Kooragang Island Newcastle, New South Wales |
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Population: | 5 (2006 census) |
Postcode: | 2304 |
Location: | 12 km (7 mi) NNW of Newcastle |
LGA: | City of Newcastle |
Parish: | Newcastle |
State District: | Port Stephens |
Federal Division: | Newcastle |
Kooragang Island is located in the Hunter River of New South Wales, Australia and is the site of a deep water port for the export of coal. In 2007, 84.8 million metric tons of coal were exported from the port,[1] making it one of the busiest in the world. The infrastructure is being improved, for example with the Sandgate Flyover, this will allow the port to export 140 million tons of coal a year after 2010.[1]
The port first opened in about 1984.
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For efficient operation, unloading trains operate around several balloon loops.
There are other industries based on Kooragang Island such as Mountain Industries, which operates a bitumen plant, Blue Circle Southern Cement, SimsMetal recyclers and Orica Kooragang, which manufactures agricultural fertiliser and explosives for the mining industry.
Kooragang Island is home to three Hunter cycling clubs being Kooragang Open Cycle Club, Hunter District Cycling Club and Hunter Valley Veterans Cycling Club.
Regular races are hosted on Saturday and Sunday with Friday night races during daylight saving.
A single 600 kW wind turbine is located between Cormorant Road and the Hunter River.[2]
In 2008 a Camp for Climate Action was held on the island by people protesting against the use of coal and its role in increasing global warming. Around 1000 protesters attended, chaining themselves to wagons and resulting in the delayed delivery of 20,000 tons of coal to the port.[1]
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