Hunter Business News

$120 million redevelopment of former steelworks site
Buildev Intertrade Consortium Pty Ltd has been selected to redevelop over a third of the 150 hectare Intertrade Industrial Park, which has been unused since BHP ceased steelmaking in 1999. Buildev Group partnered with logistics company, Toll, to form the successful consortium selected by the Government, which will provide general and freight related industry on the site.

Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, said the announcement would help pave the way for a new era of industry at the former BHP steelworks site at Mayfield. “This deal will bring $120 million of new investment and up to 3000 jobs into Newcastle, with industry expected on site from as early as 2011,” Ms Keneally said. “The consortium will develop 62 hectares of the site: 10 hectares in the Intermodal Zone which will be capable of supporting Port-related industry, and 52 hectares in the General Industry Zone.

United Group Limited secures $78 million locomotive order
Engineering and property services company United Group Limited (UGL) has secured an order worth $78 million to supply locomotives to Australian transport company QR. Under the contract, UGL Rail will supply 12 diesel electric locomotives from its Broadmeadow plant in Newcastle to QR Intermodal between July and December 2009.

The contract includes an option for QR to purchase an additional six locomotives. The fuel-efficient locomotives combine UGL Rail’s proprietary design with international technology, reflecting UGL’s ability to supply its blue-chip clients with tailored products and solutions.

Soaring passenger numbers for 2008
Newcastle Airport has confirmed record passenger numbers for yet another year, evidencing the continuing love affair that Hunter, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast residents have for air travel. In 2008, 1,145,607 passengers used Newcastle Airport—which is 139,979 more passengers, or a 14% increase, on the previous record of 2007.

Newcastle Airport CEO, Paul Hughes, said that the significant growth figure of 2008 displays the confidence that passengers flying to and from Newcastle Airport have, and shows that passengers are embracing air travel at a time when people are considered to be ‘tightening their belts’. “In December, for the third month in a row, Newcastle Airport recorded more than 100,000 passenger movements,” he said.

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