THE Hunter will soon be a gateway to the world, with the Federal Government providing $55 million to make the Newcastle Airport an international hub.

Building on the existing $66 million investment to upgrade the runway, the Government has locked in this additional funding to upgrade and expand the terminal.

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This paves the way for international commercial and freight flights into Newcastle, connecting the Hunter to the world and bringing in a further 850,000 visitors, and more wealth.

Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international hub will generate significant economic benefits across the Hunter, creating more than 4,400 jobs and generating $12.7 billion in economic activity.

The funding has been delivered as part of the $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development Plan which has a specific focus on building the Hunter region.

Under the Plan, $750 million will be invested to support the Hunter’s expansion into new export industries while continuing to support traditional industries, strengthening the local economy and its position as a leading exporter to the world.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said this is part of the plan to make the Hunter wealthier and stronger.

“With the Hunter driving the sale of record volumes of coal at record prices, Australians know the importance of this region to our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This funding to transform Newcastle Airport into an international hub will build on that.

“As we put commodities on boats and send them out to earn money, we are also bringing people in and that in itself creates wealth.

“Making Newcastle Airport an international gateway to the world will further enhance the Hunter’s capacity as a regional powerhouse that drives the development of our nation and makes us as strong as possible as quickly as possible.”

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the investment.

“We are emerging as a truly global gateway city with Newcastle Airport now having direct access to our key trading and tourism partners in Asia and beyond.

“This funding for our passenger terminal will help complete that transition and bring the rest of the world closer to Newcastle with the upgrade creating more jobs, more economic growth and opportunities to showcase our region on an international stage.

“Our strong, united and consistent advocacy to the Federal Government has paid off, and we can’t wait to watch this important enhancement commence,” Ms Nelmes said.

By Tara CAMPBELL