Sunk at the last minute: the $250m Port of Newcastle container terminal package

Vision: It is estimated a Newcastle container terminal would attract $1.8 billion of private investment and generate more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Hunter Region.

The Morrison government came within 24 hours of unveiling a $250 million infrastructure package to support the establishment of a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle during the election campaign but dumped the commitment over concerns that it would be seen as promoting Chinese interests in Australia.

Despite having the backing of the then prime minister Scott Morrison, senior forces within the government were successful in having the announcement, which is considered critical to the diversification of the port and the wider Hunter economy, shelved.