The potential growth of Narrabri, and areas that can support future residential housing expansion, have been detailed as part of a draft strategy now on public exhibition.

The Narrabri Place Strategy, prepared by the state government and Narrabri Shire Council, has been produced in preparation for future population and jobs growth.

“The population within Narrabri Shire is anticipated to increase to between 14,500 and 16,900 residents by 2041, with much of this growth occurring within Narrabri township due to its strong connectivity, amenity and economic characteristics,” the plan states.

“To facilitate this growth, Narrabri Shire over the same period will require an additional 1000-2100 dwellings. This equates to between 50 and 107 additional dwellings per annum, however, it is expected to be proportionate to the growth of economic development within Narrabri.”

The draft strategy details where future residential housing growth can be accommodated and has designated a large area south of the town, between the Newell and Kamilaroi Highways as a residential precinct.

“The NSW government and Narrabri Shire Council have prepared the draft Narrabri Place Strategy (the strategy) that will transform Narrabri over the next 20 years,” the draft plan states.

“This strategy has been developed recognising the significance of Narrabri in the North West of New South Wales. Strategically located between Brisbane and Melbourne, with direct access to the Port of Newcastle, Brisbane and Melbourne, Narrabri maintains a strong economy as a result of an abundance of rural and mining activity.

“Narrabri Shire’s annual economic output equates to $345,648 per person, showcasing a community that is critical to the supply of food and resources for Australia.

“Local community including Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi/Gomeroi people, business people and landowners have helped shape and improve the draft strategy, ensuring that it
responds to local needs over the next 20 years.

“The draft strategy also safeguards the value of the region and capturing it in the town by providing a range of housing and employment opportunities and beautiful spaces to enjoy the local environment.

“It unlocks an opportunity for the town to revitalise its main street, respond to the natural environment along Narrabri Creek, continue to expand green links throughout the town and a new residential area, and celebrates the historic character of Narrabri.”

Planning for the draft strategy began in 2021 with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, council, Department of Regional NSW and technical experts engaged to undertake economic, environmental, social and planning studies under the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) program.

These investigations were carried out across a wider precinct, up to 10km from Narrabri township, however, they detail constraints and opportunities for the land to which the draft strategy applies.

According to the strategy, future development will be located well above the flood plain and roads would be raised to ensure evacuation routes are not impacted by flooding, the plan states.

The plan has also identified distinct local character areas.

These include Narrabri Eat Street, to preserve the existing main street and built form, activate streets and better connect to the natural environment along Narrabri Creek.

Lakeside Village (Narrabri West), which includes pockets of urban renewal available outside the flood plain, responds to investment in Lakeside Village, and improves connections for pedestrians and cyclists to the town centre and new residential precinct.

Employment Lands, identified for light industry and rural industries outside the flood plain, with access through Narrabri West.

Inland Port, which will serve the region with heavier industry, employment opportunities and take advantage of existing rail assets with links to major regional ports.

Residential precinct, in close proximity to the existing Narrabri township to accommodate the future projected population growth and provide flood free land for residential development and supporting local amenities.

Addressing the draft strategy, Member for Barwon Roy Butler said he was first made aware of the need for a thorough master plan following contact from Whitehaven Coal.

“They required land for housing as part of their mine expansion in Narrabri,” Mr Butler said.

“They were willing to invest $23 million in the area but could not find flood-free land for housing without significant cost to Narrabri Shire and ratepayers.

“I wanted to fix this situation. I wrote to the Minister for Planning, Paul Scully MP, and asked that the NSW state government endorse a master plan to allow investment and housing stock to be built in the Narrabri Shire area.

“I thank Minister Scully for his swift response. Now, we have the Narrabri Place Strategy on display.

“The state government’s involvement will reduce the financial burden on Narrabri Shire and its ratepayers and has expedited the entire process.

“A master plan aims to define strategies for physical, economic, and social growth.

“It only works if it encapsulates the community’s vision and values for the future.”

Mr Butler has urged people to have their say on the draft strategy.

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