The Property Council of Australia is urging the NSW Government to prioritise funding for the Broadmeadow precinct and reinstate a Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund.

The call comes after the organisation’s Hunter Outlook forum at NEX Newcastle on Thursday 12 March.

Industry leaders and government representatives discussed housing, infrastructure and economic growth in the region.

Property Council NSW executive director Anita Hugo said key projects would struggle to progress without investment.

“The Hunter has real momentum, but catalyst precincts won’t deliver at scale without planning certainty and enabling infrastructure that is funded and sequenced properly,” she explained.

The council’s pre-budget submission seeks funding to support delivery of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, update the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan and improve infrastructure planning.

The Broadmeadow precinct has been identified as a priority renewal area that could deliver up to 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs.

“We need to keep Broadmeadow moving, including planning and delivery resourcing and early investment in key supporting projects such as light rail expansion, a new entertainment centre and housing delivery on government sites,” Ms Hugo said.

“Broadmeadow is exactly the kind of renewal NSW needs.

“It’s a well-located precinct with the capacity to deliver homes and jobs at scale, but only if government backs delivery.”

Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director Stephen Crowe said the sector was ready to move into the next stage.

“Broadmeadow is very much in focus now because the planning work is largely done and the opportunity has moved into a delivery phase,” he stated.

“The place strategy sets out a clear, long-term vision, but without early and coordinated funding for enabling infrastructure and delivery capacity, that vision risks stalling.”

Mr Crowe said the project could significantly improve housing supply in Newcastle.

“If properly funded, the Broadmeadow Place Strategy provides a pathway to deliver up to 20,000 new homes over time, including early housing on government-owned land,” he added.

“Importantly, this is housing in a well-located, inner-urban precinct – close to jobs, public transport, education and amenities – which is exactly where demand is strongest.

“With early enabling investment, the first homes can be delivered within the next five years, helping to relieve pressure on housing availability while supporting long-term renewal.”

The Property Council is also pursuing the reinstatement of a Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund to address mine subsidence issues that continue to restrict development.

Ms Hugo said the fund would unlock stalled housing projects.

“The Mines Grouting Fund is a practical fix with a clear pay-off. Without it, viable infill projects stay stuck,” she stated.

“With it, we unlock apartments and get revenue flowing.”

Mr Crowe admitted mine subsidence remained a major barrier for development in Newcastle.

“It’s a practical, well-understood constraint holding back viable infill housing projects in Newcastle,” he said.

“Unlocking those projects would immediately support housing supply in established areas well-served by transport and other amenities, rather than pushing growth further out.

“From an economic perspective, it also means construction activity, jobs and private investment can proceed, and the state benefits through increased revenue such as stamp duty.”

Mr Crowe said the Hunter was at a critical stage for growth.

“It’s at a pivotal point because of many factors,” he summed up.

“Things like population growth, housing demand, industrial expansion, major infrastructure investment and the energy transition.

“What came through the Hunter Outlook is that the region has strong fundamentals and strong momentum, but delivery is increasingly constrained by infrastructure gaps and sequencing issues.

“Strategic investment now, and particularly in enabling infrastructure and key precincts, will determine whether the Hunter realises its growth potential or sees opportunities delayed and lost.”

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