The New South Wales Government has expressed its support for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Newcastle.
The Newcastle GasDock project, with an estimated direct onshore investment of up to AUD 250 million (USD 169.9 million) at the port, received Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) status from NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon Rob Stokes MP.
“The terminal could be operational by 2022-23 and provide supply for gas-fired power stations, helping to manage energy security during the period in which the Liddell power station is scheduled to close,” Acting Premier, John Barilaro, said.
Barilaro added that the proposal for the AUD 589 million gas import terminal at Kooragang Island in the Port of Newcastle would include a connecting pipeline to the existing NSW gas supply network.
Despite being declared ‘critical’, the terminal will still be subject to detailed community consultation and a full and thorough environmental assessment.
The proponent, Newcastle GasDock Company (NGDC), will now need to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the project, which will go on public exhibition for community feedback.