According to General Manager, Janet Dore, Newcastle is definitely experiencing a renaissance. “The emphasis is very much on the ‘new’ in Newcastle – new opportunities, new ideas, new confidence and, most of all, a new era of cooperation,” she said.
“This is a thriving regional city where people are prepared to work together for better outcomes.” Council’s vision for the future is that ‘Newcastle will be an exciting city in which to work, do business and visit. It will be a great place, with a great lifestyle and a great future’.
To ensure Council achieves its vision for the future, a number of strategies with clear objectives have been developed. “We want the City sparkling, to be attractive to investors and tourist alike,” Janet Dore said. “Where else would you find a modern city, with popular surf beaches and a vibrant working harbour all within walking distance of the CBD?”
Restaurants, parklands, walking tracks and cycleways are now a feature along the City side of the world’s largest coal exporting port. Currently undergoing a $700 million upgrade, the Newcastle Harbour is very much a key component of community life, as well as an important tourist attraction.
The exciting $100 million Honeysuckle Development will further enhance public and private use of the harbour and its surrounds. “Economic indicators show that positivity is through the roof,” Janet Dore said.
“We are experiencing record development in Hunter Street, with residential apartments and the announcement of a four star hotel complex to be built as part of the Honeysuckle Project.” She said that increased passenger, business and tourist traffic through the airport, including direct flights from both Melbourne and Brisbane is a further indicator of growth and prosperity.
The arts and cultural scene is thriving with the beautifully restored Civic Theatre, numerous art galleries and museums. Talented local artists, writers and musicians are an important element of Council’s economic development strategy targeting the film and television industry.
Symptomatic of the arts and local creativity is the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music which is producing and marketing world renowned Stuart pianos. It is clear, the closure of BHP has not dented Newcastle’s confidence in its future.
