The Hunter Business Chamber says it is happy to see the debate about a container terminal reopened, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission voiced concerns that previous arrangements that may have prevented or limited a container development.
The chamber’s chief executive Bob Hawes said there was broad support from councils throughout the port’s catchment area and extending deep into NSW, with many making submissions to the NSW Government regarding its Draft Freight and Ports Plan, highlighting the benefits of a container terminal at Newcastle.
“A Newcastle container terminal could deliver rail transport cost savings of more than 30% for exporters including farmers, producers and manufacturers in the central west and northern NSW, compared with Port Botany,” he said.
The chamber has long advocated for the diversification of trade in the port Newcastle.
