INCLUDING: MAITLAND, RUTHERFORD, CLIFTLEIGH ......produces over 36% of Australia’s aluminium. The $1.7 Billion Hunter Expressway Project will provide a new dual carriageway between

NEWCASTLE-HUNTER REGION INCLUDING: MAITLAND, RUTHERFORD, CLIFTLEIGH, LAKE MACQUARIE & CESSNOCK

AREA SUMMARY The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in New South Wales and is the predominant city within the Hunter Region. The region includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas, as well as the City of Cessnock, City of Maitland and Port Stephens Council.

Situated about 150 kilometres north of Sydney, the entire region is home to some 630,000 people living in a mix of urban centres and rural communities. The main industries in the Hunter Region are coal mining, agriculture, viticulture and wine making, tourism, horse breeding, electricity production, dairy farming and beef cattle farming, and associated service industries. It is also one of Australia's most famous wine-growing regions, known for both its red and white wine varieties.

Newcastle is presently the largest coal exporting harbour in the world, exporting over 97 Mt of coal in 2009–10 with plans to expand annual capacity to 180 Mt. Growing global demand and long-term strong commodity prices have attracted booming investment in the Hunter, with many new projects and developments in the region. Investment is expected to total approximately $5-10 billion over the next five-to-ten years and private investment by the mining industry will boost coal export revenue by $6.5 billion by 2016, as well as create 25,000 jobs over the next six years.

Residents living in this region enjoy employment choice, the chance to choose a lifestyle by the beach or in a rural setting, excellent health and education facilities, and the luxury of time that comes from short commuting distances between work and play.

THERE IS A $5,000 NEW HOME GRANT PAYABLE BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT ON EACH PURCHASE OF A HOUSE & LAND PACKAGE

World-Class vineyards stretch throughout the region, where you’ll find gourmet restaurants, luxury resorts and quaint B&B’s and cellar doors. There’s a place and taste to suit any mood and any budget.

The Hunter has a $10 billion a year coal industry and also produces over 36% of Australia’s aluminium.

The $1.7 Billion Hunter Expressway Project will provide a new dual carriageway between the F3 and the New England Highway and dramatically reduce local traffic congestion, as well as reduce travel times throughout the regions and also to Sydney.

JDL Strategies - JDL Property Research Head Office: Suite 11, Glenham Plaza

17 Karp Crt, Bundall QLD 4217 T: 1300 535 535

E: [email protected] effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this report is correct. JDL Strategies and its employees can not be held responsible for any errors

LOCATION

All effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this report is correct. JDL Strategies and its employees can not be held responsible for any errors

There are over 120 wineries and cellar doors in the Hunter Region, with approximately 6,000 hectares of vines, producing quality Semillon, Shiraz, Verdelho and Chardonnay wines.

The Hunter is a vibrant, cosmopolitan region and with Newcastle as its capital, it offers the services and facilities of a city, with the convenience and relaxed lifestyle of a regional centre.

Scone, Australia’s equine capital, located in the Upper Hunter has over 70 studs, with recent investment in the region’s stud farms and horse totaling over $2 Billion.

SYDNEY

WHY INVEST HERE?

OUTSTANDING POPULATION GROWTH

The population of the Hunter region has recorded the largest increase of any NSW region outside Sydney in recent years, with a population of over 630,000. Maitland is the fastest growing inland city in NSW, adding more than 1,000 residents per year since 2007, whilst Lake Macquarie’s population has topped the 200,000 mark, making it one of the state’s fastest-growing local government areas.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

The Hunter has a highly efficient transport infrastructure, providing fast and integrated links within the region and to the rest of NSW, Australia and the world. This infrastructure includes the Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and a comprehensive road and rail network. The Port of Newcastle is the economic and trade centre and is Australia’s oldest and one of the largest tonnage throughput ports, with coal exports representing more than 90% of total throughput tonnage.

Currently under construction is the $1.7 Billion Hunter Expressway project which will provide a new dual carriageway between the F3 and the New England Highway near Branxton. It will relieve congestion between the Rutherford, Maitland and Thornton regions and Newcastle, as well as dramatically reduce travel times.

STRONG EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Hunter Region has a large professional, skilled labour force and strong industrial relations record, with a larger proportion of residents with either Certificate or Diploma qualifications as well as a strong tertiary education component. Hunter Valley Research Foundation figures released in 2012 show the region recorded employment growth of 2.5 per cent over the past 12 months. The region’s workforce increased by more than 8000 people in the first three months of 2012, taking the number of people employed to 320,300. As a result, unemployment dropped to 4.9 per cent in the March quarter, well below the national average.

GREAT SHOPPING AND COMMERCIAL AMENITIES

Being such a growing and diverse region means that you are never too far from a wide range of shopping and commercial amenities. There is a mix of large scale, regional shopping malls in urban centres like Maitland, Rutherford, Cessnock and Newcastle, as well as smaller, neighbourhood style precincts, catering for everyday needs and wants. As the Hunter Region continues to grow in population and workforce, modern commercial facilities continue to spring to life. These include bulky goods retailers and showrooms, as well as modern office space.


WHY INVEST HERE?

ALL THE FUN AT YOUR DOORSTEP

When it comes to fun and leisure, the Hunter has it all. Within easy commuting distance of Sydney and having access to superb waterways, national parks and wildlife reserves, the region offers plenty for outdoors enthusiasts. For water lovers, the region has pristine beaches, the largest saltwater lake in Australia, the Hunter River which flows from the Upper Hunter and the beautiful bays of Port Stephens.

Residents and visitors can indulge in all kinds of water sports including sailing, water-skiing, surfing, fishing, swimming, white water rafting and even dolphin watching. For those that prefer the land, world heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park, Myall Lakes National Park and Watagan State Forest will not disappoint and their bushwalking trails and eco-tourism facilities are sure to excite even the most seasoned adventurer.

QUALITY OF EDUCATION

The Hunter has an excellent educational system with public and private schools spread throughout. Private schools include: Hunter Valley Grammar School at East Maitland; Newcastle Grammar School; Scone Grammar School; St Catherine’s Catholic College at Singleton; Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, Fletcher; Macquarie College, Wallsend; and St Phillips Christian College which has campuses at Waratah, Salamander Bay and Cessnock. Tertiary education is offered through the University of Newcastle which is ranked in Australia’s top ten universities and is renowned for world class researchers. The University has outlined plans for its new $130 million CBD campus which will be a catalyst for growth in the city centre. The Hunter Institute of Technology TAFE is the largest provider of vocational education and training in the Hunter. More than 64,000 students are enrolled across a wide range of industries.

RENTAL DEMAND & CAPITAL GROWTH

Strong employment and population growth has resulted in upward pressure on rents, with most properties in the region having a rental yield in excess of 5%. Vacancy rates are also below the state and national averages, ensuring that there are often multiple applicants for vacant properties. This is especially the case for brand new, quality built family homes, with above average inclusions and located in sought after estates.

Capital growth in the Hunter Region is also forecast to outpace the national average, given its many attributes and continued popularity.


There are 40 open cut mines in the Hunter Valley, covering more than 520 square kilometres or approximately 20% of the Hunter floor. About 30% of the local coal is used in the power industry to

produce 25% of Australia’s electricity.

WHY INVEST HERE?


WHY INVEST HERE?


44 Point Checklist

PROPERTY SELECTION DYNAMICS - NEWCASTLE - HUNTER REGION

The following checklist evaluates important localised issues pre-researched for all property investment recommendations made by JDL Strategies. All of these features are essential for any property to offer minimum risk and sound capital growth potential.

Property that meets all of these standards is rare.

SCHOOLS

The region enjoys the benefits of dozens of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Schools, all located either within the local area, or easily accessible by car/train. In addition, there is also a university campus in Newcastle.

Childcare Centres Y

Primary School Y

Secondary Schools Y

Universities Y

Private Schools Y

SHOPS

There are several large shopping centres scattered throughout the region. Most are located in the most densely populated areas however, there are also smaller shopping precincts located in-between, meaning every estate is well catered for.

Convenient Local Shops Y

Major Shops Y

Motor Dealerships Y

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

An extensive network of buses connects the entire region, with train services between Sydney, Newcastle, Maitland and the Upper/Lower Hunter.

Train Y

Buses Y

Trams (if applicable) N Not Applicable


SCORE: 43/44

MEDICAL

Medical facilities are located throughout the region, with Hospitals in every major population centre, as well as dozens of Medical Centres, Local Doctors and Chemists.

Local Doctors Y

Specialists Y

Chemists Y

Medical Centres Y

Hospitals Y

RECREATIONAL

The entire region offers fantastic recreational facilities, with superb waterways, national parks and wildlife reserves, as well as an abundance of community centres, sports and social clubs.

Parks/Theme Y

Ovals Y

Sports Clubs Y

Social Clubs Y

Community Centres Y

ENVIRONMENT

The Hunter Region is renowned for its quality of life, with a clean environment, varied topography and well presented estates.

Landscaping Y

Topography Y

Cleanliness Y

Liveability Y

WORK

Having such an array of industries ensures that both the white and blue collar workforce are well supported, not only in Newcastle but right throughout the Hunter Region.

Blue Collar Y

White Collar Y

44 Point Checklist


LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE

When it comes to infrastructure, the Hunter Region has it all, with excellent amenities within easy walking/driving distance from most estates and locations.

Restaurants Y

Movies Y

Taverns/Pubs Y

Service Stations Y

Video Stores Y

Fast Food Outlets Y

Security Y

Golf Courses Y

Hotels/Accommodation Y

LOCATION

There is an excellent network of roads already in the region, with the soon-to-be completed Hunter Expressway greatly improving travel times to Sydney. It’s convenient location also ensures that demand for rental properties is strong, with above average yields.

Either Water / CBD / Capital City Y

Access to Motorways Y

Strong Rental Demand Y with Limited Supply

SUPPORTING PROPERTY

Each estate in the Hunter Region has a broad cross section of properties, both above and below its median values, with building covenants that ensure a quality appearance and strong resale potential.

Above & Below in Value Y

Mainly Freestanding Dwellings Y

Strong Building Covenants Y

Strong Re-sale Demand Y

Low Tenant Ratio Y

44 Point Checklist


Documents

INCLUDING: MAITLAND, RUTHERFORD, CLIFTLEIGH ......produces over 36% of Australia’s aluminium. The $1.7 Billion Hunter Expressway Project will provide a new dual carriageway between