A MULTI-MILLION dollar spend on the Tamworth Global Gateway Park and Intermodal Rail Hub has been approved be Tamworth Regional Council.
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The council has approved $2.3 million in funds to the project that's expected to see the region's industrial business sector boom.
Councillor Juanita Wilson applauded what she called a "thorough" report on the industrial precinct and intermodal hub.
"It is hard for the community to get their minds around what's involved because it is such a big concept and something that we haven't done before," she said.
There are three parts to the project; the rail line reactivation, the intermodal site itself and the development of TGGP for future industrial business purposes.
Councillor Russell Webb said the outcome for the city of Tamworth and the region would be great.
"We are looking at something here that will carry us in very good stead for the next 10 years or more," he said.
"We need to be very careful how we do this because there's a lot of money tied up in this and it's community money.
"People say 'the council spend X amount of dollars on this' and it is community money we are spending on this.
"I think it's very fair if we can demonstrate to the community the value of what we have spent on their behalf on this project."
The grant, which has to be signed by August 14, has been set up so no work will be done by council staff or equipment.
A development application for the operation of the intermodal hub is expected to be submitted by Qube in the coming month.
Qube will fund, develop and manage all of the infrastructure for the intermodal hub which is expected to be finished in April 2021.
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The council has sought specialist advice to develop the industrial park aspect of the precinct and a business plan will be submitted in August.
Cr Webb said he believed there would be a whole host of opportunities that would come to the region as a result of the project and it was important to let the community know.
"Every time there is a development we need to let the community know that the money we spent, was spent wisely," he said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
