The Hunter's peak business body has backed plans by the Port of Newcastle to increase its container handling capacity.
The Newcastle Herald reported on Saturday that the port had ordered two German-built 40 tonne Liebherr L550 cranes.
The cranes, which represent a $28.4 million investment are due to arrive mid next year and operate at Mayfield 4 berth.
"The investment signals a willingness to move ahead with plans to diversify despite the recent setback of the container terminal decision. This sends a signal of confidence to the business community," Business Hunter chief executive Bob Hawes said.
"The characteristics of the port are unmatched on the east coast and it will be disappointing if its potential cannot be realised in the interests of the region, the state and the nation."
The port is presently constrained from building a $2.4 billion container terminal by an agreement which requires it to fund state compensation payments to NSW Ports, the operators of Port Botany and Port Kembla, if it handles more than 30,000 containers a year.
The port estimates the cranes will allow its container handling capacity to increase to about 60 per cent of the cap.
But Mr Hawes said it was essential for the port be allowed to diversify to ensure the region's future prosperity.
"We know there is appetite and support across the region for the port to grow and continue to contribute to the economic base for the region," he said.
Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said the upgrade of Mayfield 4 berth would improve the port's efficiency and ability to successfully compete in international markets.
"There is no doubt that the upgrade of our Mayfield 4 berth offering is an aggressive move that speaks to our future ambition," Mr Carmody said.
"The mobile harbour cranes purchase is a sensible spend given the state government's current restraints imposed on us."
"In my view, people outside of our region should not get to decide when the Hunter is allowed to have new jobs and economic growth."
