Region in focus: the Hunter

Published on 28 April 2025

The Hunter is Australia’s largest regional economy and has long been the engine room that powers the nation. Now as Australia moves towards net zero, the region is undergoing an economic transformation, creating new industries, jobs and opportunities. 

With over 1 million people living there, the region spans over 50,000km². It has a strong and diverse economy across agriculture, energy, defence and manufacturing. It is also home to an emerging renewable energy industry. 

As the Hunter’s economy changes, it is creating new business opportunities in renewable energy, manufacturing and construction. There are a range of activities underway, including:  

• Partnerships between research and development institutions, industry and the community, such as including Australia’s largest industry cluster focused on the new energy revolution in the Hunter: New.E.
• New industry precincts that bring together industries that can make a positive contribution to the energy transition, including the Hunter Energy Hub at the old Liddell Power Station site, the Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct to support a commercial scale hydrogen supply chain, and the Newcastle Airport Astra Aerolab – Australia’s newest defence and aerospace precinct.  
• Businesses harnessing the opportunities of the renewable energy transformation – such as Energy Renaissance, Australia’s first battery gigafactory for home-grown manufacturing of battery technology and battery energy storage systems.  

Like many regions across the country, there are challenges that lay ahead for the Hunter in moving towards net zero. The Eraring Power Station in Lake Macquarie and all others in the region are set to close by 2030, meaning it is important the Hunter is well supported to harness the opportunities of the transition.  

In good news, some of this work is already underway with past facilities getting a new life. The Rhondda Colliery, a historic mine in the region, is being rehabilitated and transformed into the Blackrock Motor Park and tourism facility. Once completed, this will be Australia’s first dedicated resort park for motoring fans - it will create over 450 jobs in construction and 200 permanent roles.  

As one of our priority regions, the Net Zero Economy Authority is committed to supporting the Hunter region throughout the transition. You can find out more about our plans for Hunter and other regions at Community transition plans.