The NSW Government is committed to the long overdue revitalisation of Newcastle. Since 2011, over $1 billion has been committed to Newcastle and the broader Hunter region for vital new infrastructure, including $650 million in funds from Restart NSW for projects including Newcastle light rail, urban renewal and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and $350 million for the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund for a range of projects across the region.

The creation of Transport for Newcastle will result in a multi-modal transport operator that plans and integrates light rail, buses, ferries and interchanges.

Consultation with the community on the current light rail route was completed in early 2014. Following the NSW Government's announcement this month, the community can now have their say on possible future expansions to the light rail network.

Light rail between Wickham and Newcastle is designed as the core of a new light rail network, with potential for future extension to key destinations such as Broadmeadow's Hunter Stadium, the University of Newcastle, Glendale and the John Hunter Hospital.