Taree businessman Geoff Hammond believes Taree and surrounds has the ability to be “the biggest and most powerful freight distributor in Australia.”

In a letter to the Manning River Times Mr Hammond made a case for Taree as being the future destination for major export and import from the East Coast. 

“We are situated right in the middle of Brisbane and Melbourne,” he wrote.

“Taree has the Pacific Highway running right pass its door. 

“We have an airport that could be turned into an international airport just one kilometre from the highway.

“We also have the railway just behind the airport.” 

Mr Hammond also made the case for export by sea.

“Taree has the best protected harbour, Crowdy Bay, on the east coast that could be used as a shipping container harbour. Also (it’s) only a few kilometres from Taree,” he wrote. 

“This could be connected to the rail, airport and road.”

Mr Hammond said this type of forward planning could result in “employment opportunities and interest for industrial factories” for the area. 

“We have great products in the Manning Valley and they are growing. These could be products the world is interested in.” 

Further to his vision for the future Mr Hammond mentioned the potential of harnessing clean energy from our natural resources.

“Elands has Ellenborough Falls that we could utilise to have our own power station.” 

Mr Hammond wants politicians to think past their four-year terms and to forward plan for the future.

“At present I am worried what our town Taree is becoming,” he said. 

“It is slowly dying and at present no government wants to help improve the situation. Since (Lyne MP and deputy prime minister) Mark Vaile resigned Taree has gone down hill. 

“Why is the government declining to let Taree grow?”