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Former Hydro Aluminium Smelter Planning Proposal

Published on 15 December 2020

Aerial image of the land included in the Hydro Planning Proposla

Residents can now have their say on the Planning Proposal for the former Hydro Aluminium Smelter at Kurri Kurri. This follows the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) issuing a new Gateway determination on 1 December 2020.

The proposal is for the former smelter site and surrounding land to be rezoned for employment and residential use. It is set to enhance transport links between Kurri Kurri and Maitland.

Director of Planning and Environment, Martin Johnson said Council is working in conjunction with Maitland City Council to progress this proposal.

“While the majority of this site is located within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA), some of it falls into the Maitland LGA. We have worked with Maitland to ensure the community can provide feedback on both planning proposals in the same period.”

The Hydro Kurri Kurri Planning Proposal has an extensive history, with Council overcoming a number of challenges along the way. This has included Council working closely with a number of stakeholders including South Maitland Railways, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD) of DPIE.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent encouraged residents to consider the future of the site.

“We have to consider all of the existing opportunities within our LGA and look for ways to enhance what we already have. This has been a long term project and it’s good to see we are finally at the important stage of seeking community feedback. The proposal allows for a mix of uses from industrial, low density residential and public recreation space.”