'Support our communities': Hunter mayors take wishlists to Sydney ahead of state election

Hunter mayors and general managers are in Sydney to discuss the region's challenges, opportunities and priorities with key ministers, shadow ministers and MPs in the lead-up to next year's state election.

The meetings will detail the election priorities for our region's leaders across economic transformation and jobs, housing, roads and the financial sustainability of local government.

In particular, the delegation is seeking to increase the NSW Future Jobs Investment Fund to $150 million per year.

They are also calling for a $54.45 million investment in projects that will catalyse economic diversification across the region.

This includes $3.85 million for international marketing of Hunter tourism, $49 million for the air freight precinct and $1.6 million for Hunter cycle tourism.

The Hunter Joint Organisation, which represents the local government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Mid Coast and Upper Hunter, is led by chair and Singleton mayor Sue Moore and deputy chair and Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson.

The delegation is also seeking an update on the timeline for the implementation of the parliamentary inquiry recommendations into beneficial and productive post-mining land use as well as the establishment of a community benefit funding model for the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone.

"The Hunter's coal industry currently supports around 15,000 direct jobs and a further 37,000 indirect jobs, according to the NSW Government," Cr Moore said.

"With both the Australian and NSW Governments forecasting an approximate 50 per cent decline in global coal demand by 2035, increased support from the NSW Government will be critical to help the Hunter diversify its economy and support our communities through this transition."

Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton said the mayors were looking forward to meeting with Emily Suvaal who chaired the NSW Inquiry into Beneficial and Productive Post-Mining Land Use.

"Unlocking post-mining land is critical to creating new industries, supporting regional jobs, and ensuring the Hunter's economic future beyond coal."

The delegation is also calling on the government to commit to funding for enabling infrastructure for local government valued at $100 million per year indexed to support local and state housing targets

They also want to repurpose temporary housing used for the Hunter Transmission Project and for future REZ projects to contribute to long term housing across the region.

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