Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the Hunter Region will be crucial to the country's plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and jobs in "key industries" won't be sacrificed.
The Prime Minister's comments come ahead of a trip to the region on Monday, where he will announce a $3 million feasibility study into the potential of a "green hydrogen hub" at the Port of Newcastle.
Having returned from Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit, Mr Morrison's government will commit $1.5 million towards the study, with the Port of Newcastle and Macquarie Group's Green Investment Group to cover the other half.
The study will consider the best location for the "Port of Newcastle Hydrogen Hub".
Monday's visit to the Hunter will be Mr Morrison's fourth this year, amid a strong Coalition push to win seats at the next federal election.
On his latest visit, he will announce the Liberal candidates for the seats of Paterson and Shortland - Brooke Vitnell and Nell McGill.
As for the feasibility study, Mr Morrison said it would pinpoint the region's potential as a hydrogen hub.
"Newcastle and the Hunter will be a key part of the $1.2 billion we're investing in Australia's hydrogen industry," Mr Morrison said.
"With continuing strong demand for baseload power fuels and the potential as a clean energy hub, Newcastle and the Hunter will be an important part of Australia's transition under our plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050," Mr Morrison said.
In an opinion piece published in the Newcastle Herald on Monday, the Prime Minister showed strong support for the region's industry.
"We don't have to shut down the Hunter's key industries in order to meet net zero emissions by 2050 under our plan. We don't have to sacrifice jobs and the economy. We can do both and we are already doing both."
Backing the Hunter's strengths and potential was "key to my government's plan to reach net zero by 2050".
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