Kurri Kurri conflicts: new gas plant is a field day for party donors A $600 million subsidy for a gas plant in Kurri Kurri makes no commercial sense for the taxpayer, but there are plenty of windfalls for Liberal Party donors. Former Newcastle mayor and property developer Jeff McCloy (Image: AAP/Dan Himbrechts) Has there ever been a project that so neatly fits the government’s political agenda as well as the commercial interests of its mates? The $600 million subsidy announced for a gas plant in Kurri Kurri makes no commercial sense for the taxpayer, but there are windfalls everywhere you look for Liberal donors.