The Port of Newcastle has appointed a new Special Projects Director to assist the Port as it works alongside all levels of government to advance key infrastructure projects.
Newcastle local and former NSW Nationals State Director, Ross Cadell, was appointed to the position,commencing 3 February.
The appointment comes during a critical time for the diversification of the Hunter economy and its international trade gateway.
Mr Cadell will be leading the political and regional stakeholder engagement efforts as the Port aims to advance key projects that will future-proof the local, state and national economies.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, welcomed Mr Cadell’s unique blend of experience in business and politics, coupled with local knowledge, as the Port prepares to push ahead with projects such as the $1.8 billion privately-funded Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal (MDT) with government support.
“Ross recently finished as the Nationals Campaign Director for both the 2019 NSW and Federal elections, having previously acted as regional co-ordinator for the Nationals,” Mr Carmody said.
“Ross brings a wealth of experience with him and is ideally placed to argue the case for the MDT and forge closer relationships with the many regional NSW stakeholders that will benefit from the competition this facility will bring to NSW.
“I am confident that Ross will work productively with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet to deliver this critical infrastructure and unlock the many benefits for the state.”
Mr Cadell said he was focused on ensuring the region continued to have a strong industrial presence as the economy transitions.
“For the longest time BHP underpinned our town,” Mr Cadell said.
“We all remember too well what happened when we lost the steelworks, but this is a great opportunity for the Port to power our economy for generations to come and put that site to productive use again.”
With strong working relationships with key government stakeholders, including NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Mr Cadell committed to leaving no stone unturned in the development of the MDT.
“The Nationals in government have strongly supported the development of this project, with members voting at the last conference to formally endorse it, and I will work with them to get it done,” Mr Cadell said.
