Over the last two years, we've held over 75 consultation opportunities to capture the aspirations of our community for Maitland's economic future, including pop-up events, industry workshops, business and stakeholder meetings, events and public exhibition.

Based on your input, and combined with research and local data, we've developed Maitland's Economic Development Strategy 2025-2035 (EDS), which was officially endorsed by Council on Tuesday 16 September 2025. The EDS aims to futureproof Maitland's economy and support the wellbeing of our people and place.

The strategy identifies four focus areas including people and future skills, thriving and connected places, innovative and diverse economy, and productive and equitable partnerships. It also identifies four economic precincts, two regionally significant growth areas and eight target sectors.

Thank you to everyone who provided your feedback and helped shape this important document. Council looks forward to delivering, partnering and advocating to achieve the objectives outlined within the EDS and will measure and report on our progress over time.

Along with Futurist James Tuma, we spoke with community groups, residents, students, businesses, Councillors and staff in 2022 and 2023 to explore what people love about Maitland, future trends, shared values and ideas. Watch the Future Maitland session from 31 August 2022 below.