The NSW Court of Appeal has made orders expediting the hearing of proceedings, which will take place on Friday, November 4.

LWP Property Group Managing Director, Danny Murphy, said: “We are pleased the appeal will be heard before the end of the year.

Mr. Murphy was in the Hunter Valley last week to meet with and explain to local government officials and business groups that his company is moving ahead with its appeal to the NSW Court of Appeal against the NSW Land and Environment Court’s judgment declaring the rezoning of the $1.5 billion Huntlee New Town development near Branxton invalid.

He met with Mayor of Singleton, Cr. Sue Moore Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Alison Davey, Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr and the Friends of Huntlee to explain the situation.

“We believe we have a strong case and remain committed to the Huntlee development and the local community. We are also pleased that the NSW Government has decided to appeal," Mr. Murphy said.

The $1.5 billion development represents the first new town in the Hunter for almost 50 years and will provide up to 7500 homes, 3000 permanent jobs and 200 hectares of employment lands over a 20-year development program.

“With each day, the support we are receiving from the local community continues to increase, which is very encouraging. Equally so is the formation of the Friends of Huntlee group and the petition they are conducting in support of the project.

“My understanding is they intend to present this to the NSW Government,” Mr. Murphy said.

On July 7 the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled in favour of the Sweetwater Action Group by upholding its appeal against the development.