Hunter Region National Home of Aerospace Excellence

The Hunter’s growing reputation as a centre for sophisticated defence infrastructure has been boosted with the launch of a cooperative approach to promoting and developing Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC).

WAC has been established to provide exceptional opportunities for leading edge aerospace and aviation businesses and is adjacent to RAAF Base Williamtown. It includes Newcastle Airport and 120 hectares of industrial land. A range of features will set this aerospace centre apart, they include world class facilities, tow-way access and a variety of infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of individual organisations of any size or requirement.

WAC, which is marketed through a partnership between Hunter Land, Newcastle Airport, Buildev, NSW I&I and RDA Hunter, will provide opportunities for the aerospace and aviation sectors, a fully integrated industrial precinct for suppliers, and opportunities for commercial and service sectors.

The Defence industry has a significant role in the regional economy with two major military bases located at Williamtown and Singleton. RAAF Base Williamtown is the primary fighter base for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is headquarters for the Air Force’s Surveillance and Response Group, Air Combat Group, and two training squadrons. The Defence Material Organisation (DMO) operates three Systems Program Offices (SPOs) from Williamtown which supports various surveillance, control and communications equipment and the ongoing sustainment of the FA/18 and the AEW&C Wedgetail.

RAAF Base Williamtown will be the RAAF’s command, operations and training base for the new Joint Strike Fighter upon its arrival in Australia.  The JSF will be the next generation fighter aircraft for the RAAF.  The base is planned to be home to two JSF squadrons and a JSF training squadron.  Further, Williamtown Aerospace Centre is ideally positioned for the Australian JSF maintenance hub whilst the Hunter Region is strategically located to provide the JSF Asia Pacific Sustainment facilities.

More than 4,000 defence and contractor personnel are employed in the region injecting more than $200 million into the local economy with overall economic benefit of approximately $1 billion. Major upgrades are planned at Williamtown worth over $750 million and the Singleton Army Base has recently announced planned work worth $130 million.

A group of leading Hunter based businesses and organisations were behind a campaign that was actively seeking investment into the site generating many thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in supporting business and infrastructure. The group will represent the Hunter at the Avalon Airshow in Geelong Victoria from 1 to 6 March.

For information: Brendan Brooks, 0438 279 425

Media Statement
24 February 2011