Regional Development Australia Hunter and Regional Development Australia Orana have identified that better connectivity between the Hunter and Orana will improve productivity by enabling more goods and services to be imported and exported through the Port of Newcastle.

The recently completed Hunter Economic Infrastructure Plan (HEIP) articulates the business case for projects that will resolve inefficiencies and improve road infrastructure that link competitive international gateways. The HEIP identifies the strategic importance of the Golden Highway.

The study to be launched by the Deputy Premier outlines the opportunities for economic growth by upgrading the Golden Highway. Improvements to the Golden Highway, enabling super B double trucks to access the Port of Newcastle will:
• increase export capacity through the Port of Newcastle, ensuring it remains a key national infrastructure asset that drives regional economic sustainability; and
• streamline the delivery of freight.

“I am delighted the Hunter and Orana RDAs have come together on this project, which complements the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government’s own efforts to focus investment into rebuilding regional infrastructure,” said Andrew Stoner, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services.

“This is just the type of research that needs to be undertaken to have a chance of funding when there are many competing infrastructure needs across the State and Nation.

“Infrastructure upgrades that can enable and support growth in the agriculture and resources sectors are imperative to the long term sustainability of regional economies. Even more than this, such upgrades can support broader efforts to better connect regional NSW to the rest of Australia and to the world.

“I congratulate RDA Hunter and RDA Orana for their work in producing this study and I look forward to working with them and other regional stakeholders in pursuit of positive outcomes for this important transport route,” he said.

“Freight movements along the Golden Highway represent key industries to both regions. Upgrading the infrastructure that will enable growth in these sectors is imperative to the long term sustainability of our economies.” said John Tate, Deputy Chair, Regional Development Australia Hunter.

Chair of RDA Orana, John Walkom said, “The Golden Highway links western and north western NSWs’ rich economic base of agriculture and resources to the east coast and Port. The highway is an integral part to the future growth of inland NSW. Dubbo as the largest regional city on the highway will play a critical part in the future growth of both the region and the highway’.

Mr. Walkom said, “RDA Orana and RDA Hunter jointly looked at ways to further strengthen both economies and explored opportunities to the regions for the soon to be privatised Port of Newcastle, airport links and tourism; concluding the focus must be on the Golden Highway Corridor.”

Mr. Walkom said “We look forward to working with all stakeholders along the Golden Highway to address current issues and identify new opportunities.”

Download the report Golden Highway Strategic Corridor Report