The Hunter could be home to more than 500 new advanced manufacturing jobs if negotiations for two major air force contracts are favourable to the region.
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Hunter Defence taskforce chief Tim Owen said he was not at liberty to discuss the contracts that are in play between the Department of Defence and major aerospace players, but said he was hopeful at least one of the projects would end up in the Hunter.
"Nothing has been committed yet but we are very competitive," Mr Owen said.
The projects are in addition to BAE Systems's maintenance contract for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The F-35 activities will see about 400 jobs created over the next 10 years and remain at that level over the 30-plus year contract.
The figure includes 200 people, including technicians, who will work on the project.
Another 15 technicians will join the maintenance team at the end of this month.
They will undertake a mix of classroom and on-the-job training to become qualified to work on the aircraft.
Mr Owen said the establishment of the Williamtown special activation precinct positioned the region to become a national hub for advanced manufacturing in the aerospace industry.
"We are talking high order systems integration and clearly the deeper level maintenance and modification on state-of-the-art aircraft," he said.
"It's very pleasing the region is working together very well to attract those opportunities."
Announced in May, the Williamtown special activation precinct is predicted by the state government to unlock millions of dollars of private sector investment and create thousands of jobs over coming decades.
The precinct's focus will be the creation of a national and international defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing hub, which, in-turn, will generate future investment and employment opportunities in the region
It will build on $11.79 million defence, aviation and technology commercial precinct (Astra Aerolab) adjacent to Williamtown airport.
The state government will streamline planning approvals and tailor infrastructure investment in areas such rail, roads and drainage to support the precinct's establishment.
As a first step, $5 million has been allocated to create a precinct masterplan.
BAE Systems Australia director of aircraft sustainment and training Andrew Chapman said the announcement of the special activation precinct further supported the push for Williamtown to become a pre-eminent aviation, defence and aerospace-related manufacturing hub.
"Our company has invested heavily in the development of bespoke aerospace capabilities, developing our people and supporting our supply chain to ensure the RAAF has the capability it needs," he said.
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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.
