Decision looms on 23-year-long battle over bushland site
The Department of Planning confirmed it is in the final stages of assessing a planning proposal to build 180 homes at 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
The 26-hectare site has been the subject of a 23-year battle between the site's owner, Peter Durbin, and the local residents' group, Green Corridor Coalition, which has been lobbying to have the land used as a biodiversity corridor.
Under a plan put forward by Mr Durbin, housing would be built on half of the site, and the other half would be dedicated to biodiversity.
He recently told the Newcastle Herald the plan would complement the state government's efforts to build more homes.
City of Newcastle has rejected numerous proposals to develop the site and recommended the state government purchase it for use as a green corridor.
But an Independent Planning Commission review found the project had strategic merit as it would provide additional housing to the Hunter Region in accordance with the Department's Hunter Regional Plan 2041.
Newcastle councillors threatened legal action after the government stripped them of their planning powers for the proposal.
Green Corridor Coalition spokesman Brian Purdue said while 505 Minmi Road was a relatively small housing development, its importance as a wildlife corridor to the regional park far outweighed its size.
"The prime consideration of the government must be to ensure this urban bushland corridor between two National Parks remains intact so it can function properly as a wildlife corridor, with width being the most important factor," Mr Pudue said.
He said the group had provided the government with detailed information that contradicted information previously used to make decisions about the development.
"A one-sided Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel briefing in 2022 resulted in 505 Minmi Road's special land category being changed in the new Hunter Regional Plan 2041 to a Housing Release Area. All reference to the regional park corridor was removed from the Gateway planning proposal, and the site was then put on Public Exhibition with these changes included," he said.
The project suffered a major setback last year when the NSW Environment Protection Authority raised concerns about the impact of odours, gases and air emissions generated from the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Even though the houses in the proposed development would be further from the waste cell than some existing homes, the proponent was requested to conduct a 12-month study into how 505 Minmi Rd could be affected.
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesman said the department was undertaking a final assessment of the 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher planning proposal, and consulting with government agencies to consider issues that have been raised, including biodiversity, bushfire risks, and land contamination.
"The assessment will inform a finalisation report that responds to submissions made by the community, City of Newcastle, and State agencies," he said.
The future of one of the most contentious parcels of land in the Lower Hunter is expected to be determined by the end of the month.
The Department of Planning confirmed it is in the final stages of assessing a planning proposal to build 180 homes at 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
The 26-hectare site has been the subject of a 23-year battle between the site's owner, Peter Durbin, and the local residents' group, Green Corridor Coalition, which has been lobbying to have the land used as a biodiversity corridor.
Under a plan put forward by Mr Durbin, housing would be built on half of the site, and the other half would be dedicated to biodiversity.
He recently told the Newcastle Herald the plan would complement the state government's efforts to build more homes.
City of Newcastle has rejected numerous proposals to develop the site and recommended the state government purchase it for use as a green corridor.
But an Independent Planning Commission review found the project had strategic merit as it would provide additional housing to the Hunter Region in accordance with the Department's Hunter Regional Plan 2041.
Newcastle councillors threatened legal action after the government stripped them of their planning powers for the proposal.
Green Corridor Coalition spokesman Brian Purdue said while 505 Minmi Road was a relatively small housing development, its importance as a wildlife corridor to the regional park far outweighed its size.
"The prime consideration of the government must be to ensure this urban bushland corridor between two National Parks remains intact so it can function properly as a wildlife corridor, with width being the most important factor," Mr Pudue said.
He said the group had provided the government with detailed information that contradicted information previously used to make decisions about the development.
"A one-sided Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel briefing in 2022 resulted in 505 Minmi Road's special land category being changed in the new Hunter Regional Plan 2041 to a Housing Release Area. All reference to the regional park corridor was removed from the Gateway planning proposal, and the site was then put on Public Exhibition with these changes included," he said.
The project suffered a major setback last year when the NSW Environment Protection Authority raised concerns about the impact of odours, gases and air emissions generated from the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Even though the houses in the proposed development would be further from the waste cell than some existing homes, the proponent was requested to conduct a 12-month study into how 505 Minmi Rd could be affected.
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesman said the department was undertaking a final assessment of the 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher planning proposal, and consulting with government agencies to consider issues that have been raised, including biodiversity, bushfire risks, and land contamination.
"The assessment will inform a finalisation report that responds to submissions made by the community, City of Newcastle, and State agencies," he said.
The future of one of the most contentious parcels of land in the Lower Hunter is expected to be determined by the end of the month.
The Department of Planning confirmed it is in the final stages of assessing a planning proposal to build 180 homes at 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
The 26-hectare site has been the subject of a 23-year battle between the site's owner, Peter Durbin, and the local residents' group, Green Corridor Coalition, which has been lobbying to have the land used as a biodiversity corridor.
Under a plan put forward by Mr Durbin, housing would be built on half of the site, and the other half would be dedicated to biodiversity.
He recently told the Newcastle Herald the plan would complement the state government's efforts to build more homes.
City of Newcastle has rejected numerous proposals to develop the site and recommended the state government purchase it for use as a green corridor.
But an Independent Planning Commission review found the project had strategic merit as it would provide additional housing to the Hunter Region in accordance with the Department's Hunter Regional Plan 2041.
Newcastle councillors threatened legal action after the government stripped them of their planning powers for the proposal.
Green Corridor Coalition spokesman Brian Purdue said while 505 Minmi Road was a relatively small housing development, its importance as a wildlife corridor to the regional park far outweighed its size.
"The prime consideration of the government must be to ensure this urban bushland corridor between two National Parks remains intact so it can function properly as a wildlife corridor, with width being the most important factor," Mr Pudue said.
He said the group had provided the government with detailed information that contradicted information previously used to make decisions about the development.
"A one-sided Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel briefing in 2022 resulted in 505 Minmi Road's special land category being changed in the new Hunter Regional Plan 2041 to a Housing Release Area. All reference to the regional park corridor was removed from the Gateway planning proposal, and the site was then put on Public Exhibition with these changes included," he said.
The project suffered a major setback last year when the NSW Environment Protection Authority raised concerns about the impact of odours, gases and air emissions generated from the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Even though the houses in the proposed development would be further from the waste cell than some existing homes, the proponent was requested to conduct a 12-month study into how 505 Minmi Rd could be affected.
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesman said the department was undertaking a final assessment of the 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher planning proposal, and consulting with government agencies to consider issues that have been raised, including biodiversity, bushfire risks, and land contamination.
"The assessment will inform a finalisation report that responds to submissions made by the community, City of Newcastle, and State agencies," he said.
The future of one of the most contentious parcels of land in the Lower Hunter is expected to be determined by the end of the month.
The Department of Planning confirmed it is in the final stages of assessing a planning proposal to build 180 homes at 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
The 26-hectare site has been the subject of a 23-year battle between the site's owner, Peter Durbin, and the local residents' group, Green Corridor Coalition, which has been lobbying to have the land used as a biodiversity corridor.
Under a plan put forward by Mr Durbin, housing would be built on half of the site, and the other half would be dedicated to biodiversity.
He recently told the Newcastle Herald the plan would complement the state government's efforts to build more homes.
City of Newcastle has rejected numerous proposals to develop the site and recommended the state government purchase it for use as a green corridor.
But an Independent Planning Commission review found the project had strategic merit as it would provide additional housing to the Hunter Region in accordance with the Department's Hunter Regional Plan 2041.
Newcastle councillors threatened legal action after the government stripped them of their planning powers for the proposal.
Green Corridor Coalition spokesman Brian Purdue said while 505 Minmi Road was a relatively small housing development, its importance as a wildlife corridor to the regional park far outweighed its size.
"The prime consideration of the government must be to ensure this urban bushland corridor between two National Parks remains intact so it can function properly as a wildlife corridor, with width being the most important factor," Mr Pudue said.
He said the group had provided the government with detailed information that contradicted information previously used to make decisions about the development.
"A one-sided Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel briefing in 2022 resulted in 505 Minmi Road's special land category being changed in the new Hunter Regional Plan 2041 to a Housing Release Area. All reference to the regional park corridor was removed from the Gateway planning proposal, and the site was then put on Public Exhibition with these changes included," he said.
The project suffered a major setback last year when the NSW Environment Protection Authority raised concerns about the impact of odours, gases and air emissions generated from the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Even though the houses in the proposed development would be further from the waste cell than some existing homes, the proponent was requested to conduct a 12-month study into how 505 Minmi Rd could be affected.
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesman said the department was undertaking a final assessment of the 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher planning proposal, and consulting with government agencies to consider issues that have been raised, including biodiversity, bushfire risks, and land contamination.
"The assessment will inform a finalisation report that responds to submissions made by the community, City of Newcastle, and State agencies," he said.
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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
New entertainment centre moves forward as calls to progress Broadmeadow precinct grow
The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August. The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. 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"Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August. The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. 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"Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August.
News.com.au
11-07-2025
- News.com.au
‘America first': Donald Trump orders foreign tourists to pay higher fees at US National Parks
Australians visiting US national parks like Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone will need to pay higher fees as Donald Trump tells foreign tourists he is putting 'America first'. 'I have just signed an executive order to raise entry fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,' the US President said at a rally in Iowa. 'The national parks will be about America first.' Mr Trump has also ordered the US National Park Service to ensure that Americans receive priority access in reservation systems. The White House says the extra funds from foreigners will go towards improving parks infrastructure and conservation projects. It is the latest announcement in Mr Trump's controversial planned upheaval of the country's national parks system. His 2026 financial year budget proposes to cut more than $US1 billion ($A1.5 billion) in federal funding for the US National Parks Service (nearly 40 per cent of the agency's current budget), which has been described by National Park Conservation Association president Theresa Pierno as 'catastrophic'. The White House claimed the proposed budget would 'continue supporting many national treasures, but there is an urgent need to streamline staffing and transfer certain properties to state-level management to ensure the long-term health and sustainment of the national park system'. NPS oversees 85 million acres of federal land and there are 433 sites in the National Park System, with parks in every state. In February, more than 1000 park workers were laid off (more than 700 others took buyouts). Ms Pierno said in an update last week the NPS had lost 24 per cent of its permanent staff, nearly a quarter of its workforce, since Mr Trump took office. 'And the (Trump) administration has filled only half of the nearly 8000 seasonal positions it promised,' she said. 'Without these essential workers, visitor centers and campgrounds will close, trails will go unmaintained, rescue response times will slow, and cultural sites will fall into disrepair. All of this as millions of visitors pour into parks this summer.' Best-selling American author Colleen Hoover, whose books in 2022 outsold the Bible, told her 1.9 million Instagram followers on Tuesday she would pay the difference in park ticket prices for foreign tourists. 'If you're from out of the country and are a follower of mine and have a visit to a national park planned, let me know,' the Texas mum behind the hit romance It Ends With Us said. 'I'll pay the difference in your ticket price. These policies do not reflect the hearts of all the kind people in this country.' Entrance fees for national parks in the US vary. Currently, popular sites including Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park charge $US20 (about $A30) per person or $US35 (about $A54) per vehicle. Some national parks don't charge entrance fees and, according to Mr Trump's order, the fee hike will only affect those that do. It is not yet known when the fees will increase and by how much. Aussie-born company joins the fight Australian-born global travel company Intrepid Travel has been extremely vocal about the threat US national parks face from budget cuts and lay offs. The company donated $US50,000 ($A77,000) to the National Park Conservation Association. Speaking to in June, Intrepid Travel's Leigh Barnes described national parks as 'incredibly important' to the US and said the White House's massive proposed funding cuts are 'putting access at risk'. 'We need healthy, vibrant national parks for our business, and also the impact of not having tourism go to national parks in the USA is going to put local businesses underground,' said Mr Barnes, an Australian who relocated to Seattle this year to take up the role of managing director of the Americas. In response to the Trump Administration's actions, Intrepid Travel launched limited edition 'Active-ism' trips in the parks, hosted by influential activists and local guides. The trips are about $US500-$600 ($A770-$920) cheaper than a standard itinerary, despite the addition of an activist. 'That has been a deliberate focus, making them as accessible as possible,' Mr Barnes said. 'They're not going to be the world's greatest profit generator for the organisation, but that's not the purpose.' Intrepid Travel has 26 trips across 18 national parks, and employs 200 local guides and 60 staff there. The company has taken more than 20,000 travellers and expects to host another 5000 this year. Mr Barnes explained that it's not just direct jobs at the US National Parks Service at risk. 'They (national parks) are absolutely amazing economic drivers for these areas. Having these national parks creates jobs in and around the national parks ecosystem. Not just the national parks employees but all the little smaller businesses and ecosystems it supports,' he said. He added: 'They're a massive pride and icon in the USA. 'We want to ensure these amazing parts of the USA are not just here for this generation but the generations beyond.' Mr Barnes said the more people who experience nature, the more that are likely to advocate for these spaces, so his team simply asked themselves, 'how do we encourage more people to go out to national parks?'.
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- The Advertiser
'Turning point': Kurri Kurri gas plant fired up for the first time
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He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained. The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. 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They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained. The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained.
