About Newcastle 2040

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented economic and social challenge for Australia. Although some industries have recovered or will recover strongly, other sectors such as tourism and hospitality have been disproportionately impacted and are struggling to return to normal trading levels. Alongside these challenges are new opportunities for Newcastle, particularly in the accelerated adoption of work-from-home practices and subsequent technological shifts. This trend is encouraging a demographic shift away from congested capital cities and represents an opportunity to attract more internal migration to Newcastle, with the working population enticed by lifestyle factors, cost of living considerations and competitive infrastructure.

Industry transition

The mining sector continues to play a significant role in our local economy – particularly coal, which is extracted in the Upper Hunter region and exported through the Port of Newcastle. The significance of coal mining to the local economy highlights Newcastle’s exposure to volatility and long-term downturns in the industry. There is opportunity for economic restructuring towards ecological and social sustainability through creation of new green jobs, as well as provision of support for people and communities who might be disadvantaged during the change process.

Affordable housing

Forecasts show that Newcastle’s population is set to grow to 199,700 by 2041 – an increase of 28,393 residents, stimulating demand for some 19,450 new dwellings. A mix of affordable and sustainable future housing is imperative to meet the diverse needs of our growing community. Unfortunately, due to a significant shortfall in the supply of longer-term social (and affordable) housing, housing unaffordability (‘housing stress’) and homelessness for our vulnerable families and individuals is increasing. Newcastle’s housing affordability problem for lower-income households has become acute and its impact is being felt strongly.

From local to global

How Newcastle 2040 fits in with other strategies and plans

Delivered at the local level

Includes: local roads, parks, waterways, waste, libraries, events, community wellbeing and facilities, development

Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (featuring Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan) CN’s policies, strategies and plans

Delivered at the regional level

Includes: regional planning, health and wellbeing, water catchment management

Hunter Region Plan 2041 Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 Health District Plan Regional Hunter Joint Organisations Strategy Regional Water Strategy Greater Newcastle Transport Plan

Delivered at the state level

Includes: health, care (aged, child, disability), transport, education, employment, police, development

State Plan NSW Housing NSW Smart Places Strategy NSW Energy Plan NSW Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2020–2024)

NSW Net Zero Plan

Future Transport Strategy 2056 NSW Infrastructure Strategy NSW State Health Plan

Premier’s Priorities

NSW State Emergency Service Strategic Plan NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy NSW Circular Economy Policy Statement NSW Biodiversity Strategy

Delivered at the national level

Includes: defence, immigration, taxation, communications, trade

Places for People: An Urban Protocol for Australian Cities Social Inclusion Agenda Australian Modern Manufacturing Strategy National Agreement on Closing the Gap Australia’s Biodiversity and Conservation Strategy National Digital Economy Strategy Infrastructure Australia Strategy National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy National Waste Policy and Action Plan

Delivered at the global level

Includes: environmental and social issues; political, health or economic crises

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Paris Climate Agreement China National Sword Policy