Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries, left, and Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall releasing the draft Moree Special Activation Precinct masterplan for public comment yesterday.
Wednesday, 19 May 2021
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall has declared the Moree Special Activation Precinct (Moree SAP) will deliver up to 4,000 new jobs to the region, publicly releasing the draft masterplan for the precinct yesterday.
Mr Marshall said the release of the Moree SAP draft master plan was an important milestone for the community and the project, which would add value to the region’s rich primary industries sector.
“Moree is in the middle of the most productive agricultural region in Australia,” Mr Marshall said. “It’s on the Inland Rail route, located on the Newell Highway and is renowned for it’s innovative farming,” Mr Marshall said.
“This plan and vision for the Moree district via the precinct, includes big ideas to allow a wide range of employment and commercial opportunities, energy self-sufficiency, and value-adding to the immense agricultural produce grown in this region.
“Consultation has been undertaken already with the wider Moree community to ensure we create a hub that capitalises on Moree’s location, growth opportunities and takes into account the region’s unique local appeal and strong connection to Country.
“This is all about growing the region, create g new jobs and value-adding to the already $1 billion per year agricultural sector in this region.
“This is the chance for Moree to be all it can be and enjoy its second economic and social renaissance – the first being the arrival of irrigated agriculture in the 1970s.
“The draft master plan, which covers 4,716 hectares, includes the Inland Rail, proposed intermodal sites and potential land uses near the airport, will be on public exhibition for 28 days.”
Target industries include value-added agriculture, intensive horticulture production, advanced manufacturing and freight and logistics, which will benefit from streamlined planning approvals and access to national and global connections via the Inland Rail.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries believes this milestone is another sign of the NSW Government’s commitment to the Moree community.
“This is a big step forward for the Moree precinct that will pave the way for new and existing businesses, encourage investment, generate new opportunities for our region and create a lasting legacy for generations to come,” Cr Humphries said.
The Moree Special Activation Precinct draft master plan is available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/MoreeSAP and open for feedback until Tuesday, 15 June. Community consultation will take place through the exhibition period.
Special Activation Precincts are funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, dedicated to transformational infrastructure investment in rural and regional NSW.