Unlocking the potential of the Upper Hunter

Unlocking the potential of the Upper Hunter

Is the Muswellbrook of 2025 going to host intensive agriculture or will it be a renewable energy hub?

The pros and cons of these options are being explored by a newly appointed Upper Hunter Regional Economist based in Muswellbrook Shire Council and shared with the University of Newcastle’s Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRF Centre).

Iavor Stefanov has been appointed the new role. After graduating with a Bachelor of Economics (University of Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, 2007), Iavor gained international experience in cost-benefit analysis for regional infrastructure development projects in the water and renewable energy sectors across the European Union.

Iavor has lived in Newcastle since 2012 and has worked as a Data Analyst for the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Corporation, gaining a thorough understanding of the intricate workings of one of the Hunter’s main driving economic motors.

In his role, Iavor will provide analysis of investment and economic development opportunities for the shire. Hewill also establish a means to enable investors, businesses and households to track trends in social and economic indicators across the region to inform their long-term decisions.

Mayor for Muswellbrook, Martin Rush said the Upper Hunter Regional Economist role will support the shire council’s strategies to strengthen the region’s economic base.

“Muswellbrook Shire Council has a comprehensive economic development program underway to generate more jobs and grow the region,” Martin said.

“To build a sustainable local economy, we need insight that identifies opportunities in the market where we have a competitive advantage. We have to identify areas of investment that will deliver the greatest returns.

“Our strategy depends on this appointment because it enables us to get independent economic assessment and analysis when we need it.”

Based part-time in Muswellbrook and part-time in Newcastle, the Upper Hunter Regional Economist will also advance the HRF Centre’s research program.

HRF Centre Director, Professor Will Rifkin, said the appointment aligned with the centre’s focus on the region.

“For more than 60 years, researchers in the HRF Centre have focused on deepening our understanding of how this region works. In more recent times, key developments have included the transition from mining in the Upper Hunter to a more diverse economy,” Will said.

“What we learn here in the Upper Hunter can be shared across the state, as well as nationally and internationally. It will help to inform the strategies of others who are facing similar transitions.”

Iavor will commence working in Muswellbrook in the coming weeks.

IMAGE |The newly appointed Upper Hunter Regional Economist, Iavor Stefanov.

Hunter Research Foundation (HRF) Centre

The Hunter Research Foundation (HRF) Centre is focussed on delivering independent and engage regional research and analysis. It represents a partnership forged between the long-standing Hunter Research Foundation and the University of Newcastle.

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