News

Hunter Mayors Converge on Canberra to Advocate for Regional Priorities

today5 February 2025

Background
share close

newy.com.au – A united front of six Hunter region mayors has arrived in Canberra for an intensive two-day lobbying mission, determined to secure stronger federal backing ahead of the upcoming election. Representing close to one million residents across the region, the delegation is engaging in 16 high-level meetings with Federal Ministers and their opposition counterparts, ensuring the voices of the Hunter community are heard at the heart of national decision-making.

The delegation comprises Digby Rayward (Dungog Shire Council), Daniel Watton (Cessnock), Sue Moore (Singleton), Leah Anderson (Port Stephens), Jeff Drayton (Muswellbrook Shire Council), and Philip Penfold (Maitland City Council). Together, they have set a firm agenda focusing on critical issues that impact their communities, including:

  • Post-Mining Land Use: Advocating for sustainable redevelopment of former mining sites to benefit both the environment and local economies.
  • Housing: Calling for increased investment in affordable and secure housing as the region’s population continues to grow.
  • Road Infrastructure: Pushing for much-needed upgrades to improve road safety and efficiency.
  • Circular Economy: Encouraging innovative recycling and sustainability initiatives to reduce waste and support environmental goals.
  • International Tourism and Airfreight: Seeking greater federal support to enhance the region’s global tourism appeal and airfreight capabilities, key drivers of economic growth.

Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation Board, Sue Moore, highlighted the significance of their united approach, stating, “Our delegation to Canberra will command the government’s attention. We’re more powerful when we unite.” Her comments reflect the region’s determination to secure meaningful commitments from federal leaders.

The delegation’s visit is not just about short-term solutions but a broader effort to secure long-term investment in jobs, infrastructure, and community services. With the Federal election looming, the timing of their Canberra push is strategic, ensuring that the Hunter’s needs are firmly placed on the national agenda.

In a post to Facebook, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson detailed the key funding priorities presented by Hunter Region Mayors during their meetings at Parliament House in Canberra over the past two days.

The shared Hunter Region priorities discussed included:

  • $20 million for post-mining land use
  • Equitable funding through road funding reform
  • $3.85 million for Hunter Global Tourism
  • $49 million for an air freight cargo terminal precinct
  • $938 million for housing-enabling infrastructure
  • $8.5 million for circular economy initiatives

During their time in Canberra, the delegation met with:

  • Advisors to Minister Madelaine King
  • Senior Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP
  • Hon Catherine King MP
  • Hon Kevin Hogan MP
  • Senior Advisor to Hon Peter Dutton MP
  • Net Zero Economy Authority
  • Advisors to Assistant Minister Tim Ayres
  • MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi
  • MP for Paterson Meryl Swanson
  • MP for Newcastle Sharon Claydon
  • MP for Shortland Pat Conroy
  • Hon Josh Wilson MP
  • Hon Dr David Gillespie MP
  • Advisors to Minister Don Farrell
  • Hon David Littleproud MP
  • Senator Ross Cadell
  • Hon Kristy McBain MP
  • Hon Darren Chester MP
  • Hon Barnaby Joyce MP
  • Hon Clare O’Neil MP

Mayor Anderson highlighted the significance of a collective approach in advocating for the region’s needs, stating:

“A shared voice is a strong voice. Thank you to the Mayors of the Hunter Joint Organisation who joined me over the past two days.”

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.