Friday, 12 May 2023
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has questioned the Minister for Regional NSW this week in State Parliament, seeking clarification on the future of the $194 million Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP).
“With the new government already putting a number of large infrastructure projects across the State in abeyance, pending various reviews, I have sought confirmation from the Minister, on behalf of the Moree community, that the SAP will continue to be delivered as per the previously announced plan,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is simply too important a project for the value-adding to our already $1 billion agricultural sector in the Moree Plains for it to be sacrificed on the altar of fiscal razor gangs or partisan politics.
“I am very hopeful that the Minister confirms there will be no changes and the SAP will continue on, as per the plan, and I’ll certainly keep up the pressure to make sure that’s the case.”
In November last year, the $194 million Moree SAP Delivery Plan was announced, setting the foundation to deliver the former government’s commitment towards the SAP’s stage one infrastructure.
“The SAP will create a world-class agricultural economy for the Moree Plains, creating up to 4,000 jobs by 2060,” Mr Marshall said.
“Building on its road, rail and air transport connections, the precinct will create jobs across a range of industries including value-added agriculture, horticulture, freight and logistics.
“It’ll be the single biggest economic boost for the district since the construction of Copeton Dam, and the subsequent arrival of irrigated cropping, around half a century ago.”
Mr Marshall said the Moree SAP would be a huge boost for Moree and now needs assurances from the new Government that the project would continue.
“I have asked the Minister for Regional NSW to assure me that there are no plans to cancel, scale down or alter the planned precinct,” he said.
“I have also asked for the estimated timeline for the delivery and the projected capital costs of the whole project.”
The Minister for Regional NSW has 35 calendar days to respond in writing to the Parliament to Mr Marshall’s question.
Mr Marshall’s question, placed on the Notice Paper this week, was:
My question is to the Minister for Regional NSW:
In relation to the Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP),
- Can the Minister confirm the government has no plans cancel, scale down or alter the planned $194 million Moree Special Activation Precinct?
- If yes, what is the current estimated timeline for the delivery of the Moree SAP and what is the current projected capital cost of the whole project?
Hon. Adam Marshall MP
Member for Northern Tablelands
10 May 2023