THE NSW Government has announced it will secure the future of the Port of Newcastle by extending planning powers its surrounding areas.
The state government said councils will be prohibited from rezoning surrounding properties for residential purposes to ensure they do not restrain future growth of the port.
NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi announced the Port of Newcastle, Port Botany and Port Kembla have all been declared "state significant sites" due to their importance to the NSW economy.
He said Newcastle port handled more than 90 million tonnes of exports worth more than $10 billion during 2007-08.
This is equivalent of 13.6 per cent of Australia's total export volume.
Tripodi said Newcastle posted a record $17 billion trade result and further export growth is expected with the completion of a third coal loader and as port land is developed.
Add a comment