New role for old steelworks site as Newcastle Logistics Precinct takes shape
A former industrial site next to the Port of Newcastle is being repurposed as a logistics precinct to support renewable energy rollout across NSW, with planning underway and major road upgrades also in progress to handle heavy transport movements.
A new logistics precinct is planned for Newcastle, with the NSW Government allocating $115.5 million in the 2025–26 Budget to support the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure across the state. The site, located at the former BHP Steelworks Intertrade land next to the Port of Newcastle, will store large energy components like wind turbines and transformers before they are sent to renewable energy zones by road.
The precinct is being led by EnergyCo, which lodged its scoping report in March 2025. Work is now underway on the environmental impact statement, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. The area will include a paved laydown zone for equipment that arrives at the Port of Newcastle before it's transported inland.
EnergyCo is working in close partnership with the Port of Newcastle to manage development and logistics. According to the government, the goal is to support the movement of oversize and overmass (OSOM) equipment required to replace ageing coal-fired power stations. This includes upgrades to parts of the state road network used by heavy transport. Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are jointly overseeing the identification and delivery of those road improvements.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the project will address a key requirement for moving components to where they’re needed: “With solar and wind projects being developed across the state, there’ll be many large components arriving at the Port of Newcastle – and they need to be safely stored before they can be moved to renewable energy zones.”
The location is seen as practical due to its direct access to the port and proximity to the state road network. The site is publicly owned and outside the leased port area, providing room to manage the growing number of equipment deliveries.
The precinct is one of several energy-related infrastructure efforts in the Hunter. It sits alongside the Hunter Transmission Project, the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and the roadwork already underway to support component transport. The logistics precinct is also expected to help maintain Newcastle’s role in industrial and energy supply chains during the transition.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: “Delivering the Newcastle Logistics Precinct will ensure the Hunter remains at the heart of NSW’s energy future, opening the door to clean technology investment and new opportunities for local communities and businesses.”
Preserving the site’s heritage is also being factored into the redevelopment. The Newcastle Steelworks Memorial, which sits next to the Intertrade site, will be protected. A number of buildings on the land are being considered for formal heritage listing.
Community feedback will be invited later in 2025 during the public exhibition of the environmental impact statement. EnergyCo has committed to ongoing engagement as planning progresses.
Reflecting on Newcastle’s long association with energy and manufacturing, local MP Tim Crakanthorp said: “The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will build on the strengths of our region, which include excellent renewable energy resources, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure and a skilled workforce.”
