Hunter Advantage calls on Sydney businesses to relocate

The Hunter Advantage group is calling on Sydney businesses to consider relocating to the Hunter region in light of the NRMA’s recent survey, which revealed that Sydney businesses are suffering due to traffic congestion.

Hunter Advantage spokesperson Jeff McCloy said it’s no surprise that Sydney businesses are losing money due to the poor road and transport infrastructure there.

“The traffic on Sydney roads is at a standstill for most of the day. I encourage Sydney businesses to consider a move to the Hunter region so they can get on with the job of doing business,” Mr McCloy said.

“The Hunter region has a population of around 600,000 people with the majority of residents located in Newcastle, NSW’s second largest city.

“The region is big enough to provide excellent commercial opportunities, first-class education facilities and recreational experiences but less congested than other cities which means doing business is a lot easier.

“The Hunter offers a skilled employment base but wages are lower than capital cities and it’s also much cheaper to purchase or lease office, retail or industrial space. “The region is well connected to the rest of the country via Newcastle Airport, Australia’s fastest growing regional airport.

The transport network within the Hunter also includes arterial roads with major highway and freeway links to adjoining regions, rail links, a seaport and a ferry service.

“Plenty of financial incentives are on offer to those looking to move to the Hunter region including the NSW Government’s Hunter Advantage Fund and the Payroll Tax Incentive Scheme,” Mr McCloy said.

The NRMA’s survey of 382 Sydney businesses found that:

• 35 per cent have changed their business habits as a result of traffic congestion

• 75 per cent said their journey to work is now longer than 12 months ago

• 39 per cent experienced a slowdown in productivity

• 29 per cent experienced a decrease in staff punctuality