The Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) targeted aerospace business and investment at the country's largest aerospace industry exhibition from March 10 to 15.

Over 70 NSW organisations and the NSW Government took part in the 2009 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition.

The biennial Avalon Airshow is the biggest aerospace industry event of its type in Australia and a key staging ground for NSW aerospace companies targeting both domestic and international business opportunities.

DSRD hosted a booth at Avalon to promote 12 NSW exhibitors and champion NSW as Australia's premier aerospace business and investment location.

NSW was promoted as a national leader in aerospace operations and innovation and a highly attractive location for companies looking to establish an Asia Pacific base to service global aerospace supply chains.

Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay said the Hunter region was strongly represented on the NSW stand.

"Hunter organisations exhibiting on the NSW Government stand included Tomago engineering company Varley; Newcastle representatives of professional services company GHD; manufacturing, engineering and consulting network HunterNet; and the Williamtown Aerospace Centre," Ms McKay said.

The Williamtown Aerospace Centre included representation from Business Port Stephens, the Hunter Economic Development Corporation, Hunter Land, Newcastle Airport and Newcastle City Council.

Williamtown Aerospace Centre is an initiative to market land at Newcastle Airport together with 88 hectares of recently-zoned land adjacent to Newcastle Airport for defence and aerospace industries.

"This represents a great opportunity for industry to locate adjacent to one of Australia's fastest growing regional airports and Australia's premier jet fighter base," Ms McKay said.

"The Hunter is a NSW stronghold for the aerospace and defence industry and we will be looking to generate regional business and investment growth in the sector through our participation at Avalon."