Chris Minns Announces $15 Million Investment Into The Thornton Rail Bridge Duplication Project

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government says it's coming through on it's commitment to ease traffic congestion in Maitland, by investing $15 million into the next stage of the Thornton Rail Bridge Duplication Project. 

It comes with an estimated 7,000 new residents expected to call Maitland home within the next 20 years. 

The funding will be used to kick-off initial planning works to duplicate the bridge, with the hopes of expanding access out to Thornton Road, offering residents a flood-free route during natural disasters. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns was in Thornton for the announcement on Friday, and said community members have been calling out for a quicker, more secure route in and out of Maitland. 

"These are flood-prone areas that need evacuation routes in the event of a natural disaster, and so it's not just a question of ease of mobility and infrastructure upgrades, this is essential in ensuring that you've got a resilient community that can deal with the effect and the threat of flooding in Maitland." 

Community consultation on the project is expected to begin soon, following the funding announcement. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns

Urgent Investment Needed for Renewables

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), says urgent investment is needed for the Hunter's renewable energy projects. 

With the upcoming closure of the Liddell Power Station, the Operator has updated the 2022 Electricity Statement of Opportunities, and says projects in the pipeline need to be fast-tracked, to avoid the continuation of soaring energy costs. 

The update reflects key concerns already held by the region's peak business body. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, said measures need to be put in place across the region, to prepare businesses and households for the possibility renewables won't initially be able to match domestic demand. 

"We've got to now stress more strongly to businesses and the community, to look much more carefully at energy conservation measures; how they can put in place measures that will reduce their energy consumption as a way to offset the pressure that they're likely to come under as power shortages continue," Mr Hawes said. 

"If they do, it's likely we're not going to see the stabilization of prices at all. Prices are likely to stay quite high." 

He also said with the election coming up in March, investment in renewables should be a priority. 

"We're recommending the incoming state government look at the opportunity to automatically designate any renewable energy project as a state-significant infrastructure project, so it moves quickly through the planning process," Mr Hawes said. 

"We need to give these projects as much support as we possibly can, because at the moment it's looking a little bit grim based on AEMO's forecast."  

Port of Newcastle Invests $28.4 Million in Mobile Harbour Cranes

 BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Despite a decision by the federal court to uphold the constraints on the Port of Newcastle, the organisation is pushing ahead with its plans to expand its container handling capabilities.

The Port has purchased two mobile harbour cranes at a cost of $28.4 million dollars, so as to further enhance its existing project cargo, general cargo and container handling capability.

Port of Newcastle's Executive Manager of Trade and Business Development, Paul Brown, said the cranes will help to increase efficiency at the Port. 

“Our customers already benefit from Port of Newcastle’s uncongested road, dedicated freight rail and berth access and this investment will enable both existing and new customers to utilise the Port’s infrastructure to move their oversized equipment and containerised cargo even more efficiently through Newcastle than they currently can.”

Our team look forward to working with customers and new trades alike to identify how the mobile harbour cranes service can benefit their supply chain, improve efficiency and further support their ability to successfully compete in international markets." 

The cranes are expected to arrive in mid-2022 and are capable of handling an array of project cargo, including wind turbines, mining equipment and timber. 

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody, said the investment represents part of the Port’s long-term diversification plans to better meet the demands of customers and boost the economy. 

“We are firmly focused on seizing opportunities that will create a broad mix of trade opportunities which help to support our local industry, boost jobs in addition to the 9000 positions the Port directly and indirectly supports now, and build a prosperous local, state and national economy.” 

Mr Carmody said that while he cannot currently announce the go-ahead of their $2.4 billion Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal project, the Port of Newcastle's goals are unwavering. 

Mobile Harbour Cranes