Mayor calls for action on economic development

Narrabri Shire mayor Cathy Redding has called for action on regional economic development, asking the federal government to ‘pull out all stops’ on implementing the Inland Rail project and urging progress on assessment of local State Significant Developments.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed our country and state in unprecedented times,” the mayor said in a statement.

“It is now more important than ever to provide certainty, infrastructure investment and broad economic stimulus.

“Council has already implemented a number of initiatives to assist the community, businesses and residents of the Shire during this time; it is now time for the Federal and State Government to assist in one of the best ways they can, via infrastructure investment to stimulate economic growth.

Cr Redding strongly believes ‘the Inland Rail project is now more critical than ever.’

“The freight backbone that Inland Rail will establish is essential. Inland Rail will offer a transit time of less than 24 hours between Melbourne and Brisbane, linking local and regional farmers and businesses as well as generating new opportunities for industry.

“Narrabri Shire has positioned itself extremely strongly to capitalise on the advent of Inland Rail,” Cr Redding said.

“Council’s Northern NSW Inland Port is constantly gaining momentum and when fully developed could provide 1,000 new jobs.

“It is now simply time for the Federal Government to pull out all stops and deliver Inland Rail” the mayor said.

“I have written to the Deputy Prime Minster and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, requesting their assistance.

“Narrabri Shire, and regional economies will benefit significantly with the delivery of the Inland Rail project.

“Inland Rail has been predicted to increase Australia’s gross regional product by $16 billion. The cost of freight on Inland Rail has been forecast to be reduced by $10 per tonne and hundreds of jobs are predicted to be created up to and past the peak construction period.

“It will provide faster transit times, high reliability, reduction on freight costs and increased availability to the broader Narrabri region producers.

“Council is asking that the construction of the Inland Rail project be fast tracked as swiftly as possible and that serious consideration be given to the removal of red tape.

“The Inland Rail is positioned to provide economic stimulus and be the catalyst for investment in Narrabri Shire of a scale we’ve never seen before.”

Cr Redding said Council has written to the State Government urging that ‘State Significant Development assessments processes continue unhindered.’

“State Significant Development project assessments must continue. The COVID-19 pandemic should not be used to unnecessarily halt assessment processes. In the last few weeks, I have participated in video conferencing calls with more than 150 participants with no issue.

“Our Council has very successfully trialled a mock council meeting with councillors connecting via video conference, with a number of councillors having what would be considered poor mobile network coverage being able to fully participate.

“Comments being made that ‘internet connections are weak, households have no internet access’, hold no substance, and any argument put forward on the basis of a lack of openness and transparency is unjustifiable.

“Having witnessed first hand the success of video conferencing platforms it is Council’s very strong position that very successful public hearings could be achieved utilising video conferencing technology,” said Cr Redding.

“Council will not shy away from its support of the Narrabri Gas project.

“Council has progressed steadily and very deliberately through a thorough assessment and review process of the Narrabri Gas Project to reach its position of support for the project.

“That is Council’s position, support of the Narrabri Gas Project” the mayor emphasised.

“The economic stimulus the Narrabri Gas Project will provide not only for Narrabri Shire, but the also the broader North West region of NSW should not be undervalued and unnecessarily held up.

“The Narrabri Gas Project, in particular, could deliver the boost that the Narrabri Shire and broader region will require when we emerge from this current pandemic.”