Newcastle Airport welcomed representatives from the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO) for an exclusive tour of the international terminal development. The tour was led by Newcastle Airport Director Cr. Leah Anderson, who is also Mayor of Port Stephens and HJO Deputy Chair, alongside Executive General Manager People & Communications Burcak Sezer and the Planning & Infrastructure team.
The visit provided Mayors and General Managers from across the Hunter region with a behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the terminal, which is on track to open in August 2025. Once complete, the upgraded facility will position Newcastle Airport as New South Wales’ second international gateway, unlocking new global routes, investment, and economic opportunities for the region.
Updates during the tour included the airport’s air cargo advocacy efforts, the continued growth of Astra Aerolab, and regional partnership efforts to attract new international and domestic routes.
Burcak Sezer, Newcastle Airport Executive General Manager People and Communications, emphasized the importance of collaboration in realizing the full potential of the international terminal for the Hunter. “The success of this project relies on strong regional partnerships,” Sezer said. “This facility will be a major driver of economic growth – not just for Newcastle, but for every part of the Hunter.”
The visit reinforced the HJO’s support for the international terminal and allowed key voices across the region to discuss the broader benefits it will bring. Cr. Leah Anderson expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This international gateway into our backyard will ultimately generate huge economic activity and is expected to drive increased local investment and support businesses across our region.”
Attendees of the tour included:
- Singleton Council Mayor Cr. Sue Moore (Chair HJO)
- Port Stephens Council Mayor Cr. Leah Anderson (Deputy Chair HJO and Director Newcastle Airport) and GM Tim Crosdale
- Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Cr. Adam Shultz and CEO Morven Cameron
- Maitland City Council Mayor Cr. Philip Penfold and GM Jeff Smith
- Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Cr. Jeffrey Drayton and GM Derek Finnigan
- Cessnock City Council Mayor Cr. Daniel Watton
- Dungog Shire Council Mayor Cr. Digby Rayward
- City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath
- HJO, Lake Macquarie Council, and Muswellbrook Shire Council staff and guests
Ms. Sezer said the Hunter’s shared vision is clear: a connected, competitive, and confident region with an international airport that opens new opportunities for all. “It’s all about being the airport our region deserves.”
Cr. Sue Moore, Mayor of Singleton and Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation, highlighted the significance of Newcastle Airport to the region’s economic transformation. “This major infrastructure project will enable our region’s visitor economy to grow as investment and tourism opportunities open,” Moore said. “We want to share our breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned vineyards with others, and this provides us the opportunity to do so.”
Cr. Jeff Drayton, Mayor of Muswellbrook, discussed efforts to secure backing for an Air Freight Precinct at Newcastle Airport. “Direct international freight access would be a game changer for Muswellbrook and Hunter businesses,” Drayton said. “It means Hunter agriculture, manufacturing, and mining industries can compete globally without relying on Sydney. This isn’t just a Newcastle project. It’s a Hunter investment that strengthens our region as a trade and logistics hub.”
IMAGE | Representatives from the Hunter Joint Organisation, Newcastle Airport Director Cr. Lead Anderson, Executive General Manager People and Communications, Burcak Sezer and the Planning and Infrastructure team.
