Hunter
The future for the Hunter will be built on its rich natural assets, its people and decades of strength in energy production, agriculture, mining and heavy industry, with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, health and logistics. These foundations, interconnected with an innovative and collaborative mindset, allow the Hunter to face changes with confidence, to look ahead for new prospects and new industries to capitalise on local, national and global opportunities. Located north of Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter offers a choice of regional and urban lifestyles. The Hunter region relates to a geographical area comprising the following nine Local Government Areas: Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens Singleton, Upper Hunter.
Click on map to enlarge
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts accepts no responsibility for the content and accuracy of these individual RDA maps. National and State based RDA maps are available from the RDA website.
Population
787,182
Area
32,748 km²
Source: AEC Group (2022-23)
Top 5 Industries by Employment
Healthcare & Social Assistance
63,622
Construction
34,492
Retail Trade
34,098
Education & Training
31,206
Accommodation & Food
27,432
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the Hunter region of NSW and which towns does it include?
The Hunter is located north of Sydney, extending from the coastal cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie through the Hunter Valley to the Upper Hunter.
The RDA Hunter region comprises nine local government areas: Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
Major centres include Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and Nelson Bay.
A map showing the region’s geographical boundaries is available above.
What are the major industries in the Hunter?
The Hunter has established strengths in mining, energy production, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, agriculture and tourism.
Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, construction, retail trade, education and training, and accommodation and food services.
Coal mining and power generation have long been central to the region’s economy, while advanced manufacturing, defence, renewable energy and technology are contributing to economic diversification.
The Hunter’s industrial capabilities, skilled workforce, universities and transport infrastructure support a broad range of economic activity.
What business and investment opportunities exist in the Hunter?
The Hunter offers business and investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy, mining and resources, transport and logistics, agribusiness and tourism.
The region’s transition towards a more diversified energy economy is creating opportunities in renewable energy, industrial innovation and new technologies.
Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and established manufacturing and engineering capabilities also support investment and supply chain development.
Businesses and investors can contact RDA Hunter for local information, industry connections and insights into regional priorities.
How can I contact RDA Hunter for local information and assistance?
Regional Development Australia Hunter (RDA Hunter) works with businesses, industry, government and communities to support economic development across the region.
Its work includes attracting investment, strengthening regional partnerships, supporting workforce development and identifying opportunities for economic diversification.
Businesses, investors and other organisations seeking local expertise can contact RDA Hunter directly.
RDA Sydney can also facilitate introductions between metropolitan stakeholders and RDA Hunter through its concierge service.
Visit: RDA Hunter
