Narrabri project well advanced

Narrabri Shire Council has reaffirmed Narrabri’s significant progress towards development of an industrial and logistics precinct, the Northern NSW Inland Port.

This follows questions from community members as to the status of the project in the light of the announcement by the Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, above.

However, Narrabri Shire mayor Cathy Redding said it was not a case of ‘either, or’ as to which centres developed their own industrial and logistics precincts along the Inland Rail route.

“The community can be assured that the Narrabri Shire has not “missed out” on anything on the back of the announcement of Moree being
declared a Special Activation Precinct” said the mayor.

“The rate of progress of the Northern NSW Inland Port (N2IP) project at Narrabri has been rapid. “Council has significantly progressed the Inland Port through a strategic business case and currently has eight additional planning studies either underway or complete to assist in the finalisation of the project Master Plan.

“Narrabri Shire has three established intermodal freight terminals that cater for a large range of agricultural product when the conditions are favourable.

“The point of difference of the Northern NSW Inland Port is that it’s not just another intermodal.

“The N2IP is strategically positioned in close proximity to high voltage electricity, water supply, major freight routes and the potential for gas supply.

“Major market opportunities will be opened up, with the N2IP capable of producing and manufacturing a variety of products that diversify our economy and create jobs; which will provide great benefit to the community even in times of prolonged drought.

“Council has a series of additional planning studies underway that will lead to appropriate zonings and the drafting of our Master Plan for the Inland Port that will be released in the first half of 2020.

“The Northern NSW Inland Port is progressing and is destined to be the cornerstone of northern NSW for manufacturing, production and industrial and logistics operations.

“As recently as Monday this week, Council was furthering commercial discussions with a significant global company as the anchor tenant at the Inland Port.

“The company realises the competitive advantages Narrabri Shire possesses over neighbouring regions.

“As a Council, we made the decision in response to community feedback many years ago to explore options to diversify the economy and create jobs.

“Council has been successful in securing in excess of $8.5 million to optimise freight and logistics infrastructure associated with the Northern NSW Inland Port.

“Council refutes job number creation claims being stated by a number of neighbouring intermodal projects which claim job creation will be into the thousands.

“All of Narrabri Shire Council’s research both locally and abroad indicates that thousands of jobs do not get created by intermodal projects.

This research drove Council’s current pursuit of the Northern NSW Inland Port as a multifaceted industrial park incorporating freight and logistics.

“The research indicated strongly that large job numbers stem from manufacturing and industrial based industries, not logistics.

“Council is very aware of the needs and wants of the community and is 100 percent confident in its strategic direction and vision for the Northern NSW Inland Port,” added Cr Redding.