Werris Creek $2.5m rail freight hub given the green light

The development by Crawfords Freightlines is expected to initially create 25 ongoing jobs.

Liverpool Plains mayor Andrew Hope said development would give the shire, and in particular Werris Creek, a massive economic boost.

“This is a big opportunity, especially given the amount of work it is going to create,” Cr Hope said.

“We’ve certainly had conversations with them about local employment.

“They’re an Australian-owned, family-owed business, so they understand the importance of investing in the local community.”

The facility will be transporting timber from Nundle forest to the Newcastle port, along with cotton seed and refrigerated shipping containers.

Crawford Freightlines owner Peter Crawford said Werris Creek’s rail positioning was almost unrivalled.

“It’s one of the best spots in NSW, and definitely the best spot in the North West,” he said.

“The interest we’ve had since it was announced is unbelievable. The demand is already there, and it will grow. And as it does we’ll accommodate that.”

Cr Hope said there were half a dozen submissions, with the main concerns around the chemicals sprayed on the logs, road conditions and dust.

“All of the submissions have been addressed adequately or better,” he said.

“They’ll have to seal the road and install monitors to test the level of chemicals in the wind. We had the EPA do an assessment on noise and dust independent of council, just to add that extra step of making sure we get it right.”

Mr Crawford said his company had already begun clearing the site and hoped to have trains running from the terminal by the start of 2019.

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