Hunter property leaders welcomed the “topping out” of Kongsberg Defence Australia’s missile manufacturing facility at Astra Aerolab this week.

And, they’re labelling it a clear signal the region’s stepping into its next economic chapter.

The formal proceedings at the Williamtown precinct, on Tuesday 19 May, marked a major construction milestone for the manufacturing and maintenance facility.

Under the watchful eye of guests, including Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, Chief Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance AIRMSHL Leon Philips OAM and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Australia Erik Svedahl, the traditional installation of a ceremonial tree represented growth, resilience and the enduring legacy of the project.

The venture’s expected to deliver strong financial benefits, with 74% of trade value awarded regionally and $36.3 million in local expenditure incurred to date through the engagement of subcontractors and suppliers.

Work will now progress through the final stages ahead of completion in early 2027.

“The construction of the Kongsberg Missile Factory, the first Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile factory outside of Norway, is on track and well-advanced,” managing director John Fry said.

“This latest milestone reflects the strength of collaboration with our delivery partners.

“Reaching the highest point of construction is a momentous achievement and a testament to the teams on the ground driving this project forward.

“Kongsberg Australia will occupy the Kongsberg Missile Factory in Q1 2027.”

Property Council of Australia Hunter and Central Coast regional director Stephen Crowe said the project highlighted the region’s growing profile in advanced manufacturing, defence and global supply chains – and the critical role Newcastle Airport plays.

“This is exactly the kind of investment the Hunter needs more of,” he explained.

“Globally connected, high-skilled jobs that build on our industrial strengths and position the region for the future.

“The Hunter has always been an economic powerhouse.

“However, projects like Kongsberg show how we can evolve into a globally connected second city with a diverse and resilient economy.”

Mr Crowe added Astra Aerolab and the broader Williamtown precinct was a perfect example of smart government investment in regional NSW.

“The development of an international terminal and defence district in Williamtown has transformed the aspirations of our region and is a perfect example of government working with the private sector to drive economic outcomes,” he said.

“If we want to attract similar projects, we need to continue to make it easier to invest.

“That means planning certainty, shovel-ready employment land and the infrastructure to support it.”

Ahead of next month’s NSW Budget, the Property Council is calling for a coordinated push from government to unlock similar opportunities across the region, including:

• Investment in enabling infrastructure to bring forward employment land supply, including the re-purposing of mining land
• Further planning reforms to speed up approvals and reduce barriers to delivery
• A focus on greater access to the airport from all parts of the region to connect jobs, workers and investment as well as driving the visitor economy

“Projects like Astra Aerolab show what’s possible when the right settings come together,” Mr Crowe said.

“But, they can’t be one-offs.

“The Hunter deserves more.

“We’re calling on the NSW Government to double down on the success we’re seeing at Williamtown by backing projects like the Broadmeadow precinct, Newcastle’s urban renewal and the infrastructure needed to unlock employment land right across the valley.

“If we get this right, we won’t just see one facility topping out – we’ll see a pipeline of projects delivering jobs, investment and long-term economic growth across the Hunter.”

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