Newcastle logistics hub gets funding boost

THE state government has announced it will invest $115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, described as a “critical new hub that will support the delivery of more reliable and affordable renewable energy to homes and businesses across NSW”.

The investment in the 2025-26 NSW Budget will see the Precinct developed next to the Port of Newcastle, at the former BHP Steelwork’s Intertrade Site.

It will provide portside storage for equipment, including wind turbines and transformers, that is needed to build renewable energy projects across the state.

Equipment will be stored on a newly paved laydown area before being loaded onto heavy vehicles.

It will then be transported to energy projects using the state road network, sections of which are already being upgraded to deal with these heavy vehicle movements and build better roads for communities.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said, “The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will enable the investment underpinning our once-in-a-generation upgrade of the energy system.

“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.”

The project is being overseen by EnergyCo, working closely with the Port of Newcastle.

According to the government, the redevelopment recognises the heritage features of the site and will protect the Newcastle Steelworks Memorial, which adjoins the site.

Some buildings on the site are being nominated for heritage recognition.

The Precinct is subject to planning and environmental approvals and will include an Environmental Impact Statement and a public exhibition period.