NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced $12.7 million to build a new multi-purpose cruise ship terminal in Newcastle Harbour.
The facility will enable a significant expansion of the cruise industry in the Hunter which is a huge contributor to the regional economy.
“The Port of Newcastle is the gateway to the Hunter and a new multi-purpose terminal will showcase this beautiful city and give an important first impression to cruise passengers,” Mr Baird said.
“This project secures the future of cruise shipping in Newcastle and gives the city and the region the opportunity to compete for the growing east coast tourism trade.”
NSW Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said the new 3,000 square metre cruise ship terminal will be similar in scale to the White Bay Terminal in Sydney.
“The new terminal will not only attract new cruise ships to the annual cruise season but could also be used as a home port for cruises, which means for the first time passengers could start and end their journeys in Newcastle,” Mr Stokes said.
“This includes tourists that will come to Newcastle via the convenience of the newly expanded Newcastle airport and those driving from regional parts of the State.
“The project will also deliver new economic benefits to the region by enabling new conferences, exhibitions, visiting naval vessels and other uses.
“Construction of the building and associated flow-on economic activity in the regional economy is worth an estimated $26.7 million.”
No comments:
Post a Comment