The Hunter River Times

BY ALEX TIGANI

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has praised the efforts of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils last week at the launch of the region’s new promotional website.

The Upper Hunter region has been benefitted by a new website this month which aims to encourage business, communities, and tourists to the region.

Council representatives from Muswellbrook, Singleton, Upper Hunter Shire and Dungog were joined by Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen at the launch of upperhunterregion.com.au last week.

“It is very important; this is a continuation and a development of a commitment I made when I was first elected going into 2015 that we would have an Upper Hunter diversification strategy in place,” Mr Johnsen told The Hunter Valley Times at the launch.

The website aims to promote catalyst projects, facilitate partnerships, and build the economic diversification network in the Upper Hunter and is hosted by the Hunter Joint Organisation (a collaboration of the ten councils in the wider Hunter region).

Speaking at Muswellbrook’s Hunter Belle Cheese, the Upper Hunter MP praised the efforts of those working behind the scenes.

“This has been a project which was stationary for a period of time,” he continued.

“But the JO have taken it on board to complete it and what you have seen today is a lot of hard work and a lot of cooperation between not just the councils but also the businesses of the Upper Hunter.”

Fittingly, the launch of the website took place at one of the region’s most iconic picturesque business settings.

“It is also important that people support the businesses in their own backyard and the story of Hunter Belle Cheese is special in what the Upper Hunter can provide,” he added.

“This is a business that distributes right through the Hunter Valley and it has an onsite shop in Pokolbin so that’s great for everyone.”

One could argue that Cr Bob Pynsent claimed the mantle of proudest and most fulfilled figure at the launch.

The Cessnock mayor and chairperson of the Hunter Joint Organisation has told The Hunter River Times that the region is open for business.

“This gives people an opportunity both inside and outside the Upper Hunter region into the business and benefits (on offer),” he declared.

“There are examples of people who have come and set up here and there are great opportunities that we want to showcase to the world.”

*This story was published on Friday, June 19 2020.