Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Council, joint owners of Newcastle Airport Pty Ltd, have granted approval for the purchase of a significant parcel of land adjacent to the Airport to future-proof the region’s aviation needs.

The proposition to purchase the land is a key part of the Newcastle Airport 20-year Master Plan and proposed development of a business technology precinct alongside the Airport.

CEO of Newcastle Airport, Dr Peter Cock thanked shareholders for pushing forward its vision.

“A successful airport is vital to a bright future for the region and community in which it serves, and we thank our community shareholders for supporting our vision in delivering the airport the region deserves,” Peter said.

“This proposal to purchase will protect future aviation growth opportunities and takes us another step closer to the realisation of our Master Plan, which includes the creation of a world-leading commercial and innovation hub.

“The precinct will allow enhanced linkages to support economic growth, strategic trade, business, education and smart jobs for future generations. Whilst the purchase of the land is still in front of us, we hope to have shovels in the ground by the end of the year.”

The land is essential to secure the future air transport needs of the greater Hunter region, and ensures that Newcastle Airport will be the airport the region deserves for generations to come. The purchase also opens opportunities to capitalise on the core strengths of the region in terms of defence aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer said the decision to purchase the land was about a bigger picture for the airport and the Hunter region.

“This expansion could potentially allow for the growth of our region as a truly world-class tourism destination and business hub,” Ryan said.

“I am proud that Port Stephens Council was able to support the land purchase proposal that takes a step toward further future-proofing the facility and progressing the development of the whole aerospace precinct. Critically, expansion of the airport could potentially mean more local jobs and improved facilities for members of our community that use the Newcastle Airport each day.”

The airport already has a strong focus on supporting aviation and defence industries with tenants such as BAE Systems and Jetstar. The new precinct will serve as a focal point for sustainment of the new F35 Joint Strike Fighter jets and will provide the ability locally to sustain other platforms. It will also include an innovation hub for new defence and aerospace-related research, manufacturing and businesses in the region, which continue to cluster around the Airport, as well as non-aviation related industries such as education, technology, mining and tourism operations.

IMAGE | Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer; Newcastle City Council Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes; and Newcastle Airport CEO, Peter Cock.