dyljam is today at Newcastle Airport, talking infrastructure and jobs.

"Thank you all for joining me here today, despite the clouds and the humidity.

"The Hunter is the next big thing. While coal is still an important export for the region, its significance is declining. On the current trajectory, we will see more jobs shift away from coal into other areas of the economy.

"But this will not happen without a bit of help from government. If we want private firms to have the confidence to invest in the Hunter, the government is going to need to put their money where their mouth is and fund some important projects across the Hunter region.

"Now, you're probably wondering why I'm here today at Williamtown with the airport behind me. Well, this region has been seeing quite phenomenal population growth, and with a boost in tourism to the area, the airport is seeing increased traffic.

"However, Newcastle Airport has significant untapped potential. With runway limitations, Newcastle has been forced to serve a second-rate domestic market. But not under a Labor government. If Labor is elected to govern, we will pay for a runway upgrade to allow Newcastle Airport to accommodate larger aircraft and begin international routes.

"Newcastle International Airport will assist with growing the Hunter's economy exponentially. It will make the Hunter a more attractive place for business, particularly international business. It will serve as a massive boost to the local tourism industry, supporting jobs particularly in an area which has been hit hard by the recession.

"Now, I hear you ask, how will more people travel to the airport?. Well, good question. If elected, Labor will widen Nelson Bay Road, which will provide four lanes for traffic from the city centre in Newcastle West, all the way to Nelson Bay. The new road, to be known as the Port Stephens Highway, will be a massive game changer for the whole of the Hunter. It will make it easier to traverse north and south from the airport, as well as better accommodating traffic connecting the upper hunter, Greater Newcastle and Port Stephens.

"What about public transport? Oh, I am so glad you asked. A Labor government will commission a business case to determine how much a heavy rail line linking the airport to Newcastle would cost, estimated usage and potential corridors for such a game-changing piece of infrastructure. Further, such a business case will investigate future extension options for a heavy rail line to Nelson Bay, and a north-western connection to Raymond Terrace, subsequently connecting with the Main North Line around Paterson or Mindaribba.

"I'm passionate about the Hunter, because this is where I grew up. It's also the patch I first represented as a parliamentarian, as Member for New England. Labor and I have a plan for Robertson. A plan for jobs. A plan for economic growth. A plan for better infrastructure and a plan to make Australia work for Robertson."