And for years, lawmakers in Sydney and Canberra have pretty much ignored these calls.

A new report, though, has brought a distinct idea to this debate.

The Gateways to Growth report called for a "stable source of transparent funding for ongoing investment" in Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.

This consistency would create the confidence needed to "plan, invest and build more great cities for Australia".

The report said the three regional cities were "perfectly positioned" for growth.

These "gateway" cities could act as a kind of release valve for capital cities. They could support a larger population on the eastern seaboard, while easing overpopulation and congestion in the big cities.

The report argued the three cities were important to the long-term prosperity and security of Australia.

And they were "well positioned" to make the most of their utilities, roads and rail, skills and talents, along with new people and approaches, the report said.

It added that the three cities could meet market needs for "space for people and jobs", while also providing parks and recreation, safe travel routes and public realm improvements that inspire people to live in particular areas.

The report's release coincided with the Business Council of Australia urging the federal government to prioritise investment in 10 key regional centres.

"Not every place can be selected and we cannot make decisions based on electoral politics," Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

The Hunter seems a natural fit to be a key regional centre, given it meets the criteria of having an airport, major transport routes, one or two existing and successful industries with the capacity to attract more investment, a university and TAFE to drive a new skills agenda and quality health services that can support an expanding population.

Such areas would also need capacity to increase the supply of housing and industrial land and an appetite for more people to take pressure and congestion off the major cities.

Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said his organisation had "long argued that investment in the Hunter has significant potential to relieve issues such as congestion, overpopulation and property affordability that are holding back growth in Sydney and other capital cities".

The Gateways to Growth report said it was critical that governments were "willing and able to make the necessary long-term strategic investments" in infrastructure to underpin regional growth.

And this, in a nutshell, is the key issue. Without a lot of government money on the table, the grand plans will remain just that.

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