$194 Million for Moree Special Activation Precinct Construction

Moree Plains Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s $194 million infrastructure investment for the Moree Special Activation Precinct.

Mayor of the Moree Plains, Cr Mark Johnson, applauded the State Government’s vision for the Moree Plains.

“The NSW Government’s $194 million commitment represents one of the single largest investments in the history of our Shire, and I wish to thank the Deputy Premier Paul Toole, our local member, Mr Marshall MP, our Federal member, Mr Coulton MP, and the NSW Government for their vision and steadfast support for our Shire and broader Region,” said Cr Johnson.

“This investment will mean transformational growth for our community for generations to come. The precinct will see enormous benefits flowing through to our Shire – it will attract new industries to our region, provide employment opportunities all year round, and help us retain our young people.”

“I’d also like to thank, in particular, former Mayor Katrina Humphries and the previous Council for their tireless efforts in pursuing this for our Shire,” said Cr Johnson.

The $194 million in NSW Government funding will support construction of the first tranche of infrastructure works and utilities for the precinct, including new and upgraded roads, telecommunications, water and wastewater infrastructure, electricity and stormwater drainage.

Acting General Manager Scot MacDonald added, “This announcement is the culmination of five years of work by Council staff and NSW Government colleagues. I pay credit to our staff, Councillors, the NSW Government, industry representatives and our community members who have been part of this journey and have helped develop and shape this project for the Moree Plains. I would also like to acknowledge the Moree Local Aboriginal Land Council for their collaboration and support.”

The Moree Special Activation Precinct will leverage the region’s strong agricultural economy and natural resources to develop value-add industries in food processing, horticulture and renewable energy.

“With most of our high-quality produce leaving the Shire untransformed, there are huge value-adding opportunities to diversify our economy and maximise benefits for our community. The Moree Special Activation Precinct is a long-term partnership with NSW Government that has the capacity to generate up to 4,000 jobs over the next 40 years,” said Executive Manager Regional Activation Mark Connolly.

Freight and logistics will also play a key role in moving produce and goods made in Moree around Australia and overseas, thanks to the Inland Rail traversing the Moree Plains Shire.

“The Moree Special Activation Precinct will boast direct road, rail and air connections located in the heart of the most productive broadacre region in Australia, providing producers and industry with reliable and efficient links to local and international markets, and supporting the development of new and expanded intermodal facilities,” said Mr Connolly.

The NSW Government will now work on the design and delivery of the precinct, including the delivery plan and procurement of construction services for the stage one infrastructure work.

“The Moree Plains team will continue the hard work to see this critical project to fruition and we acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all involved to make this a reality,” said Mr Connolly.

The final Moree Special Activation Precinct master plan was also released today and is available on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s website: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/moreesap

Photograph 1: From left: Moree Plains Cr Mekayla Cochrane, Moree Plains Cr Greg Smith, Moree Plains Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse, Moree Plains Mayor Mark Johnson, Federal Member for Parkes MP Mark Coulton, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Interim Chief Executive of Inland Rail – Rebecca Pickering.

Photograph 2: From left: Current Moree Plains Mayor Mark Johnson, Moree Local Aboriginal Lands Council Chairman Tom French, Federal Member for Parkes MP Mark Coulton, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Former Moree Plains Mayor Katrina Humphries, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Interim Chief Executive of Inland Rail – Rebecca Pickering and Moree Plains Council’s Executive Manager Regional Activation Mark Connolly.

Video Announcements   Moree Precinct - PRIME7  NBN News | MOREE SPECIAL ACTIVATION PRECINCT RECEIVES $194 MILLION MediaView (tveyes.com) ABC New England North West (part 1) ABC New England North West (part 2)