Premier Announces $6 million Study into Multi-Purpose Terminal for Newcastle Port

The Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr, today announced an exciting $6 million feasibility and environmental impact study into a world-class Multi-Purpose Port Terminal in Newcastle, potentially creating about 2800 jobs.

"BHP and Leighton Contractors have signed a partnership agreement to undertake this six-month comprehensive study," Mr Carr said.

"A Multi-Purpose Port Terminal at the Newcastle Steelworks Site would create 350 direct jobs and about 2450 indirect jobs. It would include container, general cargo and car terminals.

"The $6 million study is a major vote of confidence in the Hunter.

"It has massive implications for industry and agricultural development in the Hunter, Northern and Central West regions of NSW.

"And it will greatly enhance new manufacturing opportunities at the Steel River Project."

Group General Manager of BHP Rod, Bar and Wire, Mr Lance Hockridge, said a Multi-Purpose Port Terminal would help consolidate Newcastle as a major world transport destination.

"The project will bring together transport industry companies with world-class experience in construction and operation of terminals," he said.

Leighton Contractors Executive Director, Mr Phil Cooper, said the Multi-Purpose Port Terminal was critical to diversifying the region's industry base.

Mr Carr said the study would give an accurate cost of the Multi-Purpose Port Terminal construction. But initial estimates are about $200 million.

"The proposed Port Terminal would include:

• a 30 hectare container terminal with an initial capacity of 250,000 containers a year and, eventually, a maximum capacity of 500,000 units a year;
• a 10 hectare general cargo roll-on/roll-off terminal with capacity for 750,000 tonnes a year; and
• provision for a 25 hectare site for container and cargo related services," he said.

For more information call:
Amanda Lampe
(0411) 206 224 and
(02) 92283917.