PROPOSED government funding of $12.7 million allocated to the construction of a new cruise terminal in Newcastle (CW 30 Nov 2017) has been terminated, according to a statement released by the Port of Newcastle yesterday. “While disappointed construction of the terminal facility cannot proceed at this time, we respect that...
PROPOSED government funding of $12.7 million allocated to the construction of a new cruise terminal in Newcastle (CW 30 Nov 2017) has been terminated, according to a statement released by the Port of Newcastle yesterday.
“While disappointed construction of the terminal facility cannot proceed at this time, we respect that funding is no longer available,” the statement said.
“Our consultations with the cruise industry have been beneficial in better understanding its needs and ensuring that the design of any future infrastructure will be well-informed by the industry.”
The project reportedly hit tough times last Jun, when a stand-off emerged over the price of the construction.
According to the Newcastle Herald, the Port said it was unable to build the planned terminal within the state funds set aside close to two years earlier, with then-Port of Newcastle Chief Executive Geoff Crowe seeking “less than $4 million” in additional funds.
Several months later, the government said it would not be spending more on the project, with issues deepening in Feb after claims the terminal was unlikely to include a homeport capability.
Despite the funding pull, the Port of Newcastle says it will continue to support the Hunter’s tourism sector by berthing incoming cruise ships in port as well as “coordinating the many wonderful volunteers dedicated to welcoming visitors to our city”.
Pictured: An artist’s impression of Newcastle’s doomed terminal.
