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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 13 February 2009 NEW EMPLOYMENT LAND A $485 MILLION BOOST FOR NEWCASTLE AIRPORT AND WILLIAMTOWN RAAF Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced the rezoning of land next to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown RAAF base for the development of a defence and airport related employment zone. Ms Keneally said the 88 hectares of newly rezoned employment land will provide opportunity for over 5,600 new jobs, generate a potential $485 million in capital investment and create nearly $250 million worth of annual employment income. “The approved rezoning of land for the use of special purpose employment area promotes a range of employment-generating activities supporting the ongoing operation of the RAAF base and airport,” Ms Keneally said. The rezoning allows a range of limited uses such as hotels and restaurants to enhance the airport precinct along with several development opportunities including: • Aeronautical industries; • Freight transport and storage facilities; and • Business and office premises. Ms McKay said the rezoning approval further builds on Newcastle Airport’s expansion plans, and will help cater for the airport’s increasing importance as a regional hub. “Delivering on a key action in the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, the rezoning enhances the employment capability of the site and builds on the defence and general aviation assets of the airport,” Ms McKay said. “Newcastle Airport is currently experiencing considerable growth and will continue to do so over the next 20 years, this combined with the injection of more than 5,600 jobs and almost $250 million in potential annual employment income is great news for the region.” Port Stephens Council General Manager, Peter Gesling, said that council had been working on this initiative for some time. “The project has been a collaborative effort involving council, various State Government agencies, the land owner and developer, Hunter Land, all of whom played an important role in the rezoning process.” Mr Gesling said. The final approval for rezoning was subject to several arrangements being finalised including; • A biodiversity offset agreement to set aside at least 160 hectares of land across the Lower Hunter for conservation, including a sensitive Koala habitat; and • An agreement by the developer to fund any required upgrades to road infrastructure.
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