to create new job opportunities in the Cessnock area.

O'Meley Investments Pty Ltd is behind the proposal to build local company Arogen's headquarters at Kurri.

Arogen provides infrastructure support to the national utilities industry with directional

drilling, excavation and pipe laying. Recent projects have seen the company's activities

expand resulting in the need to combine their two Hunter offices into one central

headquarters.

Accordi ng to Cr. Clarence, "Growing organisations such as Arogen, expanding in our

city are testament to Cessnock's emerging status as a strong regional player. One of

council's key objectives over the past four years has been to aggressively market the city

to attract businesses such as Arogen that bring with them strong economic benefits

including new jobs, traineeships and increased investment."

Cr. Clarence said the proposal would however be subject to council's normal channels for approval.

Arogen's Commercial Manager, Annette West, sees the City of Cessnock as a key

business growth area in the Hunter. "By locating our headquarters in Kurri, Arogen

will be able to benefit from the many opportunities that are developing here while

continuing to expand our contribution to the local community.

"Arogen is committed to using local suppliers and employing local people. We are

currently in discussion with Alliance People Solutions to establish a training program to

provide new local opportunities for the youth of Cessnock and surrounding areas," she

said.