The City of Newcastle is set to breathe new life into a disused landfill site, unveiling ambitious proposals to establish a cutting-edge renewable energy precinct. The plan targets the old Astor Street tip in Shortland, aiming to transform the 60-hectare site into a solar farm, battery storage hub, and heavy electric vehicle charging station.
From Landfill to Powerhouse: The Astra Street Vision
The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct forms a central pillar of the draft Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026-2030 (CAP 2030). Councillors are scheduled to vote on placing the draft plan for public exhibition at an extraordinary meeting next week. The overarching strategy outlines the council's roadmap to achieve net zero emissions from its own operations by 2030 and to support the broader Newcastle community's transition to net zero by 2040.
The former landfill, which operated from 1974 to 1995, has undergone extensive environmental remediation since its closure. Council work has focused on protecting adjacent wetland water quality, boosting biodiversity, and encouraging long-term native plant growth on the site.
Megawatts and Millions: The Project's Scale and Funding
If a forthcoming business case is approved, the precinct could feature a substantial 10-megawatt solar farm coupled with a 20-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System. This infrastructure would provide heavy vehicle charging for council fleets and local commercial operators. The project also explores a innovative community energy sharing model, allowing broader benefits.
Further potential exists to expand the existing landfill gas collection and flaring system at Astra Street, generating additional carbon credits. Implementing the entire CAP 2030 is estimated to require $42 million in capital investment over the next five years. The City of Newcastle intends to seek matched funding for at least half of this amount through government grants and commercial partnerships.
Economic and Community Benefits Forecast
Council projections indicate that a fully realised energy precinct could deliver significant financial returns by 2030. Annual benefits of between $3.5 million and $4 million are anticipated, stemming from precinct income, savings on energy and fuel, and the shift from gas to electric power.
City of Newcastle's executive manager for environment and sustainability, Marnie Kikken, emphasised the plan's inclusive goals. "As our region transitions to clean energy, it's vital that everyone in our community can access affordable, reliable and renewable energy," Ms Kikken said. She highlighted the parallel 'Energy for All' program, designed to help culturally diverse communities and renters reduce bills through advice, support, and assistance accessing rebates.
The transformation of the Astor Street site represents a tangible step in repurposing old industrial land for a sustainable future, directly supporting Newcastle's ambitious climate targets while creating new energy infrastructure for the region.
