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Port Stephens has plenty to offer prospective investors. It is home to one of the Australia's fastest-growing aviation and defence hubs, has a long-established manufacturing sector, and is one of the east coast's most famous tourism destinations.

Port Stephens is ideally located just to the north of Newcastle and east of the Hunter Valley, and is the gateway to the north coast of New South Wales. Over 40,000 vehicles pass through Port Stephens daily via the Pacific Highway, with the bustling centres of Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae just 10 minutes from the end of the M1 Motorway. Over half a million people live within an hour's drive.

10 Reasons to Invest in Port Stephens

  • A key strategic location in the Hunter bisected by the Pacific Highway, two hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes from the Port of Newcastle, giving easy access to major markets.
  • Home to Newcastle Airport - a major economic driver for the Hunter Region, now with international flights.
  • Highly successful workforce preparation programs, a collaboration of local industry and local high schools.
  • Quality lifestyle choices for you and your workforce including bushland, rural and unspoiled coastal locations on the Tomaree and the Tilligerry Peninsulas.
  • Australia's premier pilot training facility, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is located adjacent to the Airport at Williamtown.
  • A significant defence and aviation hub leading the way in aerospace research and development.
  • A robust global manufacturing sector located at Tomago in the south, alongside Heatherbrae, a major commercial bulky goods precinct.
  • A major regional visitor destination in NSW attracting on average 1.3 million visitors per year.
  • A buoyant residential and non-residential construction market.
  • A vibrant business community with key commercial centres at Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay.

Council's Role in Economic Development

Port Stephens Council understands the important role it plays in the development of a strong and stable economy, acknowledging that its day to day functions have a fundamental effect on the area's ability to attract investment and economic growth. These core functions include land use planning, procurement, timely processing of development applications, environmental management and the design and management of our public places and assets.

This influence however, does not occur in isolation, and key to the growth of the Port Stephens economy is the development of strong partnerships with business, State and Federal agencies, industry organisations and neighbouring councils.

Council understands the constraints and challenges faced in the delivery of economic development and tourism outcomes, particularly in terms of resourcing and influence.

Council will lead industry with a focused approach to the delivery of actions which create genuine change for business across Port Stephens. By sharpening our focus, Port Stephens Council will collaborate to build capacity in the local business community, facilitate employment opportunities and increase the wellbeing of the resident population.

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