For Scott and Olivia Wyborn the growth of the Hunter Region over coming decades is closely tied to the aspirations they hold for their family.
Like thousands of young families, the Speers Point couple want their children, Alexander, 6, and Hugo, 4, will be able to study, work and establish themselves in the region
"We made the move from a smaller regional town to Newcastle with the hope that there would be more job opportunities for our kids. It's really important that our kids have the opportunity to go through their schooling, university and on to a great career in their own town and not be limited for choice," Ms Wyborn, a communications specialist, said.
"We want them to have the same opportunities that they would be afforded in bigger cities."
Olivia Wyborn
"We want them to have the same opportunities that they would be afforded in bigger cities."
But for that to occur the Hunter's infrastructure needs to support the growth which is expected to occur in coming decades.
The Committee for the Hunter has identified a multi-purpose deepwater terminal, the Newcastle Airport runway upgrade and the University of Newcastle STEMM centre as having the greatest potential to build the foundations for long-term economic diversification in the Hunter and to help the region and the nation recover from the coronavirus.
The committee has put forward the projects as priorities for federal government support over the next 12 months.
"The Port is an amazing piece of infrastructure. It doesn't make sense for your freight to be going through the state's biggest city. With Newcastle Port expanding its freight offering, we create opportunity for growth for regional businesses in the Hunter and in the state," Mr Wyborn said.
Committee for the Hunter chief executive Alice Thompson said infrastructure was a proven stimulus measure provided it was invested in projects that delivered productive returns to the economy and measurable benefits to communities.
"Regional stakeholders and the community are backing these projects because we know they will fast track local jobs at the scale required providing an immediate injection into national economy," she said.
"Building a pipeline of 20,000 jobs is a win-win for everyone. That means jobs now for construction and opportunities for local contracts, and high-value jobs for decades to come as projects become operational. It would be a remarkable legacy from a devastating situation and a sound investment in our region's future."
"We are a resilient community with a can do attitude. Support from the Australian Government represents a massive vote of confidence in our people and our capacity to make a difference in the national interest. With the Australian Government as our partner, we are ready to deliver at the scale and speed required."
The Committee for the Hunter's goals align with the vision outlined in the state government's 2018 Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan.
"A planned approach will improve infrastructure and land use sequencing to capitalise on the opportunities for new economy jobs and support housing for the growing population. This approach will also improve connectivity and transport choices for Greater Newcastle's communities," the plan says.
"[The Plan] builds on the city's dynamic and vibrant city centre, its strong industrial employment base, diversified economy and lifestyles."
Geordie Toohey and Georgia Boak believe investing in infrastructure to increase connectivity and provide opportunities for economic diversification were essential for the region's growth.
"The airport expansion will be a fantastic boost for trade and tourism for the region. It will connect our kids directly with the rest of the world," Mr Toohey, a builder, said.
"I would like to see Newcastle carry on to become one of the world's most liveable cities with sustainable growth and careful planning to manage congestion and affordability that plagues other major cities in Australia.
"I think we can diversify our industry and continue to compete in the national and world economies. This will provide more opportunities for Newcastle and the Hunter to be competitive on a global scale."
The couple are hopeful their six-month-old daughter Gigi will also call the region home in years to come.
"I would love to see my kids be able to go through uni and - whatever career path they choose - there will be job opportunities right here so they don't have to move away for work," Mr Toohey said.
"It is really important that we have support now to maintain the workforce we have but also provide stimulus for job creation to help us through the next few years of economic downturn."
Likewise Clarencetown couple Gareth and Stacey Ramage believe decisions made today will be critical to the future of their daughters Olive, 3, and Mabel, 2 weeks.
"I want the girls to have choices and not need to move to a big city - like Sydney or Melbourne - for job and study opportunities. Having opportunities for the girls right here also means we don't have to put money away now in case we need to support them living in another city in 20 years' time," Ms Ramage said.
Mr Ramage, a logistics manager, said the development of a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle was a logical opportunity to diversify existing infrastructure.
"Newcastle and the Hunter rely heavily on mining. A container terminal will help diversify our economy and bring employment right into the heart of the region. This will have a domino effect across the Hunter and the state," he said.
"Expansion of the airport is a no brainer. Not only can we get out to the world more easily, it brings in international tourists. We are proud of Newcastle and want to show off."
The federal government has also been invited to partner with Hunter councils on more than $400 million worth of projects designed to kick start the Hunter's economy.
The Committee for the Hunter and the Hunter Joint Organisation are championing the projects, which will deliver immediate and region-wide stimulus to local economies across the region's 10 local government areas.
The nominated projects include upgrades and expansions to tourist facilities, safety upgrades to local roads, improvements to public transport facilities, construction of regional and local cycleway infrastructure, renewal of neighbourhood centres and the construction and upgrade of water supply treatment centres.
- Few projects from regional Australia in recent decades have attracted such a united show of support
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The Port of Newcastle contributes almost $1 billion to the Hunter annually
- Hunter Joint Organisation looks to partner with federal government on $400 million worth of projects
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Federal government urged to support University of Newcastle's planned Hunter STEMM Regional Transformation Hub
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