Major regional business looks to Narrabri for operations hub in the north west

Development activity in Narrabri shows no sign of slowing down, with a major business preparing to establish a presence in the town to service the north west.

WorkControl, which has operations in Forbes, Parkes, Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo, is aiming to establish itself in town by April.

The company has purchased land at Barwan Street, between Namoi Street and Killarney Street, where it will establish its presence in Narrabri.

Director Ben Gunn told The Courier the business had looked at Narrabri as another hub for its operations for a few years.

Big projects on the horizon for the shire have prompted the company to be ready for the opportunities that will be available to businesses.

At the peak of project work, Mr Gunn estimates there could be 40 staff based at their Narrabri operations.

The core of the business is traffic control services and Mr Gunn anticipates there will be a variety of roles available at the Narrabri operations – ranging from entry level and traineeships and apprenticeships to more senior positions.

By establishing a local presence, he hopes to ensure money from major projects stays in town.

In return, Mr Gunn is committed to ensuring his Narrabri arm of the business supports locals too.

“We will make a significant investment in vehicles,” he said.

“We will have dealings with mechanics and tyrefitters.

“We have 300 staff but across our operations, we try to ensure our individual businesses support their local communities.”

Mr Gunn said the business would also work with local job agencies about potential employment opportunities.

“We’re hoping to get involved with some community activities as well.”

Narrabri Shire Council’s economic development manager Bill Birch met with Mr Gunn last week and discussed the details of his Barwan Street development.

Mr Birch praised the new venture’s commitment to supporting Narrabri Shire businesses.

“That is one of the benefits of having a business like WorkControl coming to Narrabri Shire,” he said.

“It’s not just about the business making the investment. It is spending money with a number of local businesses.

Mr Birch welcomed WorkControl and Mr Gunn to the shire and said he appreciated Mr Gunn’s confidence in the shire by establishing operations here.

When speaking with The Courier, Mr Gunn detailed the rapid growth of the business across NSW.

He operates the company with his brothers Nick, Joe and Tom.

“We had a few intense years,” he said of their expansion across the state.

“We now have 110 custom traffic control vehicles and 300 staff.

“Our Narrabri site is our sixth location.”

The business has stabilised in the last two years, enabling Mr Gunn and his brothers to focus on its future direction.

Work Control operates across to the South Australian border and down to the Victorian border. With a hub in Narrabri, Mr Gunn hopes this will take their operations to the Queensland border.