The Hunter Region

The Hunter is the leading and largest regional economy in Australia, with thriving communities and a biodiversity-rich natural environment.

The Hunter is home to more than 860,000 people and is still growing due to its reputation as one of the great places to live and work. Growth in the Hunter is guided by the Hunter Regional Plan 2036, a 20-year blueprint for the future. The geographical extent of the Hunter is shown below in Figure 3. Greater Newcastle is the centrepiece of the region, renowned as a connected metropolitan City. Beyond Greater Newcastle are vibrant centres, towns and villages, many of which have benefited from emerging job opportunities in the health, agriculture, tourism, defence, energy and transport sectors. Infrastructure investment is the linchpin of economic development across the Hunter. It supports freight, health and education services, agribusiness and tourism, as well as building resilience to global economic cycles and climate change. Greater housing choice is available in existing and new communities, there is proximity to jobs and services and residents are well supported by public transport and walking and cycling options. More housing has reduced the upward pressure on house prices. Communities are enjoying a green grid of open space and recreational facilities – including more walking and cycling networks – as well as the distinctive character and heritage of their areas. The region’s protected natural environment enriches the experience of living in the Hunter, sustains the region’s water supply and protects biodiversity. The MidCoast is one of ten local government areas that make up the Hunter.

Figure 3: Geographical extent of the Hunter as shown in the Hunter Regional Plan