Investors Turn Attention to Raymond Terrace as Growth Momentum Builds

Newcastle, NSW 2026 - More than 100 investors, developers, housing providers and industry stakeholders joined Port Stephens Council and Commercial Collective for the Raymond Terrace Investor Event.

The online forum brought together leaders from local government, business and the property sector to explore the key drivers shaping Raymond Terrace's future, including major infrastructure investment, population growth, housing demand and strategic planning initiatives.

Raymond Terrace is expected to accommodate more than 5,400 additional residents by 2041, creating demand for more than 2,500 new homes, alongside expanded retail, commercial and employment-generating development opportunities.

Discussion focused on several transformative infrastructure projects currently underway or nearing completion, including the $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension, Newcastle Airport expansion and continued investment within the Williamtown defence and aviation precinct. Together, these projects are strengthening connectivity, supporting economic growth and increasing the region's appeal to investors and developers.

Key Event Takeaways

• Raymond Terrace is increasingly being recognised as a strategic regional centre servicing the Lower Hunter.
• Major infrastructure investment is improving connectivity and strengthening long-term investor confidence.
• More than 5,400 additional residents are forecast to live in Raymond Terrace by 2041, driving demand for housing and services.
• Opportunities exist across residential, mixed-use, commercial and employment-generating development.
• Port Stephens Council is actively facilitating investment through strategic planning, infrastructure delivery and industry collaboration.
• The Hunter's diverse economy provides a strong foundation for sustained long-term growth.

The event showcased how Raymond Terrace has evolved and is entering an important period of transformation and highlighted the council’s focus on creating certainty for investors and developers.

" We believe there is a genuine opportunity for industry and government to work together to help shape the town's future and deliver positive outcomes for our community”, said Leah Anderson GAICD, Mayor of Port Stephens.

"We've got a very collaborative and open Council looking to work closely with developers and investors, supported by a strong strategic planning framework that continues to evolve”, added Steven Peart, Director of Community Futures at Port Stephens Council.

Discussions throughout the forum outlined market fundamentals supporting Raymond Terrace’s position as an emerging investment hub and how the region's diverse economy provides strong foundations for future investment and employment growth.

"Raymond Terrace is transitioning from a service-based centre into a genuine long-term investment and development opportunity, underpinned by infrastructure investment, affordability and population growth”, said Dane Crawford, Co-Founder, CEO and Licensee in Charge at Commercial Collective.

"The Hunter is a highly diversified economy, and Raymond Terrace is well positioned to benefit from the region's continued growth across defence, aviation, logistics, manufacturing and tourism”, added Bob Hawes, CEO of Business Hunter.

The event reinforced growing confidence in Raymond Terrace's ability to attract investment, support housing delivery and play an increasingly important role in the future growth of the Lower Hunter.

For more information about investment and development opportunities in Raymond Terrace, contact Port Stephens Council or Commercial Collective.