Jobs, houses and the environment are the focus of the NSW Government’s draft Hunter Regional Plan.
The blueprint outlines the long-term vision for the region over the next two decades – an extra 117,850 people expected to call the Hunter home in that time.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes says for the first time, a coordinated approach has been taken to planning for the region’s metropolitan area known as Hunter City, which stretches from Lake Macquarie to Maitland and Newcastle.
“Together, these centres make up Australia’s seventh largest city and the second largest in NSW. This new plan sets out a vision for Hunter City as a whole, while maintaining the unique character of each centre,” Mr Stokes said.
Broadmeadow, Central Maitland, Charlestown, Newcastle Airport and the Port of Newcastle have been identified as areas for jobs growth.
While the mining of coal remains a priority, the draft plan proposes diversifying the Hunter’s export industries along with the development of alternate energy sources.
The draft Hunter Regional Plan is on public exhibition until 28 February.
You can read the full plan HERE
