On Tuesday, the company opened its "delivery station" in Laurio Close, in the Steel River industrial zone, as the first in regional Australia - its 10 other delivery stations are in capital cities.

Craig Fuller, the company's director of operations in Australia, said the Newcastle delivery station had already employed more than 200 staff in two work areas.

Firstly, there were on-site "operation jobs", some casual and others permanent, for staff who worked 10-hour shifts to process customer orders that are shipped to Newcastle from "fulfilment centres" in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, where the lockdown continues.

The second "flexible earning" jobs category is for drivers who are contracted to worked four-hour shifts. In January last year, the company launched a "Flex" service in Sydney and Melbourne, allowing people with their own vehicle to sign up via an app and choose delivery blocks to fit their schedule.

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A company spokesperson said that the on-site workers received "competitive pay which is above the Award", while drivers were paid a minimum of $108 for a four-hour delivery block.

"We pay delivery partners quickly and provide them with transparency and certainty, as they know the minimum amount they will be paid for a delivery block in advance before they choose to accept it," the spokesperson said, adding that the "majority" of the roles would be in its Flex service.

Mr Fuller said that the delivery stations "power the last mile" of the order and delivery process.

"We're proud to be investing in Newcastle, creating jobs and flexible earning opportunities for people in the region," he said. "We are expanding out to make sure regional customers can get the same type of delivery speed and the selection experience that people in the cities do."

Mr Fuller said Newcastle was chosen as the first regional centre because of its population growth and proximity to Sydney.

He could not confirm precise job numbers of drivers but he said it would depend on demand. A parcel pick-up network will enable customers to select a secure pick-up location from 10 hubs scattered around the Hunter in retail locations.

Amazon has introduced at least 150 safety measures since COVID-19 emerged. Its Newcastle staff must have their temperatures checked before each shift and there is a two-metre distance rule. Drivers must follow Public Health guidelines, and contactless delivery is available.

"The government has recognised the importance of home delivery during lockdowns and we believe Amazon has a unique role to play providing a critical service for customers to get the goods they need for their families without leaving home," Mr Fuller said.

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