Deputy Premier John Barilaro unveiled stage 1 of Newcastle Airport's Astra Aerolab on Tuesday.
John Barilaro was joined by Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock to announce construction is now complete, including an access road, power, water, gas, sewer and data connections.
“I turned the first sod on this project 18 months ago, and this site has already been transformed to pave the way for a world-leading defence and aerospace technology park,” Mr Barilaro said.T
The NSW Government has invested $11.7 million in the $18 point.7 million project.
The total project is expected to create 4,300 jobs.
“Astra Aerolab is a place where world leading defence, research, aerospace and industry partners will converge to push boundaries, embrace new technologies and develop the jobs for the future," Dr Cock said.
“We are determined that it will connect a global workforce with the RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport."
“Stage one has employed 70 fulltime staff through the depths of the pandemic when economic activity was so vital to regions."
"We have developed the site sustainably from the outset, including establishing over 200,000 plants and retention of a historically significant Aboriginal keeping place.”
BAE Systems Australia Managing Direct Defence Delivery, Andrew Gresham said the company saw huge potential in Astra Aerolab.
“BAE Systems has secured significant contracts to support Australia’s F-35 fleet, which offer never-before-seen opportunities for Australian industry.
“Astra Aerolab will facilitate the continued investment in our Williamtown site ahead of work supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Australia.
Leasing opportunities are available now at Astra Aerolab.
Later in the afternoon Mr Barilaro will chair the first face to face Stockton Beach Taskforce meeting at Newcastle Council Chambers to discuss latest developments in beach replenishment.
