Gunnedah Shire Council's draft strategy planning for the Shire's employment land needs over the next 20 years is on public exhibition.
Council's Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the Draft Gunnedah Shire Employment Land Strategy (ELS) provided a comprehensive framework for the utilisation of employment land to support population growth and economic diversification.
"The ELS considers local and regional policies, demographics, economic performance, market trends, consultation with the public and private sector, audited land uses, modelled land demand, and a capacity assessment of employment land," Mr Johns said.
Developed in alignment with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's Guideline for Local Employment Land Strategies, the ELS forecasts the Shire's population to gradually increase to almost 14,500 residents over the next two decades.
"The Strategy considers how employment land can underpin this growth while supporting a wider range of industries including manufacturing, tourism, services, retail and commercial businesses," Mr Johns said.
"Gunnedah's CBD is expected to continue its role as a key strategic centre."
The Draft Strategy is guided by three key themes:
- Supply - ensuring sufficient and suitable land is available for current and future needs.
- Support - for employment opportunities, encouraging investment and job creation across diverse sectors.
- Attract - strengthening the Shire's competitiveness and appeal for new enterprises.
The Draft Gunnedah Shire Employment Land Strategy is on public exhibition for 28 days at Council's office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 24 October, 2025.
Caption: The Draft Gunnedah Shire Employment Land Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for the utilisation of employment land to support population growth and economic diversification.
