Narrabri ‘outperforming many regional centres’

Despite the toughest conditions for decades, Narrabri has continued to outperform many centres, Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart reported to the chamber’s annual general meeting on Tuesday night.

Mr Stewart cited several aspects which have supported Narrabri’s status, notably the significant role of Whitehaven Coal in underpinning district employment.

“If we look at the Whitehaven Coal’s local spend over the past financial year, for example, we can see the competitive advantage we have when compared to other areas of similar size” he said in his annual report to members.

“Across the whole Narrabri Shire Council area, Whitehaven spent $25 million with 72 local businesses in the last financial year, and almost $65 million over the past five years.”

Tuesday’s Narrabri Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting drew 33 local businesses and community members, a pleasing number, chamber members said, particularly in comparison with neighbouring, much larger centres.

The annual general meeting saw the re-election of Mr Stewart for a sixth term. Other members of the executive returned for a further year include secretary Sheryl Ridley, treasurer Louise Gett and vice president Cheryl Pawley.

Reviewing the year, Mr Stewart said 2019-20 ‘had been the most challenging year in living memory for the members of Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce and the wider community.’

“The drought’s insidious effects have seen the demise of a number quality local, long term small businesses.

“Some businesses continue to survive despite the conditions. However, many have been forced into adopting protection methods such as reduced opening and staff hours. Statistics show that this situation is clearly not unique to Narrabri and district.

“In fact, Narrabri appears to be out performing, outlasting most other similar regional centres.

“It is clear that the versatility of our area has in many cases been the difference between survival and demise.

“If we look at the Whitehaven Coal local spend over the past financial year for example, we can see the competitive advantage we have when compared to other areas.

“Across the Narrabri Shire Council area, Whitehaven spent $25 million with 72 local businesses in the last financial year, and almost $65 million over the past five years.

“In the last financial year, the company paid almost $34 million in wages and salaries to around 250 members of its workforce living in the Shire.

“Whitehaven spent more than $23 million with 61 businesses based in Narrabri in the last financial year, and just over $59 million over the past five years.

“In the last financial year alone, the company paid $25.5 million in wages and salaries to around 180 members of its workforce who live in Narrabri.

“Finally, Whitehaven spent $1.7 million with 11 businesses based in Boggabri in the last financial year, and $5.3 million over the past five years.

“In the last financial year, Whitehaven paid $6.5 million in wages and salaries to around 60 members of its workforce living in Boggabri. The remainder of around 190 workers reside in Narrabri and surrounding areas of our Shire.

“On a per capita basis, the company’s investment in Boggabri is the highest of its spending in local towns. This is only natural as Boggabri is located in the centre of the ‘action’.

“In addition to this, since May 2013 Whitehaven Coal’s Voluntary Payments in our Shire have included Maules Creek mine, $13.5 million, Tarrawonga mine, $1.5m, VPA tonnage Maules Creek $3.5m, rates and other, $6.3m,” Mr Stewart said.

“These very impressive local spend figures clearly demonstrate just how fortunate we are to have Whitehaven Coal as partners.

“This is particularly so during these impossible times for our agricultural industry.

“Santos also continue to invest in our area and is expected to increase its local spend if the current agreement is approved by the NSW State Government.

“There are a number of other resource industry organisations operating and investing in our area.

“However, there is little doubt that our number one industry always has been and always will be agriculture.

“With the recent unprecedented drought conditions suffered by our farmers it is amazing how their tenacity, resilience and business acumen has seen them remain and continue. There are very few other industries from the private sector that could do the same.

“Clearly, despite the recent great rain the drought is not over.

“There will be a number challenges and hills to climb before crops are planted, harvested and payment received.”