Public submissions show mixed views for rezoning plan

Submissions from the public show there is mixed opinion about the rezoning plan, with 16 in favour and 20 against the concept. A further 16 submissions provided commentary in relation to the matter.

In its finalisation report, DPHI categorised submissions by theme.

The number one issue was land use followed by traffic, transport and access.

Proponents for the rezoning praised the forward planning to sustain projected growth across various industries, as well as enabling growth of the town itself.

“We are Australia’s largest agriculture hub (Australian wheat research centre, Australian cotton research centre and CSD headquarters), we are a large agriculture food bowl, large mining sector and Santos is about to develop a large operation in our town. The current housing and infrastructure cannot support the growth in these industries. This development is essential to our town and Australia’s future,” one submission in support of the plan reads.

“Narrabri is a wonderful place to live, with businesses and talented locals ready to really thrive! I see this strategy working positively for our community,” another reads.

“Narrabri as a community are fortunate that the NSW government (DPHI) have taken an interest in supporting growth in our region and we wholly support this opportunity. As with all projects and change in regional communities, this initiative will receive opposition from a vocal minority but should not outweigh the opportunities this initiative provides the Narrabri community with a well considered preliminary design that avoids or minimise impacts on the environment while enhancing the social fabric of our community,” says another submission.

Opponents voiced concern with premises on which the strategy is based, including estimated population growth.

Residents in impacted areas including Boundary Street and Railway Street similarly voiced concern with the rezoning of land in their area, potential increases to traffic as part of the Employment Lands Precinct as well as a lack of consultation and understanding of what was being proposed.

“This rezoning is undesirable because it damages the intrinsic lifestyle values of Boundary property owners and the quiet streets of Boundary, Railway and Gould in town. It is unnecessary because the Inland Port and surrounding properties are better suited to meet Narrabri’s needs for heavy and light industry as the community grows,” one submission read.

“Narrabri’s rural residential areas, such as Boundary Street, are valued for their space, tranquillity, and scenic views. Transforming this area into an industrial hub would fundamentally alter the character of the community and permanently damage the landscape that many residents, including myself, cherish. We purchased our homes for the open space, quiet, and rural atmosphere, all of which will be compromised if the proposed rezoning proceeds,” says another submission.

“Existing towns need strategic planning for acceptable development. Narrabri is no exception. The strategy, however, has virtually no chance of coming to fruition. It ignores world circumstances and the reality of where Narrabri will be in twenty years’ time. A far better strategy would be to identify all existing land within and adjoining the town limits and encourage ordered development of such land,” reads another.