Community invited to learn more and have their say on Astra Aerolab plans

City of Newcastle is kicking off consultation to capture insights into the community's views and knowledge of future plans for the Newcastle Airport precinct.

The precinct is experiencing a period of growth and transformation, with the Airport's international terminal due to open in August.

A 76-hectare parcel of land adjoining the Airport and Williamtown RAAF Base, known as Astra Aerolab, is also undergoing a major redevelopment into Australia's newest innovation, defence and aerospace precinct.

This precinct was initially identified as part of Newcastle Airport's Masterplan, which outlined a 60-year vision for development of the Airport and a 20-year blueprint for growth.  

The community consultation follows a resolution of the elected Council in October 2024.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Charlotte McCabe, who said it was appropriate for City of Newcastle, as a co-owner of Newcastle Airport, to understand the community's views on the future development.

“This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the Council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council,” Cr McCabe said. 

“Revenue that’s generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted.”

Astra Aerolab has secured significant investment and support from the NSW Government and Australian Government, with the first stage of civil infrastructure work now complete and future development stages underway.

Tenants already secured for the precinct include defence contractor BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia.

A mixture of phone, online and face-to-face surveys will be undertaken to gauge community sentiment, identify any issues or concerns and build understanding of the project.

For more information or to take part in the survey visit City of Newcastle's Have Your Say page by 25 June.

Project FAQs

What is Astra Aerolab? It’s the name of a new industrial park under construction directly next to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. It’s a 76-hectare site for defence and aerospace industries.

What other names is Astra Aerolab known by? Its company name is Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Proprietary Limited.

Who owns Astra Aerolab? Newcastle Airport – which is jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils.

How long has Astra Aerolab been in development? Newcastle Airport bought the site in 2018 as part of its masterplan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. 

Will ratepayers have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts? No. The company structures ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company’s asset pool. It would not be passed on to ratepayers.

Is Newcastle Airport in financial trouble? No – in fact a recent external audit confirmed it’s financially sound and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of approximately $3 million.

What are the benefits of Astra Aerolab? The industrial park will be a hub for new industries supporting the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. This is expected to bring jobs and economic benefits to the region.

Do ratepayers have a say in decisions about the Airport and Astra Aerolab? Not directly. Decisions about the running of both companies are made by the board of directors. However, both City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils have representative board members.

When will Astra Aerolab be up and running with businesses moving in? Construction of the first building is expected to begin in August and be complete by the end of next year.

Have any business tenants signed up yet? BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia will be the first major tenants. Negotiations are currently underway with another potential tenant, a global aerospace company.

What zoning applies to Astra Aerolab? The land was rezoned in 2013 and is a Defence and Airport Related Employment Zone (or DAREZ).