The Minns Labor Government has listened to concerns raised by Moree Plains Shire Council and agreed to a more sustainable approach to infrastructure delivery in the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
The Council made clear that the Precinct's scope, first promoted under the former Liberal National Government, was too large and that the assets to be transferred to them would be a financial burden on the Council's operating budget.
Moree Plains Shire Council indicated the original proposed scope of infrastructure would result in an estimated $2 million increase in its annual costs including depreciation, maintenance, and staffing.
The Minns Government has listened and agreed with the Council that the original scope would place unnecessary stress on the financial sustainability of the Council and disadvantage local ratepayers.
The NSW Government and Moree Plains Shire Council are committed to delivering a more sustainable Precinct to attract new industry and jobs for the region.
The revised scope of works is expected to activate 100 hectares of fully serviced government owned land, down from the 300 hectares originally put forward and approximately 1.9 kilometres of road rather than 3.3kms of road.
This new project scope will provide an estimated 10-year supply of industrial land for embedding new businesses and industries into the Moree economy.
The Precinct will create up to 4,000 jobs over 40 years across high-value agriculture, intensive horticulture, logistics, renewable and bio energy, and food processing.
The Government will deliver the infrastructure assets of roads, drainage and utilities to activate the land. These fully serviced industrial lots, together with a streamlined planning pathway and complimentary business concierge service, present a unique opportunity for businesses.
The Minns Government has demonstrated its commitment to working closely with the Council and responding to their needs and is continuing that work with collaborative focus on securing new private sector investment.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"We've listened to Moree Plains Shire Council and agreed to adjust the scope of infrastructure delivery to ensure the precinct is delivered responsibly and sustainably.
"This is a decision that ensures the project can progress without placing unnecessary financial pressure on families and businesses in the Moree region.
"The Government's commitment to the Moree precinct remains and it is a major investment in the region's future that will drive growth for generations to come. This decision will ensure we deliver it the right way.
"I want councils and communities to know that we are listening, that we are here to support regional development and not to add to cost-of-living pressures.
"Working in partnership with Moree Plains Shire Council reflects our shared commitment to securing long-term economic growth for the region."
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Susannah Pearse said:
"We are hugely grateful to the Minister and the NSW Government for listening to our concerns and supporting our request to further stage the works on the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
"This is great news for our community!
"Our council is excited about the Moree Special Activation Precinct and its potential to attract new businesses and industries to town.
"We however need to balance that opportunity with what is in the best interests of our Moree Plains community. Whilst the upfront costs of the precinct are funded by the NSW Government, the ongoing maintenance costs are funded by our ratepayers - who are grappling with the cost of living and the cost of doing business, and do not want a rate rise.
"Reducing the initial scope allows the Precinct to proceed and businesses to take up the opportunity, in a way that is within council and the community's means.
"Council remains fully committed to the long-term vision for the Special Activation Precinct, which has the potential to diversify our economy, create new jobs and bring once-in-a-generation opportunities to the region.
"I appreciate the Government's willingness to work with us to deliver the precinct in a way that is financially sustainable and genuinely supports local residents."
