Community starts to have its say on Special Activation Precinct

The NSW Department of Planning held information sessions at The Crossing Theatre last Wednesday to discuss how Narrabri’s Special Activation Precinct will impact the community.

The department said the precinct will bring ‘further economic growth to the region by leveraging the Inland Rail and the Northern NSW Inland Port, providing direct access to global and international markets’.

“This is the very first time we’ve had the opportunity to come and talk to the community and share with them where we’re at, and we are at the start,” said Anthea Sargeant, NSW Planning executive director and planning lead for SAPs.

“We are just about to commence our detailed studies to inform the master plan.

“We are really keen to get the community’s feedback all the way through.

“This is just the beginning and we’ll be back next year, a number of times, to continue the dialogue that we’ve just started.”

Narrabri was announced as a Special Activation Precinct in November 2020.

A SAP is ‘a dedicated area in a regional location identified by the NSW government to become a thriving business hub’.

Bringing together planning and investment to create jobs and boost economic growth in dedicated regional locations across the state.

Other SAP locations in NSW include Moree, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Williamstown and the Snowy Mountains.

Ms Sargeant described the sentiment of the Narrabri information sessions as ‘broadly positive’ and said they were ‘well attended’.

“So that means that people are passionate, and they’re interested in what we are doing,” added Ms Sargeant.

“I know a few people came in this morning and were concerned and worried about what we were doing, but I think through the discussion and conversation that we’ve had, we’ve been able to share with them that we are keen to have them participate in the process.

“And that we are interested in getting their views and those views will inform what the master plan will ultimately look like.”

Ms Sargeant told The Courier some concerns raised included questions about the impact of the precinct on land and infrastructure.

“I think it’s more landowners worried about what might be coming, either on their land or on the land adjoining where they are,” said Ms Sargeant.

“I also heard this morning, quite a lot of feedback about the roads and the ability of the local road network to accommodate an increase in vehicles.

“But that’s what we are looking at, through this process, what infrastructure needs to be upgraded to support the development.

“So, I think that they felt some level of comfort that there is investment going in as well.

“It’s not just about planning, it’s about planning but ensuring that there’s the right level of investment in future infrastructure requirements.

“I think people came feeling quite apprehensive and hopefully they left feeling a bit more positive.”

NSW Planning said Narrabri had been chosen as a SAP location for several reasons.

“Narrabri is located 560km north west of Sydney on the Kamilaroi Highway and 560km south west of Brisbane on the Newell Highway, making Narrabri an ideal mid-way destination for travellers and for freight and logistics.

“The investigation area for the Narrabri Special Activation Precinct is in the same vicinity as the proposed Northern NSW Inland Port, seven kilometres from the town centre around Yarrie Lake Road and comprises of approximately 2,160 hectares.

“A range of technical studies will determine the final boundary and will be released when the draft master plan goes on public exhibition in the second half of 2022.

“The Narrabri gas project will enable the precinct to attract energy-intensive industries and value-added manufacturing, allowing the region to diversify economically to enhance its traditional agriculture and
manufacturing industries, providing sustained economic growth and a drought-resilient economy.

“The precinct will plan for access to suitably zoned land, government funding for enabling infrastructure, and streamlined planning approvals which will provide incentive for national and international businesses to establish and operate more efficiently.

“Technical studies as part of planning for the precinct will ensure optimal use of the land, with a mandate to maintain environmental, heritage and cultural values of the area.

“To sustain the economic development, the township will also require improvements in social infrastructure to cater for a growing employee and residential population.

“In addition to technical studies to determine the boundary of the Special Activation Precinct, research will also look at the future demand for housing, community infrastructure and amenities, and social services for a growing population.”

The Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce assisted with hosting the event and invited members and residents to attend an information session.

Chamber president Russell Stewart said he was delighted when NSW Planning reached out to organise the consultation session because it was an opportunity for members to clarify any issues and ask about the effects of the precinct on their business, lifestyle, home, family, and future.

“I have not met anybody in the community who says what’s happening with this precinct is a bad idea, but they’re worried about the fine print, they want to know – ‘how does it affect me?’,” Mr Stewart told The Courier.

“There’s been a lot of confusion over the whole precinct, everybody thinks it’s a wonderful idea, but they feel they are getting mixed messages, so to come here today with Planning NSW, who really are the peak of the pie, it’s great to hear from them that we’re only at the beginning of it.

“There’s an opportunity for people to be involved.

“This stuff isn’t written in ink, they’re still willing to go to the community.”

Master planning is in the initial stage in determining the area and land uses for the precinct, and it’s being undertaken by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, in partnership with the Department of Regional NSW and Narrabri Shire Council.

“Throughout master planning, community, stakeholder and industry consultation will take place, as well as a range of technical studies to help inform the preparation of a draft master plan,” states a NSW Planning document about the Narrabri SAP.

“Ongoing consultation will provide an opportunity for community members and landowners to contribute and help shape the vision for this exciting project.”

Once a draft master plan is developed, it will be placed on public exhibition for comment.

This is expected to take place in the second half of 2022.

The NSW government believes the precinct will ‘strengthen the region’s economy, attracting investors and making it easier for new and existing businesses to establish and expand’.

“Businesses that set up in a precinct will be supported by a concierge service and benefit from streamlined planning processes, government-funded infrastructure and a coordinated approach to addressing land use issues.

“Special Activation Precincts will ensure regional NSW is well placed to grow and meet future economic needs for generations to come.

“They are a bold NSW government initiative delivered in partnership by the Department of Regional NSW, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation and the local council.”

Mr Stewart said a video of the chamber’s information session would be shared following the event because many people, especially farmers, weren’t able to attend the session due to the busy time of year.

He said the chamber would also be working with the department to organise another information session in March next year, and it would hopefully be held at night-time so more business owners could attend and express their thoughts on the precinct and master plan.

“It affects the future of not only those that are here today but those that are coming.

“It’s important our youth have the opportunity to stay, commit and build this community like we did when we were young.”