We have detected that you are running an unsupported version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Please upgrade to version 9 or above for the best experience of this website

Why invest in Port Stephens

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.

Furthermore, Port Stephens is ideally located to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, with over half a million people residing within an hour's drive. The bustling centres of Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae are just 10 minutes from the end of the M1 Motorway while the area is the gateway to the north coast of New South Wales, with over 40 thousand car movements traversing Port Stephens daily via the Pacific Highway.

10 Reasons to Invest in Port Stephens

  • A diverse industry base linked to the pristine natural environment and key strategic location in the Hunter.
  • Access to key markets with a two hour drive north of Sydney and 30 minutes from the Port of Newcastle.
  • Home to Newcastle Airport - a major economic driver for the Hunter Region.
  • 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.
  • A quality lifestyle offering including the bushland suburbs of Medowie, Seaham, Bobs Farm and Salt Ash; and sublime coastal locations on the Tomaree Peninsula and the Tilligerry Peninsula.

Our Role

The diverse range of functions undertaken by the Economic Development Unit of Council includes marketing the area as a business location and monitoring the local economy. Inherent within this is facilitating the delivery of business services, working to support the attraction of new businesses, and working in collaboration with tourism and Destination Port Stephens to provide quality attractions, events and services in the area.

  • Working in partnership with the local community to strengthen existing business.
  • Facilitating the delivery of programs tailored for small business.
  • Identifying future infrastructure needs to support employment growth in conjunction with strategic planning.
  • Providing input to planning policies to facilitate employment growth.
  • Monitoring the local economy and compiling relevant economic data.
  • Advocating for the economic future of Port Stephens and providing networking opportunities.
  • Developing marketing material on Port Stephens including the Port Stephens Economic Profile.
  • Securing government funding for major projects and economic development initiatives.
Back to top