‘Narrabri Shire has exciting future:’ mayor Campbell

Narrabri Shire community is poised for exciting future growth thanks to the alignment of its agricultural enterprises, industrial initiatives and, energy resources says recently elected Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell.

Cr Campbell has long been an enthusiastic advocate for the shire and its future. His election at September’s council meeting was not contested.

Deputy mayor Cameron Staines was returned for a fourth term also unopposed.

“I have been overwhelmed by the expressions of support,” Cr Campbell said.

Residents have contacted him to offer congratulations – and to raise issues.

Cr Campbell responded to one ratepayer’s query about the council pushing for Narrabri Shire to be part of the COVID ‘bubble’ with easier access to Queensland.

He noted that this was at the discretion of the Queensland Premier, a state matter outside local government jurisdiction, but he would be advocating on behalf of the shire at state and federal levels for a review of Narrabri Shire’s inclusion in the bubble.

The mayor acknowledged there will be challenges as the shire moves ahead in a post pandemic world.

“But I am very much up for the challenge,” he told ABC local radio morning show host Kristy Reading.

In response to the question ‘why did you put your hand up for the job?’, Cr Campbell responded “As a councillor you play a role in helping develop the future of the shire and as mayor you have the opportunity to add to that role.”

Cr Campbell congratulated retiring mayor Cathy Redding for her four years as leader of the council.

“I thank former mayor Cr Redding for the great job she has done over the past four years,” he said.

“As I said at the council meeting I think Cr Redding has had only a week off during those four years, so well done to Cr Redding. She has worked very hard.

“My priorities are to move forward,” Cr Campbell said.

“As I have said before, Narrabri Shire has a huge future.

“The Northern Inland Port, the potential of the new gas industry, the Inland Rail coming through, agriculture is back with a vengeance and crops looking sensational right across the district, these are exciting times.

“We have lots happening in Narrabri Shire.

“There isn’t a town or shire in Australia that has the potential of Narrabri.

“I intend to continue pushing what the council has been pushing for the last four years and continue that drive” the mayor said.

“We have just been granted $16.8 million by the NSW government to further the development of the Northern NSW Inland Port and now the federal government has granted a further $7.8 million.

“The Prime Minister has mentioned Narrabri several times recently and I want us to take advantage of those thoughts that Narrabri can play a role in NSW and Australia coming out of the COVID pandemic.

“I am happy to talk up the shire and communicate right across the region about the benefits and the aspirations we have in Narrabri shire.

“I certainly support the Narrabri Gas Project, the Northern Inland Port will not be just a logistics operation, it will be an industrial precinct.

“That connected to gas puts us in a unique position whereby people are attracted to come and build infrastructure here.

“We will be offering reasonably priced, secure energy and land.

“Businesses can come here and link to the Inland Rail – the future is great.”