to improve connectivity to the airport and port.

“Skills shortages and energy prices are also key issues, as local businesses have told us through our quarterly business conditions surveys.”

NSW Business Chamber CEO, Stephen Cartwright said the Chamber had presented the details of this campaign to the government, opposition and minor parties that support small business in this state.

The NSW Business Chamber will produce a Report Card to show voters how each party’s policies stack up. Voters in regional communities can get involved by attending events with candidates or following Keeping NSW Number 1 on social media.

“Regional NSW has a number of marginal seats in this election, and local advertising, events with candidates and a large social media presence will be integral to this campaign,” Stephen said.

IMAGE | A runway upgrade and an upgrade to the access roads to Newcastle Airport are listed by Hunter Business Chamber as infrastructure priorities.