AFTER several false starts and a few unexpected hurdles, some of the major projects planned for Newcastle’s ailing CBD will be realised this year, the state government has pledged.
Premier Barry O’Farrell previously committed $350million to the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund and Newcastle MP Tim Owen indicated change was in the wings.
The controversial inner-city rail line was earmarked to go, the derelict former post office site was set for restoration and Defence contracts were a target for the future prosperity of the region.
Perhaps the most controversial decision was the future of the heavy rail line that sparked a feud between Fix Our City (now Newcastle Alliance) and Save Our Rail groups.
The new Premier sidestepped the issue saying last year it was up to the people of the Hunter to decide what was best for the city.
Mr Owen threw his support behind light rail for the city in a bid to revitalise the decaying Hunter Street Mall and a decision is expected in the first quarter of 2012.
‘‘The government understands the need for revitalisation of Newcastle and a decision on the rail line is a key part of that,’’ Mr Owen said.
‘‘We are talking to investors and developers about the city and that has been an ongoing thing since we got into government.’’
Mr Owen was confident the new government would deliver everything he proposed before the election, which included more money spent in the region from coal royalties.
‘‘The money is there but the government is not going to just shell it out everywhere, it will wait for the infrastructure board to prioritise key projects,’’ he said.
‘‘That is the job of the infrastructure board and it will prioritise the key projects we need to put forward.’’
Mr Owen was deputy commander of the Australian Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and plans to speak with Hunter Business Chamber board member John Quaife about Defence contracts.
IN THE PIPELINE
POST OFFICE
University of Newcastle Alumni has spent $50,000 on due diligence and a decision is due in weeks.
There has been an expression of interest from a cultural group.
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INNER-CITY RAIL LINE
Meetings have been held at state government level about its future and a decision is imminent. Removal of the rail would be stage one, creating a green corridor step two followed by implementing light rail.
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HUNTER INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT FUND (HIIF)
Staged spending of $350million over four years once key projects have been identified by HIIF board made up of chairman Peter Blackmore, Annette Carruthers, Kristen Keegan, David Evans and Robert Monteath.
VENUES NSW
Mr Owen supported the amendment to the Sporting Venues Authorities bill introduced to Parliament by Minister for Sport & Recreation Graham Annesley.
Government-owned venues in Newcastle include Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle International Paceway and Newcastle Showground.
The amendment will put the Broadmeadow precinct under one banner and a new board and regional manager are expected to be announced.
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DEFENCE< p>
Former Chief of Army and Defence Force Vice Chief Ken Gillespie was appointed in December by the state government to help target business opportunities in the state’s Defence industry.
Hunter Business Chamber has appointed retired Air Vice-Marshal John Quaife to the board.
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COURT HOUSE
Demolition and mine subsidence almost complete on the $94million development that will relocate the law precinct from Newcastle East to Hunter Street.
Existing court houses will be condemned and developers are waiting for expressions of interest.
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BOGEY HOLE
Controversial restoration work will be completed by next month after fears it would close due to safety concerns.
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