Multi-million dollar Cessnock Airport upgrades welcomed by Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley owner

BY JARROD MELMETH

Cessnock Council says it will proceed with an almost $9 million upgrade of Cessnock Airport after receiving a cash injection from the state government.

$6.6 million has been awarded to the project by the NSW Government with the remaining $2.2 million to come from council.

The upgrades will see the widening and resealing of taxiways; provision of aprons and aircraft parking areas, improved fuel area access, runway rehabilitation, water and sewer connections, installation of non-precision GPS approaches for RWY 17/35 and an upgrade to the eastern terminal.

The project is being welcomed by neighboring Crown Plaza Hunter Valley owner Jerry Schwartz, who has been lobbying for upgrades to the airport for years.

Mr Schwartz says its a step in the right direction of his vision for a commercial operation.

"There are so many benefits to this and that is why I have been trying to champion the airport.

"Unfortunately, the only way to get to the Hunter is by car. There are no train lines, which is something I've certainly looked at. 

"By coming to the Hunter by air, it's only half-an-hour from Sydney. That makes it so much closer to Sydney and that much easier to get here. This would have major economic benefits for the region and would really unlock its potential," Mr Schwartz said.

There are conditions which come with the funding from the state government which means the project and all works must be completed by 30 June 2022. 

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent says he is excited to see this project kick off as it has the potential to create nearly 60 jobs and will be a welcome boost for the economy.

"Our tourism industry has been hit hard in recent times and this project will transform Cessnock Airport into one of the state's top airports for general aviation and improve the visitor experience," Cr Pynsent said.

Pictured: Aerial view of Cessnock Airport.

Newcastle Airport Upgrades Readying for International Travel

 By SAMUEL BARTLETT

Newly announced runway upgrades at Newcastle Airport are expected to allow some of the largest passenger jets in and out of the Hunter region within two years.

But airport executives say a further $55 million renovation to the passenger terminal is key to unlocking the airport's potential.

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock says the upgrades will coincide with the influx of passengers so its necessary to have a terminal to accommodate.

"The upgrades will facilitate inbound and outbound international travelers," he said, "so it really is an exciting era for the region."

"We think there's a number of hub airports which will be logical places to start flying particularly Singapore," Dr Cock said.

The upgrades mean residents in regional NSW could travel overseas from Newcastle within two years without having to go via Sydney.

Dr Cock says, "it gives a real boost to inbound tourism and it also gets people from the Hunter to where they want to go internationally."

The runway upgrades also mean businesses in the Hunter can import and export on an international scale.

Dr Cock says the work will allow freight directly into the region.

"It creates an opportunity to create new business capitalising on the strength of our advanced manufacturing in smart technology and defence" he said.

Dr Cock explained, "our modelling has shown that's over $12 billion in new economic activity for the region."

The airport is currently working with the NSW to co-fund the terminal upgrades.

Welcome to the "new and improved" Wine Country

BY RACHEL STORER

Already one of the most popular wine regions in the country, the Hunter Valley is welcoming developments from local council and federal government that will help increase tourism and exports.

The multi-million dollar upgrade to Broke Road and Hermitage Road was unveiled yesterday after 12-months of construction and includes improvements to the road surfaces, a tourist information bay and a 10.6 kilometre cycleway.

The joint venture between Cessnock and Singleton Councils was funded by a successful bid for $16.7 million from the NSW Government "Resources for Regions" program.

The wine region is also welcoming a share in the Australian Government's $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.

The funding will be spread throughout regional wine areas and aims to increase wine exports and international tourism.

Among the program $3 million grants will be made available to smaller wineries looking to branch into the export market while other funding will also be given to develop regional wine tourism and cellar door experiences.

Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent believes the Hunter is well deserving of new infrastructure and funding.

"Improving the roads in the vineyards precinct is so important to the amenities for tourists and the inclusion of a cycleway certainly gives diversity to the activities tourists can do," he said.

Cr Pynsent said Cessnock City Council is committed to doubling the overnight accommodation numbers by the year 2020 and believes all these initiatives work together to assist in attracting tourists to our area.

(L-R) Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnson, Singleton Mayor Sue Moore and Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent test out the new cycleway. (Image: Cessnock Advertiser)

Kurri Kurri looks to tourism

BY TYLER FARDELL

Kurri Kurri residents and business owners will be hoping the new free camp site aimed at tourists travelling through the Hunter Valley, will bring money into the local economy and revitalise the town.

Many of the businesses in town have been struggling since the construction of the Hunter Expressway and the mining downturn, and many local's are hoping passing tourists will stop for a night and spend money.

Cessnock Councillor and Kurri Kurri business chamber member Rod Doherty in confident the free camp site on Allworth Street, which opened last month, will attract a lot of passing tourists.

Mr Doherty says the new camp site is particularly focused on people travelling with caravans or motor-homes.

"We hope tourists will stay the night, load up on fuel, stop for coffee and see the murals."

Also in the works is a revamp of the Kurri Kurri CBD, which would further improve the town's image to visitors.

"The council has just consulted some contractors to do the design work for the CBD. We need Kurri Kurri to be more attractive than it currently is."

Labor Promises to Save our Koalas

BY TYLER FARDELL

Opposition Leader Luke Foley says the dwindling Koala population on the State's North coast would be protected in newly created national parks to help stop the very real prospect of the species becoming extinct in NSW.

Koala numbers in NSW represent just ten percent of the nation's Koalas, with that figure dropping lower each year.

Our beloved Koala is internationally recognisable and generates more than 2 billion dollars in tourism each year.

The opposition's plan would see Eucalyptus forests that are home to significant Koala populations, assessed for priority additions.

In addition to protecting the remaining Koala population, the proposed national parks would become major tourism hubs and attract thousands of tourists both national and international.

Luke Foley has called on the government to adopt this policy to save the national icon.

"We face the real prospect of Koalas becoming extinct in the wild in our state within the next couple of years".

"My challenge to Mr Baird is to adopt Labor's policy to save the Koalas."