The Minns Government is investing $8.73 million into two Hunter projects as part of funding from the Government’s Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program which focuses on providing funding for projects that demonstrate community benefits.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to drive economic development and support job creation in regional NSW based on merit rather than political patronage.

Together with the co-contributions from the two successful applicants, these projects will inject a total of $10.5 million into the Hunter. They include building a new maritime facility in Newcastle to attract servicing of international super yachts, and new saleyards infrastructure in Singleton.

Investment in an initial tranche of two projects will see the Hunter benefit from infrastructure projects that will provide economic benefits.

• $5 million - to construct a new super yacht service facility in Newcastle
• The facility will be based at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club to attract, accommodate, service, and supply global super yachts. This will deliver jobs and flow-on investment in the maritime, leisure, tourism sectors.
• Project includes purpose designed berths to accommodate super yachts over 30 metres, plus the expansion and enhancement of current marina operations.
• In the 12 months leading up to commissioning of the new facility the NCYC will fund and deliver a national and Asia Pacific marketing program.
• Once commissioned in October 2026, the facility will be ready to receive super yachts for the NSW summer season relieving pressure on Sydney and attracting the high yielding "guests" whose financial impacts on the local economy will be significant.
• $3.73 million - to upgrade the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX)
• Constructing a new commercial centre, upgrading livestock handling facilities and developing a modernised livestock weighing station.
• Singleton Council will receive the funding and the project enhances HRLX’s long-term operational sustainability and supports local industry growth, plus delivers efficiency and enhances biosecurity and animal welfare compliance.
• The project will also deliver energy-efficient facilities to reduce costs and environmental impact.
• This project supports the continued growth of a $1.6B livestock sector and 2,800 regional jobs providing long term economic, employment, business, and community benefits.

This funding is part of the NSW Government’s approach to delivering sustainable and strategic investment with a focus on priorities that make a difference to regional communities.

Investments from the Regional Development Trust are independently reviewed and endorsed by the Regional Development Advisory Council which provides independent expert advice.

Further announcements regarding other successful projects from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: 

“This funding backs regional communities with projects that create jobs, boost local businesses and improve services and forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to invest in projects in our regional and rural communities that deliver long-term benefits.

“Newcastle’s new super yacht facility will bring in international vessels, create skilled marine jobs and grow the local economy.

“This is a smart investment that puts the Hunter on the map for global maritime services, and will help drive local tourism, employment and training opportunities.

“The upgrades to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange will see safer, more efficient livestock handling for farmers and buyers, support local producers, and strengthen the local agricultural sector, and it’s a massive win for the region’s livestock industry.”

Minister for the Hunter and MP for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a milestone announcement that backs what the Hunter does best – tourism, agriculture and providing good, prosperous jobs.

“Everyone knows the Hunter is home to the most pristine coastline and waterways in NSW and the new super yacht facility will cement us as a not-to-be-missed destination.

“This state-of-the-art facility will attract some of the largest superyachts in the world, their visitors and create local jobs.

“We’re also upgrading the Singleton saleyards to give producers cutting-edge infrastructure and systems to continue their important work.

“This is a major investment that underlines our commitment to our great region – ensuring that from the coast to the country, the Hunter is truly open for business and ready to lead into the future.”

Member for Newcastle, Timothy Crakanthorp said:

“This investment will create skilled marine jobs for Newcastle and the wider Hunter region, with the economic benefits flowing into our local economy.

The new facility will increase capacity within our port and support continued growth for Newcastle.

This project will drive economic development and support job creation within our region”.