TAMWORTH could hold the ticket to global markets if the city is chosen as the site for a proposed international freight airport.
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Money left over from the $4.2 billion state government sale of Snowy Hydro will be used to bankroll a series of proposed air freight hubs in regional NSW.
And, Tamworth will gun for one of those spots.
Mullaley's Lively Linseed owner Jacqui Donoghue already ships her produce to the United Arab Emirates, South East Asia and China.
It costs her more to freight her product from the Liverpool Plains to Sydney's Port Botany, than it does for the next leg to China.
"I spoke about this at an export meeting on Thursday with Nundle's Woolen Mill," Ms Donoghue said.
"We can't compete internationally because of the expense to get the product from regional Australia to Sydney for export."
The city has already begun to develop its freight opportunities with Tamworth Regional Council's $7.4 million Intermodal Rail Freight Hub and 600 hectare industrial area Glen Artney planned for just north of the airport.
Tamworth lost its bid for a Qantas pilot training school earlier this year, but nabbed Virgin instead, the high number of clear flying days identified as one of the city's advantages.
Consultants KPMG were awarded the tender for a feasibility study to identify potential air freight sites.
Tamworth airport has capacity for 737 aircraft and room to extend the tarmac for even bigger planes, the council's acting mayor Phil Betts said.
"We're already working with the state government and we will submit that work to the consultants," he said.
"In the next decade-and-a-half 60 per cent of the world's middle class will live in South East Asia.
"For our producers to have access to that in 24 hours has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to everyone."
The announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro has piqued the interest of a number of big players.
Wagga City Council has put in a bid, named by the NSW government alongside Tamworth as one of two centres to push for a population of 100,000.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson believes the city is a strong contender.
"We will do everything we can to show we are the right location," he said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
