Extending the M1 motorway, upgrading Newcastle Airport's runway and funding the Singleton bypass are among the projects that could potentially benefit from a $3.8 billion federal government cash injection.
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The Morrison government announced on Tuesday that it would accelerate spending on road and rail projects in a bid to boost the economy.
The government will bring forward the outlays on numerous major projects by striking agreements with the states to quicken the pace of construction, comparing the impact with Labor's "cash splash" stimulus during the global financial crisis.
Twenty projects were announced in Queensland on Tuesday with projects in other states to be announced this week.
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Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said he was hopeful a high proportion would be in regional NSW.
The key project the chamber believes should be expedited is the construction of the M1 motorway extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.
"This project is a missing link in the national highway between Sydney and Brisbane and acknowledged by Infrastructure Australia as a priority initiative that should ideally be delivered within the next five years," Mr Hawes said.
The 2019-20 Federal Budget allocated $1.6 billion towards the project in forward estimates, with funding contributions each year between 2021-22 and 2027-28.
While the project is not yet shovel-ready, Mr Hawes said bringing funding forward could expedite planning and assessment and ensure delivery in line with the Infrastructure Australia recommendation.
Among other regional infrastructure projects, the upgrade of the Newcastle Airport runway is high priority. If the project was to be funded, the works could coincide with imminent Department of Defence maintenance and overlay works.
"Spending up to $150 million on the runway and airport upgrade would provide a significant trade and tourism opportunities for the Hunter, with a potential $6 billion boost to the regional economy over the next 20 years," Mr Hawes said.
The Chamber would also like to see federal funding for the Singleton Bypass, which has progressed to the planning stage but, like the M1 extension, would benefit from certainty of funding for construction. Lack of progress has been a source of frustration for the local community and the uncertainty affects business confidence.
"We would also like to see a commitment to faster rail between Newcastle and Sydney, presuming that the government's feasibility studies produce a strong economic case," Mr Hawes said.
"The proposal would benefit from an injection of federal funding, which might prompt the NSW Government to confirm its commitment and fast-track the project."
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
