Honeysuckle Harbour Life

Hunter Minister to lead Hunter Development

Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay today announced that she has assumed responsibility for the Hunter Development Corporation following the NSW public sector restructure.

Ms McKay, who addressed the Property Council of Australia, Hunter Chapter today, said the Hunter will now have a greater say in critical planning and urban renewal decisions important to the region.

“The structure of the Hunter Development Corporation will allow the community to be closely involved with driving economic growth,” Ms McKay said.

“Under the new arrangements, the Hunter Development Corporation will no longer report to the Minister for Planning.

“It will become a part of the new Land and Property Management Authority headed by Mr Warwick Watkins and report to me as Minister for the Hunter.”

Ms McKay said the Hunter Development Corporation has experience in the planning and development of large scale projects.

“The Corporation’s continued good work in delivery of the Honeysuckle precinct has already generated $1.3 billion for the Hunter economy and created over 4,500 jobs,” Ms McKay said.

“The Honeysuckle Masterplan was launched almost 20 years ago and I believe Newcastle and the Hunter are in a similar position today.

“The Hunter Development Corporation’s City Centre Renewal Report outlines a 15 to 20 year blueprint for the CBD.

“It identifies a number of catalyst projects that could transform the city into a highly liveable, attractive place to be, generating economic activity that will support jobs and investment across the entire region.”

Ms McKay also outlined today a new steering committee that will drive the renewal of the city centre.

“Warwick Watkins, Chief Executive of the Land Property Management Authority, will chair a newly established Newcastle Centre Renewal Steering Committee which will include representatives from the Hunter Development Corporation, Land Property Management NSW, Transport and Infrastructure NSW, NSW Treasury, Department of Premier and Cabinet, RailCorp, Department of Planning, Newcastle City Council and the University of Newcastle,” Ms McKay said.

“This steering committee will oversee sub-committees related to each major catalyst project recommended in the HDC Newcastle City Centre Renewal Report.

“It will be the vehicle for advancing the revitalisation of Newcastle and I will be working hard to ensure this project is a priority of the NSW Government.”

Ms McKay said a number of key decisions have already been made that will help progress the inner-city’s renewal including:

• The handing over of land at Honeysuckle valued at around $4 million to the University of Newcastle for their planned relocation to the city centre
• $70,000 in funding to Newcastle Council for an economic development manager
• $2.5 million towards the refurbishment of the Channel Berth for cruise ships
• Engagement of a consultant to work with council and the university to “map” the education precinct
• The development of a scoping study to fully cost the best transport solution for the inner-city.
• $100,000 in funding to the Renew Newcastle community initiative
• “I also see the Hunter Development Corporation's role as working with local councils and industry to facilitate economic development in the wider Hunter region, “Ms McKay said.

“The Hunter Development Corporation works with the private sector, government agencies and the community to manage the development of state-owned lands.

“Previously the Corporation’s work has included the development of master plans, the management of remediation work as well as the restoration of heritage assets.

“With the resources of the new Land and Property Management Authority behind it, the Corporation will be more efficient and effective in delivering projects that benefit all 11 Local Government Areas in the Hunter.”