Todays NSW Government State Infrastructure Strategy supports efforts to provide homes and jobs for the Hunters growing population, according to Aaron Gadiel, chief executive of the Urban Taskforce.
The project involves the construction of a dual carriageway extension of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass for 1.8 km.
The new bypass would pass underneath Sandgate Road at Shortland, bridges over Deepbridge Creek and the main northern railway line, run past the western side of Sandgate Cemetery and join the Pacific Highway at Sandgate.
This extension offers better access between the developing western parts of Newcastle, regional produce markets and the port of Newcastle.
Between now and 2031 the Hunter will need an extra 115,000 new homes to cater for a projected population growth of 160,000 people.
The region will also require 66,000 new jobs and ensures an adequate supply of employment land.
We welcome the State Infrastructure Strategys commitment to look beyond the traditional manufacturing industries and embrace knowledge-based jobs.
The strategy recognises the importance of pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology and advanced manufacturing. It recognises that many of these activities will be located in business parks away from older industrial areas, and requires new supporting infrastructure.
Silicon Valley style development would be great for the Hunter Valley, Mr Gadiel said.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.