BY ISABEL EVERETT
Plans to remediate a former hydro aluminum smelter site at Kurri Kurri in order to create a new commercial and industrial precinct have been approved by the NSW Government.
Along side the precinct, half of the 2 thousand hectare site will be set aside for environmental conservation, while 80 hectares will be used as a containment cell for contaminated materials.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the approval had the potential to create thousands of new jobs for the region.
“Its proximity to the Hunter Expressway makes it ideal for a new commercial and industrial precinct and we look forward to working with the landowner and councils to develop a masterplan for the site.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW
Government had also agreed to take on the ongoing management of the containment
cell once all the remediation works have been completed and certified.
“This agreement is crucial to the site’s remediation and future
redevelopment,” Mrs Pavey said.
“It ensures adequate arrangements are in place for the long-term
management of the containment cell, safeguarding human and environmental health
so we can unlock the potential of the site for business and the people of the
Hunter region.”
Former Smelter Site
Image Credit: Newcastle on Hunter
