Work Under Way To Clear Waste From Former Stockton Tip Site

 BY IAN CROUCH

Testing will be undertaken on waste material being dug up from the former Stockton Tip before it's taken to the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Large swell exposed the former Newcastle Council landfill site a few months ago.

Excavators will be used this week to dig up about 3,500 cubic metres of waste near Corroba Oval.

Water Minister, Melinda Pavey says the waste will be temporarily stockpiled on an adjacent Hunter Water site for the next couple of weeks, covered with geo-fabric and dampened with water to prevent dust emissions.

She says quantity surveying will then be done before the stockpile is permanently transferred to the Summerhill Centre.

Work is under way to clean up the former Stockton Tip site this week Picture: newcastleherald.com.au

Costco Coming To The Hunter

After years of lying dormant and contaminated, the former Pasmico Smelter site at Cockle Creek is about to undergo a major transformation.

NSW Property Minister, Melinda Pavey has announced the state government has completed two land sales with American retail giant Costco and property developer, Green Capital Group.

It will see Costco build it's first store outside Sydney, while Green Capital will use its lot for a major residential development, providing 500 new homes for the region.

The Costco development would create around 80 construction jobs and up to 225 ongoing local jobs, while the Green Capital project is expected to create about 400 jobs during construction.

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper says Costo is a great economic driver for any region.

"I'd imagine with Costco coming we will see other businesses wanting to come in and invest in the area."

"My understanding is Costco is ready to lodge their development application today, and they're very keen to get on with this development, looking at a 9-12 months construction period."

"So hopefully somewhere after half way through next year, we'll see Costco being able to trade in our local area."
 
Melinda Pavey says the projects will inject will inject around $300 million into the local economy.

Costco wants to set up its first store outside Sydney at Boolaroo. Picture: Costco

State Government Back Flips On Fingal Bay Link Road Promise

BY IAN CROUCH

The newly re-elected Berejiklian government has abandoned an election promise to build the Fingal Bay Link Road at Port Stephens.

Duty MLC, Catherine Cusack told the Fairfax the project won't be going ahead because voters re-elected Kate Washington, who ran on a platform of opposing the road and therefore voters wishes need to be respected.

Roads Minister, Melinda Pavey joined Liberal candidate Jaime Abbott, Catherine Cusack and Port Stephens mayor, Ryan Palmer for the $188 million announcement on March 5, promising to work with Roads and Maritime Services to come up with designs by the end of the year.

At the time, sitting Labor MP, Kate Washington described the promise as a fantasy and said it amounted to $140,000 for each of the town's residents, saying it would be cheaper to hire helicopters for everyone to get in and out of Fingal Bay every day.

Port Stephens mayor, Ryan Palmer says he's surprised by the back-flip and hopes the $188 million dollars can be redirected to other projects in the shire.

Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer with Jaime Abbott, Melinda Pavey and Catherine Cusack at the March 5 announcement Picture: therherald.com.au