New South Wales Government revealed plans to build a new multi-user cruise ship terminal in Newcastle to support cruise tourism in the Hunter region.
The 3000-square metre facility will expand the cruise industry in NSW and will be similar to Sydney’s White Bay Terminal, according to the government.
NSW Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said the project will “deliver economic benefits to the region from new conferences, exhibitions and visiting naval vessels.
“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,” Stokes said.
The AUD 12.7 million in funding for the project comes from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund via Restart NSW.
Construction of the building and flow-on economic activity in the region is worth an estimated AUD 26.7 million.
Concurrently, the terminal will enter the detailed design phase. Construction of the terminal is due to commence in mid 2017 and will be completed in 2018.