Business
BusinessHunter wine bodies eligible for $2.6 million NSW Wine Recovery Program
Hunter wine industry bodies can apply for the $2.6m NSW Wine Recovery Program. Applications close 27 November 2026 at 4pm; individual vineyards can't apply.
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BusinessRBA lifts cash rate to 4.85 per cent, fifth rise this year
The RBA has lifted the cash rate 25 basis points to 4.85 per cent, its fifth rise in 2026 and the highest level since November 2008.
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BusinessRezonings finalised for Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal sites, 7,000 jobs projected
Planning controls finalised for Mt Arthur Coal Mine and Macquarie Coal Complex sites, projected to unlock more than 7,000 jobs across the Hunter.
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BusinessCommBank to close Toronto branch on The Boulevarde, reports confirm
CommBank will close its Toronto branch on The Boulevarde in Lake Macquarie, reports confirm, months after posting an $11 billion FY26 cash profit.
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BusinessHunter unemployment climbs to 4.9 per cent, highest since October 2021
Hunter unemployment rose to 4.9% in September 2026, the highest since October 2021, with about 19,200 people out of work, ABS regional estimates show.
Read moreBusinessMine site rezonings finalised to unlock more than 7,000 Hunter jobs
NSW finalises rezonings for Mt Arthur and Macquarie Coal Complex mine sites, unlocking land with capacity for more than 7,000 jobs across the Hunter.
Read moreJetstar direct flights between Newcastle and Hobart resume on 27 October
Jetstar's seasonal direct Newcastle–Hobart flights restart 27 October 2026, running three times a week until 24 April 2027.
Business
15 OctNSW seeks 1,500 MW of firming power as Hunter coal plants retire
ASL sets a 1,500 MW firming pathway for NSW by May 2033 as Bayswater and Vales Point closures loom, targeting the Sydney–Newcastle–Wollongong region.
Business
14 OctHunter Valley Operations coal mine continuation approved to 2045 with conditions
NSW Independent Planning Commission approves HVO North and South coal mine continuation to 2045 with conditions; Federal approval still required.
Business
08 OctShuttle bus to deliver cruise passengers to Newcastle east end businesses
A new shuttle bus will carry cruise passengers into Newcastle's east end as a record cruise season tipped to inject $7 million into the local economy begins.
Business
02 OctNewcastle home values slip again as national housing downturn deepens
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie home values fell 0.7% in September, Cotality data shows, while Lower and Upper Hunter still post strong annual growth.
Business
30 SeptHunter Valley Operations coal mine extension approved to 2045
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the HVO Continuation Project, extending Hunter Valley Operations coal mining to 2045.
Business
29 SeptHunter unemployment rate rises to 4.6 per cent in August
Hunter region unemployment rose from 4.2% to 4.6% in August 2026, ABS data shows, as a Business NSW survey finds most employers still reluctant to hire.
Business
28 SeptIPC decision on Hunter Valley Operations mine extension expected Wednesday
The IPC's decision on Hunter Valley Operations' bid to keep mining until 2045 is expected Wednesday, as HVO says 16,000 people signed a letter of support.
Business26 SeptExpression of interest opens for $12 billion Hunter train manufacturing program
An Expression of Interest has opened for the $12 billion program to build NSW's next suburban trains in the Hunter, with Broadmeadow and Teralba shortlisted.
Business
24 SeptProgrammed Turnpoint appointed to build Lovedale Farm championship golf course
Programmed Turnpoint will build the 18-hole championship golf course at Capital Corporation's Lovedale Farm development in the Cessnock LGA.
Business
19 SeptCrowne Plaza signed for proposed 43-storey Wickham tower awaiting approval
IHG signs 171-room Crowne Plaza Newcastle for proposed 43-storey Wickham tower, but the development remains undetermined with 327 submissions on file.
Business
17 SeptAirTrunk offers Cessnock Council $37 million alongside Kurri Kurri data centre
AirTrunk has offered Cessnock City Council more than $37 million for district infrastructure alongside its proposed 540MW Kurri Kurri data centre.
Business
17 SeptFirst development application lodged for Newcastle Station heritage precinct transformation
A first-stage DA has been lodged to transform heritage-listed Newcastle Station into a tourism, retail and hospitality precinct under a 99-year lease.
Business
17 SeptStevens Group lodges heritage redevelopment plans for Clarendon Hotel site
Stevens Group has lodged plans with City of Newcastle to redevelop the Clarendon Hotel, Fred Ash and Bennett buildings on Hunter Street.
Business
16 SeptCruise passengers rate Newcastle experience 4.5 out of 5 in latest survey
Cruise passengers at the Port of Newcastle rated their 2025-26 season experience 4.5 out of 5, with roughly four in five planning to return.
BusinessHealthscope to be split among four operators, Calvary taking 14 hospitals
Healthscope will be split among four operators, with Calvary Health Care taking 14 hospitals, reportedly including Newcastle Private and Hunter Valley Private.
Business
14 SeptTwo Newcastle CBD commercial buildings listed for sale via Colliers Newcastle
Two Newcastle CBD commercial buildings at 307 King Street and 192 Hunter Street are for sale via Colliers Newcastle, with EOIs closing 15 October 2026.
Business
08 SeptOrica greenlights Kooragang Island hydrogen hub backed by $432 million federal funding
Orica has reached final investment decision on its Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub at Kooragang Island, backed by $432 million in federal Hydrogen Headstart funding.
Business
08 SeptWhite Energy shareholders approve deal set to make Tinkler executive chairman
White Energy shareholders approve a deal set to make Nathan Tinkler executive chairman, with a ~$15m raise and two coal acquisitions. Cessnock plant is its Hunter base.
BusinessNewcastle Permanent resolves Father's Day debit card double-charge glitch
Newcastle Permanent says a Father's Day weekend debit card glitch that duplicated some transactions has been resolved and affected accounts amended.
BusinessMerewether Surfhouse sold to Burleigh Pavilion hotelier with 2027 rebrand planned
Merewether Surfhouse has been sold to a group led by hotelier Ben May, with plans to renovate and reopen the venue as Merewether Pavilion in 2027.
Business
07 SeptHVO rejects short-term approval, insists on mining to 2045 near Singleton
HVO tells the NSW Independent Planning Commission a short-term approval is "economically equivalent to a rejection", seeking approval to mine to 2045.
Business04 SeptHunter Joint Organisation draws lessons from Western Sydney Airport visit
Hunter Joint Organisation says the region can learn from Western Sydney International Airport after touring the site 51 days before its opening.
Business
03 SeptFormer Oriental Hotel at Carrington sells for $2.53 million
The former Oriental Hotel at 130 Young Street, Carrington has sold for $2,530,000, selling agency Wilton Lemke Stewart says.
Business