FIVE Hunter councils and the state government have strengthened ties in a bid to brighten the region's economic prospects over the next decade.
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Maitland signed the memorandum of understanding to collaborate and deliver the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 through a virtual meeting on Thursday.
The plan lays out pathways to sustainable growth in the lower Hunter including increased housing, a skilled workforce and improved connection between councils to lay foundations needed for the area to become one of the country's top economies.
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes, who committed the government to the plan, said the commitment showed there was a shared desire across levels of government to make the most of the region's future.
"For the first time greater Newcastle has an integrated land use and transport plan, providing strategic direction that will deliver better investment, better planning and better outcomes for these growing communities," Mr Stokes said.
"The whole Hunter region benefits from meaningful collaboration between local and state governments, and signing this Memorandum of Understanding marks the commitment that we have to our growing population of diverse communities," Hunter Joint Organisation chair and Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said.
