A RALLY will be held on Sunday August 26 to stop the proposed State Government’s privatisation of Port Kembla.

Local business leaders, trade unions and community groups have indicated their support in maintaining the Port in its current ownership and operation.

The NSW government plans to auction the Port for 99-year leases. They expect to make as much as $2 billion.

NSW Treasurer, Mike Baird claims $100 million will be used for infrastructure projects in the region.

Save our Ports committee member Scott Burrows, a sociologist from the University of Wollongong, says a report completed in 2005 indicated the port at that time contributed approximately $400 million dollars to the local economy.

“A recent economic impact study also showed that both the direct and indirect benefits of the Port were approximately $839 million per annum,” he said.

“Just as vital to the people of the region is the employment the Port provides with approximately 4000 jobs for the region as a whole.

Mr Burrows said once the Port has been sold, the region’s community will never get it back.