Plans for the proposed Newcastle Logistics Precinct at the Port of Newcastle have kicked into higher gear with the Minns government committing $115.5 million to the project from the new state budget.
The precinct is to be built on the former BHP Steelwork’s Intertrade Site and will support the rollout of large renewable energy components, such as wind turbines and transformers.
Equipment will be stored on a newly paved laydown area before being loaded on to heavy vehicles and transported to renewable development project sites across NSW.
Other delivery works will include upgrades to existing intersections and new access roads, and new ancillary infrastructure such as staff buildings and site drainage.
In a media release announcing the investment, EnergyCo, the state agency coordinating investment in the state’s renewable energy zones (REZ), said it is working closely with the Port of Newcastle on the development.
EnergyCo said the precinct is one of several projects being delivered in the Hunter region as part of the transformation of the state’s electricity system.
Others include the Port to REZ road upgrades, Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter Central Coast REZ, which EnergyCo said will deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy, create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.
“The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will enable the investment underpinning our once-in-a-generation upgrade of the energy system,” said NSW’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe.
“With solar and wind projects being developed across the state, there’ll be many large components arriving at the Port of Newcastle – and they need to be safely stored before they can be moved to renewable energy zones.
“The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will significantly improve our capacity to store and efficiently transport the equipment required to build the critical renewable energy projects we need to replace ageing coal-fired power stations.”
If all goes to plan, construction on the new logistics precinct is expected to begin in late 2026 with the site operational the following year.
The precinct is subject to planning and environmental approvals and will include an Environmental Impact Statement and a public exhibition period.