Tourism and aged care are likely to remain obvious areas for industry growth in Port Stephens but its opportunities in advanced manufacturing and even marine science that could benefit from extra attention.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the view of Salamander Bay resident John Turner who was last week welcomed as the new chairman to the Hunter committee of Regional Development Australia.
Under Mr Turner the committee will continue its work to build relationships between the private sector and the three tiers of government under its federal charter.
“Tourism and the aged care industries are the obvious ones for Port Stephens but we need some new-age type industries, industries like advanced manufacturing ” he said.
“Sometimes we might be able to open the door or we might be able to work cooperatively in our role to develop these different opportunities.
“In talking to my niece who’s on the [Tomaree] chamber of commerce there’s even opportunity in marine science and in due course the [RDA] committee will be travelling to the Bay to discuss these kinds of opportunities.”
Related reading:
Mr Turner has served three years with RDA Hunter most recently as acting chairman after the death of Michael Slater.
In recent years RDA Hunter has facilitated more students studying science, technology, engineering and maths in tandem with the defence aerospace industry at Williamtown. Mr Turner said this STEM focus and the relationships with the support industries had been a real success.
“With the joint strike fighter coming to Williamtown there are now huge opportunities for people to work in the support industries,” he said.
“With more and more students studying STEM subjects this area can provide the people to work in these positions.”
While the STEM Workforce initiative has become a model for other RDA committees Mr Turner said there was much work to do yet.
The federal government undertook an extensive review of its RDA network last year and as a result introduced a new charter that took affect on January 1.
One of the eight new goals includes facilitation for government and private sector decentralisation.
“Yes, we could do something in Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay for example. Generally speaking the more people we bring to regional areas the better,” he said.
“If we can get the fast train – which differs from a very fast train but is no less beneficial – from Sydney to Newcastle, we can begin to create some more opportunities for more people out of Sydney, particularly around Tomago and Hexham.
“Our role is to make these recommendations to the government and where possible facilitate these opportunities.”
Mr Turner has a history of activity in the Hunter region, having been on Greater Cessnock City Council, the Member for Myall Lakes and establishing a number of businesses in the area. He has been a member of Regional Development Australia Hunter for three years, first as deputy chair then as acting chair.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh officially welcomed Mr Turner to the role last week.
“Mr Turner’s demonstrated deep commitment to the Hunter region, strong background in both local and state government, combined with his legal background makes him the perfect candidate to lead RDA Hunter,” Dr Mc Veigh said.
“RDA committees are highly valued facilitators of initiatives that grow local economies, promote opportunities and attract investment; this in turn provides confidence to regional areas.”
RDA Hunter will shortly advertise for the positions of deputy chair and committee members.
The new committee will be operative from July 1.
