This deal removes Sydney based barriers for the Hunter, building a better future for our families. The Port of Newcastle are committed to developing a world-class container terminal which will boost jobs and business opportunities in the Hunter and across Regional NSW.

NSW Nationals Senator Ross Cadell said this will be a catalyst to grow the Hunter region, boost international trade, generate jobs, and move freight faster and more cost effectively.

“A diverse strong and resilient Hunter is essential for a financially strong state,” Senator Cadell said.

The Port of Newcastle has the potential to open opportunities across the Hunter, Mid North Coast and New England Regions.

A container terminal at Port of Newcastle has the potential of cutting the cost of grain rail freight by $16 to $22 per tonne – putting huge dollars back in the pockets of growers and the local economy.

NSW Farmers, President, Xavier Martin said there’s no point growing food and fibre if you can’t ship it to your customers and the Port of Newcastle has enormous potential to help our farmers be more globally competitive.

“The Hunter is the largest regional economy in Australia, driving around 28 per cent of regional NSW’s total economic output. What we saw in the Federal Budget was Labor ripping $250 million out of Newcastle, cancelling the funding committed under the Energy Security and Regional Development Plan announced in March,” Senator Cadell said.

“I congratulate the NSW Liberal & Nationals in Government for working co-operatively with Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper and the Port of Newcastle to deliver this game changing announcement for the Regions,” Senator Cadell concluded.

Media contact: Josh Hodges 0411 135 367