Plans to redevelop Newcastle's retired BHP steelworks site continues to gain attention, with speculation mounting as to whether or not the site will be allocated for port use.
While the 90 hectare Mayfield site has been set aside for the specific intent of supporting cargo handling infrastructure, the state government rejected a $2.5 billion proposal from Hunter Ports last week.
"The Mayfield site is more suited to handling multi product, container, general cargo and dry bulk terminal freight," Mr O’Farrell said (January 28).
The state government is currently undertaking a scoping study for the Port Botany transaction, with results to be released early this year.
Speaking to the Newcastle Herald yesterday (January 31), a representative for NSW Ports minister Duncan Gay claimed that an announcement would be made after the scoping study was completed.
The announcement of the additional terminal may also depend on the decision regarding the lease of Sydney's Port Botany site – which is expected to raise $2 billion in revenue for the government.