RDANI Regional Plan 2016-2019
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Regional Plan 2016 - 2019 NORTHERN INLAND NSW Message from the RDANI Chair The RDANI Mission is to ensure the longng-term sustainable growth and development of the region by driving and contributing to initiatives that will support economic development and jobs. The Northern Inland region of NSW is a unique part of Australia priorities directed towards achieving the vision goals. These covering a land area of just under 100,000 square kilometres (12% priorities will drive our organisation over the coming three years. of NSW) where over 180,000 people have chosen to make their Part 6 of this Plan includes a table for each Priority setting out home. The region enjoys a multitude of environmental, social and planned RDANI initiatives in short term (immediate to 12 months) economic assets that require dynamic management to ensure and longer term (24 months and ongoing) timeframes. The communities can maintain good health, happiness and provide initiatives are grouped as either networks or interactions, in which sustainable lifestyles for generations to come. RDANI will take a role, often as lead, in facilitating, co-ordinating or advocating, or manage as specific RDANI Projects. Targets are The RDANI Mission is to ensure long-term sustainable growth included for key RDANI Projects. and development of the region by driving and contributing to initiatives that will support economic development and jobs. This Overall, RDANI is confident of improving the economic wellbeing RDA Northern Inland regional plan will help focus governments and of the more than 40 towns and surrounding districts in our region. communities on strengths, issues, and a work plan to achieve those We do not underestimate the challenges ahead, however, we feel priority regional development goals. confident that with community support, government commitment and hard work and dedication, RDANI can implement this Regional In developing the plan, RDANI chose four consultation methods to Plan and contribute strongly to real changes to advance the ensure an accurate picture was painted of the region. These were economies and communities of Northern Inland NSW. a series of community meetings throughout the region to learn of the aspirations of residents, an analysis of existing RDANI plans and projects, demographic research, and review of all Local, State and Federal plans, as well as numerous government department and agency plans. Based on these consultations and reviews, RDANI has an active Russell Stewart | Chair vision for Northern Inland NSW in 2019 with three RDANI work Regional Development Australia – Northern Inland This Regional Plan has been developed by Disclaimer: This material is made available by Regional Regional Development Australia Northern Development Australia – Northern Inland (RDANI) on the Inland. Enquiries about the document or its understanding that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Any representation, statement, opinion or advice content should be directed to: expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith. The Executive Officer RDANI is not liable to any person or entity taking or not taking action in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or RDA Northern Inland advice referred to above. This report was produced by RDANI and PO Box 72 Armidale NSW 2350 does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian or New 02 6771 0700 [email protected] South Wales Governments, their officers, employees or agents. Contents Our Region .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Competitive Advantages ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Key Priorities ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Strengths and Challenges .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Key Messages for Governments ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Vision for the Region ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Role of RDA Northern Inland ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Analysis of the Region ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Human Capital ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Sustainable Communities and Population Change ..........................................................................................................................................................12 Access to Markets .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Comparitive Advantage and Business Competitiveness ................................................................................................................................................14 Region Strengths ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Regional Challenges .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................17 NSW State Government Priorities ...........................................................................................................................................................................................18 Regional Priorities ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Northern Inland NSW – Strategic Framework ...................................................................................................................................................................20 Three Priorities for Change for Northern Inland NSW ..................................................................................................................................................20 Local Government Priorities for the Region .......................................................................................................................................................................23 Major Projects in the Region ......................................................................................................................................................................................................24 RDANI Activities, Projects and Initiatives ............................................................................................................................................................................26 Sources ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27 Version 4.0 (June 2016) Cover Photo: Steve Wright Photographics Our Region The Northern Inland Region is defined by the twelve Local Located in northern NSW, the Northern Inland region is Government Areas (LGAs) of: conveniently situated half-way between Sydney and Brisbane. • Armidale Regional • Moree Plains Shire Concentrated around the growing regional cities of Tamworth (population 61,000) and Armidale (population 25,000), the • Glen Innes Severn • Narrabri Shire region is large and diverse (98,606 square kilometres) and • Gunnedah Shire • Tamworth Regional extends from the Queensland border in the north, south to the • Gwydir Shire • Tenterfield Shire Liverpool Plains , and west to the Moree Plains (ABS Census 2012). • Inverell Shire • Uralla Shire • Liverpool Plains Shire • Walcha With a total population of over 180,000, this is forecast to grow to over 200,000 people by 2031, with particularly strong growth in Armidale (24.5% increase), Tenterfield (20.8% increase), The Northern Inland region is dominated