Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce reviews busy year

The past year saw ‘highs and disappointments‘ for Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce and the wider community, chamber president Russell Stewart reported to Tuesday night’s chamber AGM.

But as Mr Stewart said, the future of the district was bright, underwritten by agricultural and energy industries and a dynamic business sector.

The meeting heard an address from Whitehaven Coal’s project manager for housing Jeff Andrews who outlined the company’s plans for Narrabri housing, predicated on the future availability of suitable land.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens attended the meeting and in discussion revealed that ‘there would be some exciting things to talk about in coming months’, future projects still under wraps.

Mr Stewart said the year’s ‘highs’ saw chamber-driven major infrastructure upgrades to Yarrie Lake, another successful Narrabri Business Awards and a successful Chamber of Commerce Christmas carnival.

“Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce has this year invested around $600,000 into the local economy,” Mr Stewart said. “This is the biggest chamber spend in my time at chamber, I would be inclined to say ever.

“We are delighted to have been involved in this level of local support,” he said.

“Unfortunately, there were also some disappointing lows.

“Despite the chamber’s large amount of time and work invested in the Narrabri Special Activation Precinct, arranging all public meetings on behalf of our friends at Planning NSW and an assurance that some $200 million for Narrabri was budgeted for and allocated, a change in state government saw that assurance and money disappear.

“No explanation has been given to date. This is a blow to our shire and district.

“This decision came at the same time as the call to put the Inland Rail project on ice.

“Fortunately despite the colour of any state government we still have our highly appreciated agriculture and resources industries which underpin the wealth of the region.

“Agriculture has always been and will always will be our number one industry, however, the natural riches of our shire has allowed the resources industries to lift our input to gross regional product to a huge $4.5 billion, double that of our neighbours and only third to Tamworth and Armidale in the entire northern inland.

“I am in regular contact with Planning NSW who despite now not having the $200 million to spend on Narrabri and surrounds have committed to completing the Development Plan they started earlier in order for council and wider community to invest and grow.

“This is a long overdue plan for Narrabri and will be welcomed by all.

“I have agreed to organise and facilitate another public meeting for the team from Planning NSW in the coming months.

“We will continue to flourish despite the government of the day, however, it would be nice to be recognised for our input and contribution occasionally,” Mr Stewart said.

“A significant disappointment of the year was the loss of a what appeared to be a definite Best and Less outlet in Narrabri.

“Since the unfathomable closure of our Target store I continually receive calls from community members asking how we can get a Best and Less discount clothing outlet in Narrabri.”

Mr Stewart said his lengthy negotiations with the company were well advanced, right down to a possible store launch date before Christmas 2023 when he learned that the project would not be able to proceed due to the unavailability of the preferred premises.

Meanwhile, Mr Stewart said, the chamber continues in a strong position through a large membership and commitment from members to continue to serve the community.

“Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce is in a very good position financially as well as membership wise … a great position to be in for all,” he said.

“I thank my executive team of vice president Cheryl Pawley, secretary Lisa Smith and treasurer Louise Gett without whom I simply could not operate and those members who gave their time to help with the many events chamber successfully undertook again during the year.”