The announcement comes as the result of Council pushing for the establishment of the precinct for many years.

"This is the culmination of 20 years of hard work and planning by a whole bunch of Council staff to try and boost the economy in this area," Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan said.

Mayor Ryan Palmer added that Council investigated significant resources into supporting the development of a Special Defence and Airport Related Employment Zone – which included the Williamtown Aerospace Centre.

“We undertook extensive Strategic Planning work back in 2014/15 and worked with the Department of Premier and Cabinet to determine the site’s potential,” he said.

The Special Activation Precinct covers up to 10,000 hectares of land in and around Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown.

“I am thrilled that the announcement of the Special Activation Precinct now provides the opportunity to align the planning and investment necessary to create the long term vision that our Council has had for the Williamtown area,” Mayor Palmer said.

The $5 million pledge for developing the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct which is expected to take 2 years — comes from the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund creating jobs, attracting business, investment, and fueling economic growth in regional NSW.

Mayor Palmer added, “This investment in Port Stephens will contribute to our growth as a region and protect our future economic needs.

“The jobs and opportunities this precinct will create across organisations big and small will employ our kids — come of them not even born yet.

“During this time of uncertainty there is no doubt that this investment into our region will ensure future prosperity and security for our local communities — creating a hub of aerospace and defence innovation in Port Stephens,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Doohan also added the precinct will help the Port Stephens community recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The effects to our tourism and travel industry, there will be no coming back from some of this, but this a shot in the arm that will ensure the economy will remain stable and take us into good stead into the future” he said.