Maitland Business Chamber (MBC) is calling on the Federal and State governments to commit to a number of key infrastructure and community projects in the city including the construction of a 2000-seat entertainment centre and a west-bound flyover at the railway station roundabout.
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MBC President, Shane Hamilton said Maitland needs immediate help with a range of projects to support the city's continuing rapid growth.
"Seven people a day are relocating to Maitland, with our population nearing 90,000," he said.
"We need to maintain and improve liveability, amenity and economic development worthy of this important regional city in the heart of the Hunter Valley."
MBC has identified seven key projects that will drive economic development and will increase employment opportunities in the region.
These projects are:
. A 2000-seat conference and entertainment complex to support business, social, performing arts and educational events for residents and will benefit Maitland's pivotal location close to the Hunter Valley wine country, Port Stephens, and the Upper Hunter Valley.
. An MRI Machine Licence for New Maitland Hospital. MRI is essential, yet governments have to date been slow to approve and apply the necessary licence. The licence must be fast-tracked by government.
. Hunter Medical Research Institute Campus at the New Maitland Hospital. Mr Hamilton said such a campus would grow HMRI's capacity to conduct more healthy ageing, rehabilitation, preventative (nutrition, exercise physiology etc) and public health research. He said it wiuld also encourage a fit and healthy community which encourages a sustainable and prosperous future for Maitland.
. A community radio station that focuses on local news and community matters to provide access to the airwaves for under-represented voices in the region.
. Completion of upgrades to the New England Highway. Mr Hamilton said traffic congestion continues to impact commuters. "The last half-hearted attempt to solve this problem at Maitland Railway Station has failed. We were provided with half an overpass. We now more than ever, need the other half of the upgrade as well as improvement of the current Maitland Hospital intersection," he said.
. A Maitland Health Training Hub the 'old' Maitland Hospital which the business chamber believes should be transformed into a unique facility to provide revolutionary training and accreditation for carers and support workers in the ageing and disability sectors. "Additionally, allied health care, rehabilitation and respite accommodation should be made available."
. Weakleys Drive to Raymond Terrace Link Road. "This long-required missing link will relieve pressure on local roads. It is an essential connection between state and national road arteries," Mr Hamilton said. "Support for these projects will go towards ensuring our economic future, will produce thousands of jobs during construction and beyond and will confirm that our government and politicians are listening to the people of Maitland," Mr Hamilton said.
