Plans for a proposed transport hub at the northern gateway to Taree are a step closer to reality, with a planning proposal for the development currently on exhibition for community comment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
MidCoast Council is seeking feedback on a proposed rezoning to allow for stage two of the hub, which it says when developed will see significant employment and economic opportunities for the region.
The Northern Gateway Transport Hub is located near the Cundletown Pacific Highway interchange and has been designed to support transport related activities and industries.
"Given the close proximity to the Pacific Highway, this is the perfect place to transport goods to both Sydney and Brisbane," Paul De Szell, MidCoast Council's director of liveable communities, said.
"This important project has been a long time coming and is a development that has the potential to create jobs and help stimulate the local economy."
The Northern Gateway is a high priority project in both the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the MidCoast Regional Economic Development Strategy, with the NSW Government committing $15 million for Infrastructure works, to allow the first stage of the project to proceed.
Stage one of the development was successfully rezoned in 2016 and relates to seven hectares of land owned by Jim Pearson of Jim Pearson Transport, who intends to relocate his Taree depot to the site.
The second stage seeks to rezone 67 hectares of land to General Industrial to enable development of the transport hub, while a new development control plan provision will address visual amenity, traffic, flooding and ecological issues.
"This development is part of council's vision for the future of the area, which is supported by the local business community."
Business Taree and Mid Coast Business Chamber president, John Stevens said the local business community is on board.
"This development has been a point of focus for both Business Taree and the Mid Coast Business Chamber because it has the potential to unlock a number of different opportunities for business and the community by supporting a strong logistics industry," John said.
"It's an exciting opportunity to reshape the northern entrance and really revitalise that area, and it will instill confidence in all business across the region if it goes ahead."
Council staff will be hosting information sessions on Thursday, September 3. Sessions are by appointment only to ensure COVID-19 restrictions are being adhered to. To make an appointment phone 7955 7777.
