Central West and Orana Regional Plan B

Planning & Environment

Draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan B

ISBN 978-1-76039-284-0

Disclaimer

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance or upon the whole or any part of this document.

In keeping with the NSW Government’s commitment to encourage the availability of information, you are welcome to reproduce the material that appears in the Draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan for personal in-house or non-commercial use without formal permission or charge. All other rights are reserved. If you wish to reproduce, alter, store or transmit material appearing in the Draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan for any other purpose, request for formal permission should be directed to: Draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan GPO Box 58, Dubbo NSW 2830.

Cover Images: Left: Hay bales, Central West, courtesy of Amber Hooper Right: Warrumbungle National Park, courtesy of Susan Wright, Destination NSW DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 1 Contents

3 Foreword 5 Introduction 13 Vision 16 Delivering the Plan

19 GOAL 1 – A growing and diverse regional economy

20 DIRECTION 1.1 Grow the economic potential of the agribusiness sector

DIRECTION 1.2 Transform the region’s manufacturing sector through advanced 22 and value-add manufacturing opportunities DIRECTION 1.3 Manage the region’s mineral and energy resources sector in a 23 sustainable way

25 DIRECTION 1.4 Increase jobs in the health, education and tourism sectors

DIRECTION 1.5 Support business activities with well-located and serviced 28 industrial lands and commercial centres GOAL 2 – A region with strong freight transport and utility infrastructure networks that 31 support economic growth DIRECTION 2.1 Improve the region’s freight transport networks and access to 31 external markets DIRECTION 2.2 Coordinate infrastructure delivery to facilitate economic 40 opportunities GOAL 3 – A region that protects and enhances its productive agricultural land, natural 45 resources and environmental assets

45 DIRECTION 3.1 Protect regionally important agricultural land

49 DIRECTION 3.2 Protect the region’s mineral and energy resources

DIRECTION 3.3 Manage competing and conflicting interests in agricultural, mineral 60 and energy resource areas to provide greater certainty for investment

61 DIRECTION 3.4 Manage and conserve water resources across the region

64 DIRECTION 3.5 Protect and manage the region’s environmental assets

DIRECTION 3.6 Protect people, property and the environment from exposure to 68 natural hazards and build resilient communities GOAL 4 – Strong communities and liveable places that cater for the region’s changing 73 population

73 DIRECTION 4.1 Manage growth and change in the region’s settlements

DIRECTION 4.2 Enhance the economic self-determination of Aboriginal 79 communities DIRECTION 4.3 Increase and improve housing choice to suit the different lifestyles 80 and needs of the population DIRECTION 4.4 Enhance community access to jobs and services by creating 86 well-connected places, designed to meet the needs of a regional community 89 Appendix A – Centres Classification Definition

90 Endnotes

2 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 3

Foreword

The diversity of the Central West and Orana Protecting productive agricultural lands and region makes it a wonderful place to live and a important environmental assets, maintaining great place to visit. healthy waterways and catchments, and sustainably managing mineral and energy Productive agricultural lands and rich mineral resources are key priorities. and energy resources have contributed to thriving regional cities, towns and villages. So too are generating more jobs, providing Residents enjoy a variety of lifestyles and ready more housing, delivering more services and access to many of the capital cities in eastern improving transport in and between the Australia, as well as diverse landscapes region’s cities, centres, and surrounding towns including scenic mountain ranges, renowned and villages. rivers and wetlands and vast western plains. The region occupies a pivotal position on The Draft Central West and Orana Regional national freight corridors and the draft Plan Plan is a plan with a vision for a sustainable identifies opportunities to enhance the region’s future for this important region. freight and logistics network, leverage greater productivity across the region’s agribusiness, It aims to grow and diversify the economy over mining and manufacturing sectors, and the next 20 years by creating more jobs, increase access to markets outside the region. strengthening the region’s cities, centres, towns and villages, and sustainably managing its We want to know what you think about the agricultural, mining and natural resources. In vision, goals and actions in this 20-year plan for doing so, it will help to build strong, resilient the Central West and Orana so we can achieve communities that can adapt to changing a sustainable future for this important region. economic, social and environmental circumstances. Have your say.

The draft Plan outlines goals and actions to achieve these outcomes. It encourages more investment, innovation and diversification in agribusiness – one of the region’s key sectors – and a transformation of the manufacturing Sarah Mitchell MLC sector through advanced and value-adding Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW manufacturing opportunities.

Left: CSIRO’s Radio Telescope, Parkes, courtesy of David McClenaghan 4 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 5

Introduction

The Draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan major river systems, including the Macquarie (draft Plan) applies to 20 local government and Lachlan Rivers, support a diverse and areas, covering an area of 125,666 square productive agricultural industry. kilometres. The Central West is home to the regional cities of Orange and Bathurst which are located in close proximity to each other, as well as the Central West Local dispersed regional centres of Lithgow, Mudgee Government Areas and Parkes. The regional cities and their supporting regional centres provide services Lachlan, Forbes, Weddin, Cowra, and commercial, residential, cultural and Blayney, Bathurst, Oberon, Lithgow, industrial opportunities to their rural Mid-Western Regional, Orange, Cabonne communities. The Central West has strong and Parkes inter-regional and interstate transport connections and is one of the key ‘gateways’ for freight and passenger transport from Western Orana Local NSW. Government Areas Dubbo, Wellington, Warrumbungle, The economic strengths of this part of the Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, region lie in manufacturing and mining, Warren and Bogan including coal mining concentrated around Lithgow and Mudgee, as well as gold, silver and copper mining in other parts of the region. Renewable energy opportunities are growing, with wind farming around Blayney and Lithgow. The region is made up of two equally important The Central West produces a diverse range of areas – the Central West and the Orana. Each agricultural products and is renowned for its has its own unique economy, environment and cool climate wines and major events such as the settlements. Recognising and strengthening Bathurst 1000 Motor Race. the role of the Central West and Orana will mean that communities can continue to access Orana the infrastructure and services they need to sustain healthy, vibrant lifestyles. The Orana is characterised by its diverse natural environments, including the vast plains Central West to the west, the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes wetlands, irrigated The Central West is characterised by a agricultural districts around Narromine and concentrated settlement pattern of small towns Warren, and the Warrumbungle mountain and villages, scenic landscapes, including the ranges in the north east. These areas contribute World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, and its to the Orana’s economic prosperity. Top: relaxed rural lifestyle. The eastern part of the Flavours of Mudgee Central West is closer to Sydney, making it an food and wine festival, High-level commercial, residential, cultural and courtesy of Mid- attractive destination for tourists, day-trippers industrial services are located in Dubbo – Western Regional and for people relocating from Sydney to a Orana’s only regional city. Other smaller towns Council regional or rural centre. This area has also and villages rely primarily on agribusiness and become a highly sought after location for rural are also highly reliant on the services and Middle: residential development. Dubbo, courtesy of facilities provided in Dubbo. Dubbo City Council The Great Dividing Range defines the east of Dubbo is a major freight and passenger Bottom: the region, with the slopes and plains transport hub at the confluence of major Dunns Swamp, Wollemi distinguishing the west. Rich volcanic soils and National Park, courtesy interstate highway networks including the of Evolving Images, Destination NSW 6

Figure 1: Central West

Proposed Melbourne-Brisbane Regional City Inland Rail Corridor (2015) Wetland Sydney Drinking Water Regional Centre University Catchment

Town/Village Hospital National Park and Reserve

Railway Regional Airport State Forest

Highway Parkes Radio Telescope Waterway

Greater Blue Mountains World Main Road Heritage Area DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 7

Figure 2: Orana

Regional City Main Road Ramsar Wetland

Proposed Melbourne-Brisbane Regional Centre Inland Rail Corridor (2015) Wetland

Town/Village Hospital National Park and Reserve

Railway Regional Airport State Forest

Highway Siding Spring Observatory Waterway 8

Mitchell, Newell and Golden highways, and the (52,950 people) in 2016 to over 25 per cent Main Western Rail Line. Dubbo provides (76,700 people) in 2036.1 The people in this age services to most parts of the neighbouring Far group are likely to be healthier, more active and West region and is home to the iconic Taronga more productive than previous generations, Western Plains Zoo. which means there are opportunities to harness their skills and knowledge so they can remain High levels of annual solar insolation in the west engaged in the workforce. There are also of the Orana make it attractive for solar energy opportunities to expand the products and generation – the largest solar farm in the services on offer to this age group, including southern hemisphere is located in Nyngan. The education and training, supported housing, Orana has economic strengths in agribusiness, health and leisure, tourism and recreation, and with significant broadacre cropping and home services. Many of these opportunities grazing and agricultural processing activities. have land use and transport implications. In Health care and social assistance, education locations experiencing a stable or declining and retail, as well as an emerging mining sector, population, there is likely to be greater demand are also driving growth in Orana. for health services and changing housing needs, as well as pressure to find people of Regional drivers of change working age.

By 2036, the population of the Central West Freight volumes are expected to increase and Orana region is projected to grow by significantly in coming years, resulting in the 18,750 to 302,450. An additional 13,600 homes need for substantial upgrades and expanded will be needed to accommodate the population transport networks. Pinch points in the freight growth and change in the region. While some network will have to be resolved to improve parts of the region, including the regional cities efficiency, reliability and capacity. and some of the regional centres will experience population growth, in other parts of There are significant drivers of change the region the population will stabilise or emerging for the regional economy. These decline. These changes will have significant include increasing productivity in agriculture, implications for infrastructure, service including broadacre cropping, an expanding provision, housing and the economy. mining sector, diversification of manufacturing, including value-add, manufacturing of local The region’s ageing population will also have agricultural produce, and growing health and significant implications for housing and education sectors. services. The proportion of people aged 65 years and over will increase from 18 per cent DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 9

Left: Warren, courtesy of Warren Shire Council Right: Portland Bottle Kilns, courtesy of Lithgow City Council

Climate change will also have a significant Underpinning the planning framework for this effect on the economy, environment and draft Plan are the following key principles: communities of the region through the facilitate economic growth, environmental availability of water, and the frequency and • management and social wellbeing; severity of natural hazards such as droughts, floods and bushfires. Minimising these impacts • facilitate economic activities consistent with will require ongoing adaptation, mitigation and changing market demands and industry innovation. needs; respond to long term structural economic This draft Plan provides the strategic policy, • and demographic changes, with a focus on planning and decision-making framework to ageing, migration patterns and productivity; guide the region to sustainable growth over the next 20 years. It integrates economic, social • inform infrastructure and services and environmental considerations in the investment, coordinated with land use; interests of achieving ecologically sustainable guide the locations for new housing and development. • provide a diversity of housing choice; The draft Plan supports the development of a • respond to the region’s landscape, strong, diverse and competitive economy as environmental assets, natural and cultural this will be central to building prosperity and resources; and resilience in the region and meeting any address the implications of a changing economic, social and environmental challenges • climate and build resilience to natural that arise. hazards. Growth will be planned to manage competing land uses such as agriculture, mining and settlement. It will focus on developing existing urban areas to capitalise on access to jobs, services and transport, and new urban areas that will be designed to support sustainable, healthy communities. 10

Figure 3: Building the draft Plan

• Base on previous plans, strategies and • Avoid new development in studies (Agriculture Industry Study) areas of high environmental value • Use high environmental value mapping • Provide better guidance to • Map important agricultural land direct development away • Understand, avoid and from sensitive areas respond to natural hazards • Build resilience in the • Use population projections environment and reinvest in data to understand growth Understand our Apply a sustainable development environmental and precautionary outcomes, such as social baseline data approach biodiversity certification

COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

• Facilitate the economic • Appropriately locate and diversification of agribusiness, Use economic assets Locate new service new development mining and manufacturing to build prosperity growth to build and integrate with the sectors environment and create resilience the environmental • Use resources sustainably to environmental, performance of our • Implement region-specific so that they are available social and economic urban areas urban design guidelines that for future generations change promote more social, cultural and recreational • Invest in strategic infrastructure opportunities for regional and freight transport that generates areas economic opportunities and supports the sustainable growth of the region • Support the development of health and education precincts DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 11

Left: Agribusiness, Narromine, courtesy of Peter Kierath Right: Viticulture, Mudgee, courtesy of Amber Hooper

Developing the Plan A range of NSW Government plans have helped to inform the draft Plan including the: The NSW Government has engaged with Economic Development Strategy for councils across the region, and importantly, • Regional NSW (2015); members of the Joint Organisations of Councils and the Regional Organisation of Councils while • NSW Trade and Investment’s Central West developing this draft Plan. Their input has Regional Economic Profile (2015); helped to inform the draft Plan. • Rebuilding NSW - State Infrastructure Strategy (2014); The draft Plan is also underpinned by a strong evidence base. Data and evidence has been • NSW Freight and Ports Strategy (2013); gathered and analysed on population growth Central West Regional Transport Plan and change; the regional economy; housing • (2013); and and employment market; the location of important environmental and resource areas; • NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan and natural hazards. (2012).

Inputs to the draft Plan include: The work of other stakeholders has also been of value, including Regional Development mapping of areas of potential high • Australia’s Central West Freight Study (2014), environmental value in the Central West Orana Regional Plan 2013-2016 and the Central and Orana, prepared by the Office of West Regional Plan 2013-2016. Environment and Heritage (see Figure 17); • council community strategic plans and local planning strategies; and • the Draft Agricultural Lands Development Study (2015 – still being prepared by RMCG). 12 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 13

Vision

The vision for the Central West and the Orana is established in the Orana. The region’s mining for a sustainable future centred on a thriving communities will be more adaptive and resilient economy, with a diverse range of economic to change across the mining lifecycle. There will industries across each local government area; be opportunities to capitalise on the economic productive rural lands and natural resources; benefits of renewable energy (such as wind, strong, resilient and well-serviced communities; solar and biofuels) across the region. and a healthy environment. An increased demand for higher capacity Residents and visitors will continue to enjoy the freight networks will be achieved by defining region’s diverse natural environment – the Blue the networks and better coordinating Mountains in the Great Dividing Range, vast investment. This will provide opportunities for western plains, major river systems and productivity growth across the agribusiness, internationally significant wetlands. These mining and manufacturing sectors. The environmental assets will be valued and Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Corridor will actively managed so that future generations transform the freight network. A coordinated can continue to enjoy them. and collaborative approach to improving local road and rail networks, and connectivity to the The regional cities of Orange, Bathurst and wider regional and State network, will better Dubbo, and the network of supporting regional link the region to Sydney, Newcastle and centres, will continue to grow. They will provide Wollongong, as well as interstate and global greater housing choice and diverse job markets. opportunities, supported by health and education services. The regional cities will be Positive regulatory settings and policies that essential to servicing the needs of the wider overcome barriers to investment will help the region and supporting the strength and region to grow and prosper. Greater prosperity resilience of smaller towns and villages. In will be used to invest in protecting and particular, the region’s ageing population will be restoring the environment. The region’s offered greater housing choice in locations with communities will be more adaptive and resilient good access to essential services. This will help to the impacts of climate change, including to meet the needs of singles, families, low- water availability and natural hazards. income households and seasonal and itinerant workers. To achieve this vision, we have set the following goals: The region’s agribusiness sector will continue to GOAL 1: A growing and diverse regional make a significant long term contribution to the • economy; regional economy, with extensive broadacre cropping, grazing, and intensive agriculture and • GOAL 2: A region with strong freight horticulture. Highly productive agricultural land transport and utility infrastructure will be identified, protected and used networks that support economic growth; sustainably. The agribusiness sector will be GOAL 3: A region that protects and supported by an associated, value-add, • enhances its productive agricultural land, manufacturing sector, which will diversify the Top: natural resources and environmental economy and provide more jobs to the region. Sofala, courtesy assets; and of Hamilton Lund, Destination NSW A sustainable mineral and energy resource • GOAL 4: Strong communities and liveable Middle: sector will remain a major contributor to the places that cater for the region’s changing Japanese Garden, regional economy, particularly in the Central population. courtesy of Cowra West, with additional mining operations Tourism

Bottom: Courtesy of Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo 14

Figure 4: Regional Assets

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Proposed Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Corridor (2015)

Regional Airport

Parkes Radio Telescope

Siding Spring Observatory

Solar Power

Wind Turbines

Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Wetland

Irrigation Area

Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 15 16

Left: Bathurst, courtesy of Bathurst City Council Right: Dubbo Regional Airport, courtesy of Dubbo City Council

Delivering the Plan

Achieving the vision and the goals of the final economy and employment; and Plan will be a shared responsibility that will natural environment and resources; require the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders, including councils, State agencies • prepare an annual report on the and the development and services sectors. implementation of the actions identified in the final Plan, to provide recommendations Governance for land use and infrastructure funding priorities to councils, infrastructure and A Coordination and Monitoring Committee will utility service providers; and be established to oversee the implementation • provide input to the review, update and of the final Plan. It will be chaired by the revision of the Plan every five years, or as Department of Planning and Environment and necessary. comprise representatives from the Joint Organisations of Councils and Regional Implementation Organisation of Councils and other key agencies (see Figure 5). It will be supplemented The actions in the final Plan will be implemented by representatives from other State agencies or through a number of mechanisms, including: specific groups to manage particular issues or projects, for example, Regional Tourism Boards, • local planning directions under section 117 peak industry bodies, service providers, utility of the Environmental Planning and providers, technical experts and other relevant Assessment Act 1979, issued by the Minister stakeholders. for Planning, which require council planning strategies and controls to be consistent with The committee will: the aspirations of the final Plan; • coordinate and drive the delivery of actions, • whole-of-government policy alignment; and supported by an Implementation Plan; • regional collaboration across government, • identify potential policy interventions or business, key stakeholders and the wider resourcing issues; community for specific projects and processes. • establish a framework to monitor issues such as: The NSW Government will be responsible for population; implementing these actions and will work with councils on relevant initiatives. housing; DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 17

RiverinaMurray Coordinating and Monitoring Committee Figure 5: Coordination and Monitoring Committee

Chair NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Representatives Oce of Roads and Regional Department (from Joint Department Transport Organisations and Environment Maritime Development of Premier Regional Organisations of Industry for NSW of Councils) and Heritage Services Australia and Cabinet

SUPPORTING GROUPS The committee will be supplemented by representatives from other State agencies or speciﬁc groups to manage particular issues or projects, for example, Regional Tourism Boards and Organisations, peak industry bodies, service providers, utility providers, technical experts and other relevant stakeholders

Infrastructure coordination • aligning future infrastructure priorities to support planned growth and change; The draft Plan aligns regional planning for coordinating infrastructure delivery to housing and economic activity to existing and • support strategic employment and housing planned infrastructure investments. The land; and infrastructure context and priorities in this draft Plan are drawn from the Rebuilding NSW – State • exploring innovative design and delivery Infrastructure Strategy (2014), the NSW Freight approaches across infrastructure sectors. and Ports Strategy (2013) and the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan (2012). Local planning initiatives

The NSW Government will use the final Plan and A Ministerial Direction will require all councils to the annual monitoring of development activity implement the objectives and actions of the to advise infrastructure agencies about the final Plan, appropriate to their local area, in their timing of new developments, to inform ongoing council planning strategies and local planning and delivery of infrastructure, asset environmental plans. When councils review or management and services. Opportunities for amend planning strategies and local private sector delivery of infrastructure will also environmental plans they will need to be be explored to support growth. consistent with the policies and actions in the final Plan. This will provide a connection The NSW Government will continue to work with between this Plan and the statutory State infrastructure providers to plan and deliver requirements of the plan-making process under infrastructure that responds to place and the Environmental Planning and Assessment community needs across regional NSW. This Act 1979. includes: 18 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 19

GOAL 1 – A growing and diverse regional economy

Economic diversity is critical for the region’s 10,978 people.3 This represents 18 per cent of the future, to strengthen the region’s economy, total gross regional product for agriculture, create economic resilience, and spread the forestry and fishing across NSW and makes the benefits of growth more widely across the region the second largest contributor in this entire region. sector.4 Health care and social assistance was the other dominant contributor at $1.1 billion, and Many communities are largely reliant on a single employed 13,660 people – the largest proportion industry, such as mining or agriculture. This of the region’s workforce (13.1 per cent).5 presents challenges during fluctuations in commodity prices or global demand. New Improved access to domestic and international opportunities to diversify economic activities, markets will stimulate economic growth in the such as value-add manufacturing and tourism, region. Proximity to Sydney and Newcastle – and will help the region become more resilient to their respective ports – provides important economic, social and environmental shifts. economic connections, as does the Newell Highway for north-south road connections to In 2011, the total gross regional product for the Brisbane and Melbourne. Central West and Orana region was $12.5 billion. Mining was the biggest contributor at The planned Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail $2.5 billion and employed 4,885 people.2 Corridor will expand economic opportunities for Agriculture, forestry and fishing was the second business in the region. biggest contributor at $1.3 billion and employed Orana top 5 Gross Regional Product by sector 2011 ($m)

Figure 6: Orana Top 5 Industries by Gross Regional Product in 2011 ($m)

600 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing $508m

500 Health Care and Social Assistance $353m

Public Administration and Safety 400 $270m

Retail Trade

$ millions 300 $184m

Construction $180m 200

100 Elvis Festival, Parkes, courtesy of Lawrence Furzey, Destination NSW 0 20

CentralFigure West 7: Central top 5 Gross West Regional Top 5 Industries Product byby sector Gross 2011 ($m)This draft Plan outlines how the NSW Regional Product in 2011 ($m) Government will respond to the competing needs of the region’s natural resources, growing agribusiness and manufacturing opportunities, and the mining sector, and how it will Mining 2500 encourage diversity in the region’s economy. A $2,375m stronger, more diverse economy will make the region better placed to care for the environment and improve sustainability. 2000 Manufacturing $862m Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing DIRECTION 1.1 Grow the $785m 1500 economic potential of the Health Care and Social Assistance agribusiness sector $ millions $752m 1000 The region’s rural and regional communities are Education and Training $604m historically and intrinsically linked to the agriculture sector. Agriculture in the region ranges from intensive and irrigated crops – 500 including vegetables, fodder, stone fruits, viticulture and cotton – to extensive broadacre cropping, meat and wool production. It is 0 supported by a range of agribusinesses such as professional services, transport and logistics, storage and warehousing, machinery and equipment, food, beverage, and other retail outlets. Diversification has helped to expand Figure 8: Central West and Orana Highest agricultural activities, businesses and markets 6 CentralEmp Westlo Oranayers highest by Se cemployerstor 2011 by sector 2011 across the region, making agribusiness one of the most important economic sectors.

Health Care and Social Assistance In 2010-2011, the gross value of agricultural production in the region was $2.2 billion.7 This Retail Trade created an economic multiplier – equating to Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing $5 billion8 – in the form of additional spending Education and Training and demand for goods, services and Manufacturing employment across the broader agribusiness sector. Public Administration and Safety

Accommodation and Food Services Agricultural productivity is increasing as a Construction result of technology, innovation and farm Mining mechanisation. These factors have also Other Services contributed to a decline in employment in agriculture over the past decade. Despite this, Transport, Postal and Warehousing agriculture remains a large employer in the Professional, Scientiﬁc and Technical Services region, with 10,980 people employed in this Wholesale Trade sector in 2011 (11 per cent of the workforce).9 Administrative and Support Services Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services The economic potential of the region’s agribusiness sector is influenced by: Financial and Insurance Services Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services • land use conflict between rural activities Arts and Recreational Services and urban land uses; Information and Telecommunications • a changing climate; 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 • water availability; Number employed DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 21

• infrastructure needs; The region’s agricultural supply chain needs to be protected and enhanced to enable the economic competitiveness; • agribusiness sector to increase economic • skilled labour shortages; output and sustain employment. The agricultural supply chain includes key transport market access restrictions and fluctuations; • infrastructure and facilities such as silos, and abattoirs and saleyards, secondary processing • potential resource scarcity due to urban facilities, and transport and logistics industries. development and climate change. For example, the Central West and Dubbo Regional Livestock Exchanges are critical The region is well-placed to take advantage of pieces of infrastructure that support the global demands for food and fibre, particularly region’s livestock industry. from Asia, due to a stable investment policy, the climate, and proximity to regional, national and international markets. There is potential to build on this competitive advantage to Central West Livestock stimulate further economic development and to Exchange (Forbes) provide more local jobs in the agribusiness sector. The draft Plan includes actions that will enable the region to take advantage of future The $25.4 million Central West Livestock opportunities. Exchange is located 12 kilometres from Forbes and adjacent to the Newell The NSW Government is committed to Highway. Over the past decade, this delivering information, to encourage facility has expanded significantly, with innovation, increase productivity gains and the opening of a cattle auction facility in build resilience in the agribusiness sector. The 2006, a new sheep auction facility in NSW Department of Industry (through the 2010, and a pig auction facility in 2012.10 Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services) provides industry and stakeholders with agricultural research to Dubbo Regional Livestock encourage innovation, deliver best-practice Market (Dubbo) agricultural management, and to identify opportunities for future agribusiness and industry diversification. The Dubbo Regional Livestock Market is a multi-million dollar facility and is considered one of Australia’s major ACTION 1.1.1 Provide enabling regional livestock sales centres.11 It has planning controls to facilitate been operating for over 50 years and diversification and attract has a combined sheep and cattle investment in the agribusiness throughput in excess of 1.3 million sheep 12 sector and 200,000 cattle each year.

Agribusiness provides the economic base of many rural and regional towns in the region and creates jobs and economic wealth in rural The NSW Government will: communities. • work with councils to identify potential local planning impediments to agribusiness The planning system needs to be responsive to industry diversification and value-adding industry requirements to enable future opportunities; innovation, diversification and increased investment in the agribusiness sector. Councils • require councils to undertake local strategic will need to identify local planning impediments planning to protect the agricultural supply to potential diversification, such as land use chain; and permissibility, zoning and other local provisions. • work with key stakeholders across a The NSW Government supports ongoing number of sectors to identify opportunities strategic planning to identify barriers to and barriers to supply chain infrastructure agricultural operations, ancillary processing investment, to facilitate the growth of industries, and storage facilities. agribusiness. 22

DIRECTION 1.2 Transform is critical to making manufacturing industries commercially viable and competitive. the region’s manufacturing sector through advanced and value-add manufacturing ACTION 1.2.1 Support the growth of opportunities value-add manufacturing There is a significant opportunity for value-add In 2011, the manufacturing sector contributed manufacturing of agricultural produce – still over $1 billion to gross regional product and largely exported from the region in base employed 8,078 people.13 More than half of commodity form – but it requires a better those employed in manufacturing in the region understanding about how to leverage worked in agriculture-related manufacturing, opportunities at a local and regional scale. processing and wholesaling.14

Prominent manufacturers and employers in the region include Fletcher International Exports, Value-adding Nestlé Purina, Simplot Australia, MSM Milling Small Acres Cyder, and Mars Petcare. Each of these companies Orange, courtesy of manufacture a variety of food and pet food ‘Value-adding’ is the enhancement of Destination NSW products, largely produced from domestic and products or services offered by a regional agricultural produce. business, prior to the product or service being made available to customers. This In addition to supporting agriculture-related ‘value’ can be added in a number of manufacturing, the region has also historically ways: through marketing and service supported non-agricultural manufacturing such provision or by transforming the product as domestic appliances, rail engines and into something better from the building materials. Some of these longstanding customer’s perspective. The diversity of industries have declined or closed in recent the region’s key commodities and years, with a significant effect on employment. products has enormous potential given the region’s road, rail and port Global macro-economic forces are a challenge connections. for manufacturing in the region due to increased Examples of value-adding in food and international competition, fewer tariffs and beverage manufacturing include organic protections, and high local production costs and free-range production methods; (higher nominal wages and energy prices), milling of grain and oilseeds; ginning and compared to the Asia-Pacific region. The spinning of cotton; packaging of raw availability and cost of freight associated with fruits, vegetables and meats; and transporting goods manufactured within the preparing processed foods such as olives region to the broader market, and sourcing and or dairy products. maintaining a skilled workforce, are other challenges.

The manufacturing sector has responded to these challenges to date by identifying Manufacturing and intensive operations should opportunities for innovation, diversity and be strategically located in areas where the transition to new technology, to help sustain significant investment made by businesses in and generate new jobs. This has resulted in the industry development and infrastructure can be emergence of smaller scale, high-technology protected from land use conflict. Co-location of advanced manufacturing, food and beverage related manufacturing industries should be production, and mining manufacturing encouraged, where appropriate, to maximise industries. opportunities for co-efficiency, decrease supply chain costs, increase economies of scale and New investment in freight infrastructure, which attract further investment. There are also can facilitate the efficient and timely movement opportunities for industries that co-locate to use of manufactured products to market, will the by-products and waste materials of other underpin the growth of the manufacturing industries to create new products and services. sector across the region. Freight infrastructure DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 23

The NSW Government will: • work with Regional Development Australia Cadia Valley Gold Mine Central West and Industry NSW to prepare and implement a value-adding strategy for the Central West area; and Cadia Valley Gold Mine south west of Orange is one of Australia’s largest • work with councils to identify potential land mining operations, producing 667,418 use planning impediments to ounces of gold and 73,697 tonnes of manufacturing in the region. copper (to end June 2015). The mine was constructed in 1999 at a cost of $2.2 billion, employing over 2,300 contract DIRECTION 1.3 Manage the employees during peak construction. Currently the mine employs more than region’s mineral and 780 permanent staff. energy resources sector in a sustainable way Dubbo Zirconia Project Mining operations have been a key driver of many local economies in the region, mainly in The Dubbo Zirconia Project, located the Central West. This sector is also beginning approximately 25 kilometres south of to emerge as a significant economic driver in Dubbo, compromises a small-scale open the Orana. cut mine, supplying ore containing rare earths and metals. The mining processing In 2011, mining contributed $2.3 billon (25 per facility is valued at over $1 billon.17 Part of cent) to gross regional product in the Central this project also includes the upgrade and West – 55.6 per cent ($1.3 billion) of this was reopening of a section of the disused from coal mining concentrated around Lithgow Dubbo – Molong Rail Line.18 Over the next and Mudgee. Mining was also the fastest 20 years, the facility is projected to growing industry employer in the Central West. process over 19.5 million tonnes of ore. It Between 2001 and 2011, employment in mining has an estimated mine life of 70 plus increased by 131 per cent, with 4,600 people years and is projected to employ up to 15 employed in 2011. By comparison, in the 400 people during construction and 250 Orana, where mining is an emerging economic permanent staff during operation.19 driver, the sector contributed $134 million to gross regional product (4.35 per cent) in 2011.16

In addition to coal, there are major gold and copper mines operating at Cadia near Orange, Construction materials, though of low per- Northparkes Mines and Tomingley near Parkes, tonnage value, are critically important for the Tritton in Nyngan and Mineral Hill in development of infrastructure and play a vital Condobolin. The potential for coal seam gas role in many local economies within the Central extraction is concentrated mainly in the Orana West and Orana. The region contains numerous around the Pilliga in Warrumbungle, Gilgandra hard rock aggregate, and sand and limestone and Coonamble Shires. Opportunities for quarries, which provide resources for the mining rare earths and metals have emerged building industry and need to be protected for across the region, with the most significant future use. deposit located in Dubbo Local Government Area. The mineral and energy resources sector (including renewable energy industries) has significant economic and employment benefits in the region and care must be taken to manage the impacts of mining to produce long term sustainable outcomes. If this sector is to be a key economic driver into the future, areas containing mineral and energy resources must be protected and managed to ensure multiple land use opportunities. 24

ACTION 1.3.1 Implement a robust Existing processes to manage and mitigate the assessment process to consider environmental impacts of a mining development social, economic and environmental will be further supported by improving methods to assess the cumulative impact of all relevant implications of mining activities and activities (including mining) on air, water and manage these throughout the life of soil quality around settlements and strategic the project agricultural lands.

The assessment process provides the final The NSW Government will: opportunity to assess mining applications, and • work with councils and industry to specifically, to identify and manage potential implement the Integrated Mining Policy, land use conflicts that may arise during the life of including finalising economic assessment a project. The mineral and energy resource guidelines; industries are monitored annually for compliance with their conditions of title. A robust and • develop a cumulative impact assessment transparent approach is required to balance methodology to manage the cumulative social, economic and environmental implications. health and amenity impacts of all relevant activities (including mining) and coal seam Education, courtesy The NSW Government already closely manages gas proposals, which: of Narromine Shire the mining industry by: Council considers whether cumulative impact • imposing and monitoring mine operations thresholds or tipping points can be through consent conditions on development adequately described and predicted; and approvals, mining leases, activity approvals, considers cumulative impacts on mine operation plans, extraction plans and agricultural lands and water resources; rehabilitation plans, to name a few; • investigate appropriate methods for • imposing legally binding pollution reduction encouraging best-practice rehabilitation and programs on all existing coal mines, requiring visual impact management for mines; and current operations to be assessed against best management practice and to use all • prepare a development assessment reasonable and feasible measures to reduce guideline for impacts on human health from their dust emissions; dust (including dust generated by mining and other activities). • requiring all new coal mines and applications seeking to modify existing approvals to benchmark their proposals against best ACTION 1.3.2 Support communities management practice to minimise dust to capture the economic benefits emissions; and manage the impacts of mineral • requiring open cut coal mines to develop and energy resource extraction strategies to manage and minimise blast fumes; and Through the work of the Western NSW Mining • considering options for addressing noise and Resource Development Taskforce, the NSW impacts from emerging mining precincts, Government is investigating how western NSW including through a recent review of the communities can capitalise on the economic Industrial Noise Policy. benefits and manage the impacts of the mining sector. The NSW Government is currently responding to community concerns about mining by clarifying The taskforce is working with councils across the the requirements for assessing and determining Central West and Orana (as well as a number of mining applications through the development of councils in the New England North West and the an Integrated Mining Policy. The policy will Far West) to review the social and economic improve the transparency, consistency and benefits and impacts of mining on regional accountability of assessment decisions. Providing communities. It will also identify ways to consent authorities with a more comprehensive diversify and transition the community and understanding of environmental impacts and economy in areas where resource and mineral proposed mitigation measures will improve extraction is slowing. decision-making. The policy will not change environmental standards or community consultation requirements. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 25

DIRECTION 1.4 Increase Mining lifecycle jobs in the health, education and tourism Communities are likely to experience a sectors range of socio-economic impacts across the lifecycle of a mining operation. For example, there is significant employment Health, education and tourism are among the growth during the construction and fastest growing economic sectors in the region. initial operational phases, which Together, they employed a total of 23,711 people increases the population and investment in 2011. The tourism sector contributed $1 billion and development. This situation changes in direct expenditure in 2014, with over four 20 once a mine enters later operational million people visiting the region in that year. phases, commences shutdown or experiences decreased production, with As the region’s population changes so too will flow-on effects to business, industry and the demand for health and education services, community liveability. particularly aged care and online services. Regional cities will be pivotal to providing the The nature of employment in mining highest level health and education services and operations (shift work and fly-in fly-out regional centres will provide alternative local workers) may alter the demographic access for smaller communities. make-up of communities and affect the needs of the existing workforce and the The NSW Department of Education is reviewing community, for retail, health, education, its approach to asset and network planning. It is and community and emergency services. preparing a Long Term Strategic Plan to 2031, Rehabilitating former mines provides an as well as regional plans and school cluster opportunity for a new development or plans, to identify schooling needs throughout use, which can contribute to economic, the State. This will guide education providers in social and environmental values in the the future. Private schools will continue to play region. a major role in the provision of primary and secondary education.

Understanding a community’s needs (schools, ACTION 1.4.1 Support employment health care, emergency services and utilities, and investment growth in the infrastructure) prior to mining operations healthcare and social assistance commencing is paramount for successful sector lifecycle planning.

Developing scenario plans at a regional scale The proportion of people aged 65 years and can enable a better understanding of the over is forecast to increase from 14 per cent in benefits that will be realistically distributed 2016 to over 25 per cent in 2036. This is likely to across affected communities. For example, change the way that health care is delivered scenario planning can better prepare and planning for health infrastructure and communities and service providers for the passenger transport networks will need to impact of mining and reduce the risk of one respond accordingly. Tailored health care community being overly disadvantaged options that focus on ‘ageing in place’ will be 21 compared to another which receives a full required. economic benefit. There are a number of significant health The NSW Government will: facilities and specialist services in the region’s cities – Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst. They • work with councils to scope the application often provide services for communities located and implementation of a scenario planning outside the region, for example, Dubbo Base or impact modelling tool to be applied at a Hospital is the primary hospital for the Far West regional level to help communities plan for region, providing essential services such as the impacts of mining. obstetrics for the Bourke, Walgett and Brewarrina communities. 26

Investment in health infrastructure will help to Multipurpose health services provide co-location underpin economic growth and influence of emergency and acute care, general practice, population and settlement patterns. Over aged care, dentistry and also allow hosting of $400 million has already been invested in the visiting specialists. They also generate new development of 60 Multipurpose Services transport needs, potentially for both intra- across NSW, including in the following towns in regional and inter-regional access. the Central West and Orana region: Baradine, Blayney, Coolah, Coonamble, Dunedoo, The NSW Government will work with councils to: Eugowra, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Gulgong, identify areas surrounding existing hospitals Nyngan, Oberon, Peak Hill, Rylstone, Trangie, • and associated health facilities to create Tottenham, Trundle, Tullamore and Warren. defined health precincts; The Multipurpose Services model tailors • plan for multipurpose, flexible and adaptable healthcare needs for the local community, health and education infrastructure that can integrating health, aged care, and emergency respond to changing and emerging and urgent care services, to provide flexible community needs over time; and health service delivery. Other major health protect existing and planned health facilities infrastructure investment projects include the • from incompatible land uses. Old Dubbo Gaol, Lachlan Health Service Project which courtesy of encompasses the redevelopment of Parkes Pip Blackwood, Hospital and the refurbishment of Forbes Support employment Destination NSW Hospital; the Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment ACTION 1.4.2 and the redevelopment and expansion of the and investment growth in the Molong Multipurpose Service.22 In addition, the education and training sector NSW Government plans to upgrade Mudgee District Hospital to expand and reconfigure The delivery of quality tertiary education can inpatient and ambulatory care services.23 encourage young people to stay in the region. It provides local access to courses, retraining Through the NSW Rural Health Plan (2014), the opportunities and the acquisition of new skills NSW Government is investing in the (particularly through vocational training). redevelopment and expansion of health services Quality tertiary education also helps to attract across the Central West and Orana. The plan and retain a skilled workforce. aims to build healthy rural communities, reduce inequities between rural and metropolitan areas, The region’s education and training sector is support Aboriginal health workers, and promote anchored by a range of primary and secondary education, training and targeted recruitment to schools, universities and other higher education further enhance the rural health workforce.24 providers. Key educational facilities in the region include: The move toward localised community-based healthcare facilities may reduce the projected • Charles Sturt University, with campuses in population decline in some smaller communities Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo; by retaining locally based services, easily • Western Sydney University in Lithgow; accessible to the community. • Notre Dame University’s rural clinical schools Co-location of complementary activities in in Orange, Bathurst and Lithgow; existing health precincts will improve access for • The University of Sydney School of Rural patients and opportunities for business synergy. Health in Dubbo and Orange;26 During consultation, a number of councils indicated that it would be beneficial for a range • Alsco Learning Centre; and of health facilities and associated training • TAFE NSW Western Institute, which has 21 institutions to be provided in the region, in colleges across the region. addition to aged care and support services. For example, the Charles Sturt University Dentistry The region has a shortage of skilled workers, and Nursing School in Dubbo, the University of particularly in agribusiness, mining, energy, Sydney School of Rural Health in Orange and health, education and manufacturing. Vocational Dubbo, and the Forbes health precinct provide training will be crucial to addressing these local training, conference and accommodation skill shortages across the region. Communities 25 facilities for health and education purposes. need to identify skills gaps and resource capabilities, to prepare for future workforce demands. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 27

There are opportunities for the region’s Jenolan Caves in Oberon, the iconic Blue education and training providers to partner Mountains area and the Macquarie Marshes, an with government and private industry to internationally recognised wetland. address regional skills shortages and to improve partnerships between local Diversifying tourism markets, such as government, industry, research, education and ecotourism and agritourism, will help support training providers, to provide the right tailored the long term economic and social regional training programs. sustainability of the region. Recently, there has been a more coordinated regional approach to The NSW Government is working to deliver agritourism and food tourism as a strategy for better community access to quality vocational growth and to improve the resilience of education and training to support global individual businesses and rural communities.30 competitiveness and innovation. Examples of this include F.O.O.D Week (Food of Orange District) in Orange, and Paddock to Managing the range of demographic, climatic, Plate and the 100 Mile Diet Initiatives, which social and economic changes in the region will connect consumers directly with local be important in sustaining local jobs. For producers. example, recent and projected growth in the aged care sector highlights an opportunity to Prioritising tourism investment in the region is generate new jobs for a skilled workforce. important for long term growth. One way to Expanding tertiary education services is increase the number of visitors and their necessary to attract, train and retain skilled expenditure in the region is to expand the staff to take advantage of this opportunity. visitor assets on offer, to encourage visitors to extend their stay overnight or longer. The NSW Government will: Three Regional Tourism Boards cover the work with councils to remove planning • region – Blue Mountains, Central NSW and barriers to the expansion of the education Outback NSW. Each of these boards has and training sector. developed a Regional Destination Management Plan to grow visitation and to assist the Government and industry to prioritise ACTION 1.4.3 Deliver enabling investment opportunities in tourism facilities, planning controls to diversify and products and services. Lithgow and regional tourism markets and Oberon are covered by the Blue Mountains increase the range of tourism Tourism Board but do not have a current opportunities Destination Management Plan. The Central West Regional Transport Plan (2013) includes actions to improve tourism-related transport The Central West and Orana region has a services. growing and diverse tourism industry that generates significant investment and visitor The NSW Government will: spending. Significant longstanding events such as the Bathurst 1000 Motor Race in Bathurst • work with Lithgow City and Oberon Shire and the Elvis Festival in Parkes attract over Councils and Destination NSW to develop/ 200,00027 and 20,00028 visitors to the region update the Destination Management Plan respectively. The region also has other for the Blue Mountains tourism area; significant tourism assets, including the review and update local plans to remove internationally recognised Siding Spring and • barriers to appropriate tourism Parkes Observatories and the Taronga Western development, to enable innovation and Plains Zoo, which is currently being improved flexibility, while protecting the values that through construction and restoration projects. contribute to tourism opportunities; The region provides residents and visitors with • work with councils to align local land use extensive opportunities for nature and and tourism strategies with relevant heritage-based tourism, which is becoming one Destination Management Plans; and of the fastest growing and most dominant work with councils to improve tourism- tourism markets in the State.29 Major attractions • related transport services. in the region include the World Heritage listed 28

Industrial land, courtesy of Dubbo City Council

DIRECTION 1.5 Support strategies and local environmental plans to support ongoing economic growth. business activities with well-located and serviced The NSW Government will develop industrial lands and mechanisms to monitor industrial land supply to assist the timing of, and the locations for commercial centres infrastructure that will promote further economic development. Regional cities and regional centres are expected to have the highest take-up of Industries need to operate and be able to commercial and industrial employment land, expand without the risk of land use conflict. primarily focused in CBDs and zoned industrial It is important to protect industrial land, areas. Towns and villages will also provide land primary and secondary production land and for local business and industrial activities. related supply chain infrastructure, such as regional saleyards, silos and abattoirs, from the As agricultural output increases, agribusinesses encroachment of sensitive land uses. Councils will require well-located and serviced land to should protect and separate significant establish processing and manufacturing industrial land from inappropriate or facilities. The timely supply of this land is incompatible land uses by applying the Draft necessary to support the projected growth of Principles for Industrial Land Identification, (see agribusiness, and provide regional-scale Table 1) when planning for new or expanded facilities that can process agricultural products industrial areas. These draft principles will sourced within the region. inform the preparation of Statewide land release criteria. Councils need to identify the supply and uptake of employment land and infrastructure The NSW Government will: requirements in local land use strategies. The • prepare Statewide land release criteria to NSW Government supports monitoring of assess locations for industrial uses across employment lands to help identify when and regional NSW; where infrastructure is needed to promote economic development. • develop and implement an industrial land development program for the region, to monitor the supply and demand of ACTION 1.5.1 Implement an industrial land, and to identify future industrial land monitoring program employment land requirements; and to maintain a supply of well-located • require that councils protect regionally and serviced industrial land significant industrial land from potential land use conflicts arising from inappropriate and incompatible surrounding land uses. Councils have indicated there is a sufficient supply of industrial land across the region to meet projected demand over the next 20 years. In some cases, this land may not be adequately located, zoned or appropriately serviced. Councils should identify and maintain an adequate supply of appropriately located and zoned industrial land in their planning DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 29

Table 1: Draft Principles for Industrial Land Identification

Principle 1 New industrial land should meet the long term needs of industry growth for the region.

Industrial land should be protected and separated from environmentally sensitive and Principle 2 incompatible land uses.

Isolated, unused or under-used pockets of industrial land should be consolidated to create Principle 3 opportunities over the long term.

Regionally significant industrial lands should be retained and supported to meet the changing Principle 4 needs of industry.

At a regional-scale, industrial land supply should provide capacity to enable the development of Principle 5 specialised industry clusters.

Infrastructure should be planned and managed to encourage the sustainable development of Principle 6 industrial land, including access to markets and workers, and connectivity to the existing freight network.

Co-location should be encouraged, where appropriate, to maximise opportunities for co- Principle 7 efficiency and decreased supply chain costs.

ACTION 1.5.2 Develop and deliver • enhance the value of the public realm and strategies that strengthen the consider net community benefit. commercial function of the CBDs of Councils need to provide an adequate supply of regional cities and regional centres, serviced commercial employment land without and local town centres compromising their core commercial and retail centres. In some instances, this may require Strengthening the commercial core of the planning and revitalisation to promote the CBD region’s centres is essential for future growth as the central place for retail and business. and to attract future investment. This is equally important for smaller town centres, where Where it is not possible to expand or clustering commercial activities creates a more accommodate growth in existing centres, or vibrant and sustainable main street and a focus where there is significant market demand, new for community activities. centres of an appropriate size and scale relative to their purpose and to the area they will serve, The NSW Government’s preference is to place may need to be considered. Future growth retail activity into existing centres to capitalise should be accommodated on or adjacent to on existing infrastructure and strengthen the existing business centres and should not be role and function of these areas. Proposals for supported without strategic justification. new retail centres (including retail proposals) should demonstrate how they: The NSW Government will work with councils to: • respond to retail supply and demand needs; provide strategic direction for commercial respond to innovations in the retail sector; • • land use in CBDs and town centres; and maximise the use of existing infrastructure • focus retail activity in existing commercial (including public transport and community • centres, unless there is a demonstrated facilities) commensurate with the scale of need and positive social and economic the proposal; and benefits for the community. 30 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 31

GOAL 2 – A region with strong freight transport and utility infrastructure networks that support economic growth

The Central West and Orana region is located in • consistency in the planning, management the centre of NSW, with access to Sydney, and operation of roads; and Newcastle, Brisbane and Melbourne, and the integration of road safety, traffic and western connections to Broken Hill and • asset maintenance projects. Adelaide via the Mitchell and Barrier Highways. This provides a competitive advantage to Regional infrastructure requirements and maximise economic activity, particularly for investment needs to be coordinated to deliver towns located at the confluence of a number of maximum benefit to the economy and broader transport corridors such as Dubbo, Parkes and regional community. A coordinated approach Gilgandra. to improving local road networks and connectivity to the wider regional and State The NSW Government already has a suite of network will improve links from the region to strategies to improve transport infrastructure Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other across the region including: markets, and improve the region’s economic • NSW Freight and Ports Strategy (2013); competitiveness. NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan • The NSW Government will continue to work (2012); with stakeholders to improve network reliability • Central West Regional Transport Plan and efficiency to make best use of (2013); and infrastructure, and provide ongoing network capacity to allow the region’s settlements, Newell Highway Corridor Strategy (2015). • industries and agribusinesses to grow. Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services are progressively preparing network and corridor strategies to cover every State DIRECTION 2.1 Improve the road in NSW to better manage transport region’s freight transport infrastructure and maximise benefits for all road users. Other corridor strategies for the networks and access to external Golden Highway and Great Western Highway markets are due to be finalised by the end of 2016.31 Regional agricultural output and productivity Network and corridor strategies provide the are projected to increase into the future, following benefits for the State road network: increasing freight demand. Freight volumes • a plan for network/corridor improvement across NSW are projected to double by 2030 with consideration of all modes of transport; and triple by 2050.32 A large portion of this Top: Courtesy of MSM growth is expected to occur in the Central West Milling, Orange transparency for the community, councils • and Orana, which will result in the need for and other government agencies with regard Bottom: substantial expansion and upgrade of the to planning and investment decisions; Rail freight, courtesy of existing transport networks. Narromine Shire Council 32

Figure 9: Regional Transport

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

National Highway

State Road

Local Road

Proposed Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Corridor (2015)

Regional Airport

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 33 34

Much of the freight generated from the region’s The NSW Government will: agriculture, and food and beverage work with stakeholders to coordinate manufacturing and processing, starts and • investment in the freight network to travels on local roads. These roads were not improve network efficiency. designed to take the load of larger vehicles and consequently are either failing under the pressure of increasing freight movements or ACTION 2.1.2 Identify and prioritise constraining efficient and reliable freight movements. This issue will become increasingly pinch points within the existing challenging as freight movements grow in the freight network future. More than seven million tonnes of freight are The private sector has started to capitalise on moved annually through the Central West and the region’s locational advantage by Orana by either road or rail.33 Freight network committing investment to intermodal terminals efficiency and reliability can be further in the region. These proposals offer business enhanced by identifying ways to improve and industry the opportunity to move freight connectivity within the existing freight network, more efficiently, reliably and competitively. such as potential town bypasses and bridge Apple harvest, crossings. Some barriers in the freight network Orange, courtesy of are well known, while others are unquantified. Destination NSW ACTION 2.1.1 Support coordinated investment in the freight network to The NSW Government is committed to better improve network efficiency understanding where connection improvements are needed in the freight network and has announced funding for various Infrastructure requirements and investment programs to address freight pinch points on needs to be coordinated to deliver maximum regional roads and rail, including: benefit to the economy and broader regional community. Infrastructure investment has been • $200 million for a Regional Freight Pinch provided to date in a piecemeal way, resulting Point and Safety Program; in ad hoc or misaligned priorities across the $443 million for Fixing Country Roads; and region. In some instances, this has restricted • freight and logistics growth. • $400 million to the Fixing Country Rail Program (Rebuilding NSW). Identifying and addressing potential network impediments will improve network efficiency. The Government is currently undertaking a Transport for NSW administers two number of projects to improve the freight coordinated programs directly addressing this network for the region, including: issue: • the Bells Line of Road corridor works; Fixing Country Rail is a program to remove • upgrades to the Great Western Highway productivity and efficiency constraints on • between Lithgow and Katoomba; the regional rail network; and planned upgrades to the Great Western and Fixing Country Roads is a program to • • Newell Highways; and provide targeted funding to local councils for road projects that will eliminate • a heavy vehicle bypass at Parkes and connectivity constraints on local roads in investigations into heavy vehicle bypasses NSW. at Dubbo and Coonabarabran.34

Identifying the region’s defined freight network and road pressure points, and then developing a program of improvement works in collaboration with local government, will support the growth of freight and logistics in the region. The efficient operation of the rail network is also important in supporting the region’s mining sector – with minerals exported from the Central West to Port Kembla via rail. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 35

Reducing barriers and congestion Bypasses

The main barriers to freight movement in the Town and city bypasses improve freight region are congestion and freight restrictions efficiency by reducing travel times and costs, on the Great Western Highway and Main while improving safety for road users and town Western Rail Line over the Blue Mountains. amenity. The NSW Long Term Transport Master These barriers severely restrict freight access to Plan (2012) proposes to develop a program of Sydney and coastal ports. Congestion and town bypasses, based on priorities determined capacity restrictions reduce the efficiency of through community consultation and defined the network, causing time delays and costs criteria.37 Councils and State agencies should which can affect the economic viability of consider the viability of local bypasses, and delivering produce from the region to strategically plan for bypass corridors such as elsewhere in the State and other markets. the heavy vehicle bypass at Parkes, and investigations into heavy vehicle bypasses at Dubbo and Coonabarabran.38

Blayney-Demondrille Railway Line Bridge crossings

The NSW Government manages bridge upgrades The NSW Government investigated the feasibility of upgrading and and improvements through the $145 million re-opening the Blayney-Demondrille Railway Line as an alternate Bridges for the Bush initiative. This initiative will rail connection to Sydney and to Port Kembla via the Moss Vale to improve the capability and capacity of a number Unanderra line. A tender process was completed in April 2015 that of bridges in the region to support modern was unable to identify a proponent that could meet the criteria to freight vehicles. Consideration is being given to restore, operate and maintain the railwayline. the upgrade and replacement of a number of timber bridges in the region including: Where sustainable freight demand exists, non-operational railway lines could be brought back into operation in the future. • an upgrade to the McKanes Bridge over the Cox’s River in Lithgow Local Government Area; Golden Highway • an upgrade to Warroo Bridge across the Lachlan River in Forbes Local Government Area; and The Golden Highway offers an alternate connection for freight transport between the Far West and Central West and Orana regions • the replacement of the Holman Bridge at to the Port of Newcastle and on to Sydney. It may also alleviate Gooloogong, connecting Cowra and congestion on routes via the Blue Mountains. Under Restart NSW, Cabonne Local Government Areas.39 funding of $200 million has been committed to a Regional Freight Pinch Point and Safety Program. This includes $85 million funding for The NSW Government will work with councils to: proposed improvement works on the Golden Highway.35 There is a investigate road and bridges which provide need to further examine access restrictions and safety, particularly • potential impediments to the existing freight for level crossings and bridges along the corridor, to facilitate network; and increased freight transport efficiency. The draft Golden Highway Corridor Strategy will be released for community consultation in • progressively deliver improvements to the mid-2016.36 freight network.

Bells Line of Road

The Bells Line of Road provides an alternative route to the Great Western Highway across the Blue Mountains to Sydney. In February 2014, the Restart NSW Fund provided $28 million towards the $48 million upgrade to the Bells Line of Road Corridor Improvement Program. This project will improve road safety through improvements such as more overtaking lanes, wider sealed shoulders and improved clear zones. This project was identified in the NSW Government’s State Infrastructure Strategy (2014) as a priority for regional freight access to markets. 36

Figure 10: Freight Network Improvements Map

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Proposed Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Corridor (2015)

Existing Intermodal Terminal

Proposed Intermodal Terminal

Proposed Bypass

Heavy Vehicle (Road Train) Not Permitted to the East

Potential Road Realignment

Oversize Vehicle Impediment

Further Assessment Required

Road Safety, Flooding or Capacity Issue

Golden Highway Corridor

Bells Line of Road Corridor

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 37 38

ACTION 2.1.3 Identify and prioritise ACTION 2.1.4 Investigate opportunities to improve regionally opportunities for new intermodal significant local road connections terminals and rail freight facilities

Local road connections in the region, which Intermodal terminals and rail freight facilities feed into the State and national road freight have the potential to reshape the way freight is network, are important for transporting moved. Major intermodal facilities are located in agricultural produce, manufactured goods and both Parkes and Dubbo, with a series of smaller mining resources. The restriction on the size of intermodal facilities located elsewhere in the freight vehicles using local roads and the cost region. of local road maintenance are significant impediments to the road freight network. Transport for NSW established a NSW Cargo Movement Coordination Centre in 2014 to Initial work has already been completed by the optimise freight movements from regional Central West Regional Organisation of Councils NSW, including the Central West and Orana to identify local road pressure points within the region, and to coordinate and increase the regional freight network (see Figure 10). A movement of cargo to and from Port Botany prioritised rolling program of works to upgrade and Port Kembla.42 Business Development and improve local roads that connect to the Managers from this centre work with transport State and national road freight network needs operators to identify network constraints. to be developed. The NSW Government supports regional The NSW Government acknowledges that intermodal terminals and their ongoing role in these constraints can substantially affect the freight system. Transport for NSW is economic productivity.40 The NSW Freight and committed to engaging with councils to explore Ports Strategy outlines the NSW Government’s planning issues associated with the commitment to improving connectivity development of intermodal facilities within between transport networks and key freight industrial precincts, including adjoining land precincts. Transport for NSW is proposing to use and road and rail access to proposed sites. investigate the development of a Defined Freight Network41 to improve coordination between all levels of government and stakeholders.

The NSW Government will work with councils to: • identify, coordinate and prioritise the delivery of local road projects which help support the regional freight network. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 39

Left: Grain storage, courtesy of Dubbo City Council Right: Freight movement, courtesy of Bathurst City Council

It is important that intermodal facilities are National Logistics protected from the encroachment of sensitive Hub (Parkes) land uses to enable future expansion and the ongoing efficient and reliable movement of agricultural, manufacturing and mining The Parkes National Logistics Hub – a products from the region. Local plans should 600-hectare site near Parkes – was provide appropriate industrial zones around created to promote freight connections freight hubs, to support co-location of between most major capital cities. It is a compatible uses. Incompatible land uses, such national transport node of strategic as housing and commercial development, significance to freight logistics. It is at the should be located to prevent future land use intersection of the Transcontinental conflict. (Broken Hill railway line) and the Parkes- Narromine railway lines and accessible The NSW Government will require that councils: from the Newell Highway. It has been located and designed with the intention • implement local planning controls to of accessing 80 per cent of Australia, in protect freight and transport corridors, and less than 12 hours. The facility is also freight and logistics facilities from well-placed to take advantage of the encroachment of sensitive land uses; and proposed Melbourne to Brisbane Inland • protect freight and transport corridors and Rail Corridor. strategically locate freight hubs to support further industry development. Fletchers International Exports Intermodal (Dubbo) ACTION 2.1.5 Work with the Australian Government on the This intermodal terminal was built to proposed Melbourne-Brisbane alleviate freight access and interface Inland Rail Corridor through the issues with the existing intermodal region terminal in Dubbo.43 The rail terminal services the movement of containerised agricultural commodities, mining The 2010 Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail commodities, and sheep meat products Alignment Study, prepared by the Australian from Dubbo to Port Botany and Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), identified the represents a significant private preferred corridor for inland rail, passing investment in meeting the needs of through the region in Parkes and Narromine.44 regional producers. The fine-scale alignment of the corridor is yet to be settled. The Australian Government and ARTC are working to finalise planning, engineering design and assessment for the corridor.

The NSW Government will: • work with the Australian Government to develop an agreement to finalise planning, engineering design and assessment of the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Corridor. 40

DIRECTION 2.2 Coordinate infrastructure is particularly important for regionally significant industrial land releases in infrastructure delivery to the regional cities and regional centres, as well facilitate economic as some other smaller centres which are opportunities important as hubs, such as Blayney. Electricity, gas, water, waste water and Settlements and industry across the Central telecommunications services are typically West and Orana are supported by energy, required to enable the take-up of zoned water, waste water and telecommunications residential and employment lands. The reliable networks. These networks will need to be and timely delivery of local and capacity upgraded at various times throughout the next infrastructure is essential to attract investment 20 years to meet demand generated by new and facilitate further development. developments, as well as to maintain existing services. Providing adequate burial space in locations where the population is ageing is an important Improved coordination between the delivery of issue for governments and communities. Land local, State and private infrastructure needs to be identified and protected so that First Solar, investment will better align user demands with burial space is available into the future. The Nyngan, utility capacity and enable infrastructure to be NSW Government will support councils and courtesy of better planned, resulting in potential cost- infrastructure providers to identify appropriate AGL Energy savings. The NSW Government aims to deliver sites and capacity infrastructure such as a more coordinated approach to infrastructure cemeteries and crematoria. investment, maximise economic opportunities and make best use of existing infrastructure Energy across the region. Access to energy, including electricity and gas, The region relies on high-quality information is an essential requirement for residential and and communications technology to service industrial development. Energy transmission industries and drive future economic networks (such as major electricity competitiveness. Access to reliable transmission lines and gas pipelines) feed telecommunication services during emergency energy to homes and businesses and are of events is critical, particularly in communities State and, in some cases, national importance. subject to natural hazards such as bushfire and Appropriate buffers should be provided for flooding. The Australian Government is inter and intra-state energy transmission delivering the National Broadband Network networks so that surrounding development is which is critical for the economic future of the compatible with, and does not adversely affect region. Currently, access to telecommunications their viability, integrity, operation and is inconsistent across the region, and this maintenance. affects the ability to attract jobs, grow business and deliver e-programs for health and The challenge of providing cost-effective education. extended and upgraded services to some remote areas in the region creates opportunities for stand-alone alternative ACTION 2.2.1 Coordinate the energy generation, and the use of renewable delivery of infrastructure to support energy options, such as wind and solar the future needs of residents, generation to meet local energy needs. business and industry Water and waste There is a need to better coordinate Population and industry growth will continue to infrastructure planning and delivery for put pressure on the region’s water and waste industrial-zoned land across the region. Making resources. The region is covered by two water efficient use of existing infrastructure, including utility alliances – CENTROC and Lower the coordination and delivery of new Macquarie – which operate cooperatively to infrastructure, is essential to attract and enable develop resource sharing opportunities and future large-scale industry investment, for implement best-practice water management, example, high energy-consuming industries. such as integrated water cycle management, The coordination and timely delivery of DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 41

Figure 11: Regional Water Security Projects

51 to 98% - Forecast Supply Deficiency 2036 Potential Water Security Backlog Projects

21 to 50% - Forecast Supply Deficiency 2036 Water Security Infrastructure Projects

0 to 20% - Forecast Supply Deficiency 2036 42

Left: Lake Burrendong, near Wellington, courtesy of WaterNSW Right: Lake Wallace, Wallerawang, courtesy of Lithgow City Council

for their communities. A number of councils in The NSW Government is committed to the region have already developed a range of establishing the $1 billion Regional Water water management initiatives such as Security and Supply Fund to deal with water stormwater harvesting in Orange (Blackmans challenges across the State, and for backlog Swamp Creek and Ploughmans Creek) and water quality and waste water projects in Dubbo (Apex Oval) to better use and manage identified communities.48 water. The NSW Government will also invest in the The key catchments include the Macquarie, completion of 71 Statewide projects already Lachlan, Bogan and Castlereagh Rivers; all of identified through the Country Town Water which form part of the Murray Darling Basin. Supply and Sewerage Program.49 Securing Important water infrastructure includes urban water supplies for the future is essential Burrendong Dam, Trangie-Nevertire Irrigation to enable and support growth, and sustain Scheme, Suma Park at Orange, Carcoar Dam, existing populations. Wyangala Dam and Windermere Dam at Mudgee. In addition, the Macquarie River to Technological advancement in waste Orange Pipeline has been constructed and was management may result in new ways to commissioned in 2015. manage waste in urban areas. Currently, sufficient landfill capacity exists to manage the The NSW Government has committed $1 million region’s waste to 2036. towards scoping studies for a new dam on the Belubula River (Lachlan River Valley) in the The NSW Government will: 2014-2015 budget.45 The damming of the work with councils and servicing agencies Belubula River at Cranky Rock was identified as • to coordinate infrastructure planning and the most suitable site.46 delivery for residential zoned land and regionally significant industrial zoned land; The region’s water supply infrastructure is projected to meet future demands across the • work with councils to enable the use and majority of the region. Supply deficiencies of development of standalone alternative greater than 50 per cent by 2036 are forecast energy generation and renewable energy in Mid-Western, Wellington, Dubbo, Parkes, options; Bogan and Warren Local Government Areas.47 • work with key stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach to water-cycle The NSW Government supports councils management across the region, taking into investigating capacity issues to accommodate account climate change, water security, growth. Central West and Orana councils have sustainable demand and growth, and the already started identifying capacity and water natural environment; security issues in their respective local government areas. Dubbo City Council has • work with councils to secure town water identified the need for further investigations to supplies across the region’s settlements; improve the reliability of the water supply and during emergencies, such as an interruption to support councils and infrastructure supply or extreme drought conditions. • providers to identify appropriate sites for local and capacity infrastructure, such as emergency service facilities, energy production and supply, waste disposal areas, cemeteries and crematoria. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 43

Restart NSW

Restart NSW is the NSW Government’s dedicated infrastructure fund. It was established in 2011 to improve the economic growth and productivity of NSW. By the end of 2014-15, more than $9 billion had been deposited in the Restart NSW fund.50 Thirty per cent of Restart NSW funds are committed to projects in regional NSW (outside Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong).51

Water Security for Regions

Funds totalling $366 million have been reserved for Water Security for Regions from Restart NSW. The funds are dedicated to helping communities prepare for future drought conditions. Eleven water security projects across the region are currently funded for a total of $104 million.52

Almost $38 million of this funding has been committed to two major new projects which will support the regional pipeline in the Central West, including: • $21 million for Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water’s proposal for a five- stage potable water supply pipeline from Orange to Blayney and Carcoar Dam; and • $17 million for Orange City Council and Cabonne Shire Council’s proposal for a potable water pipeline from Orange to Molong Dam and then from Molong to Cumnock and Yeoval. 53

Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog Program

Funds totalling $110 million from Restart NSW have been committed to clearing a backlog of projects in regional and rural towns affected by ongoing water quality and sewerage problems.54 The funding will be delivered under the Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog Program, and managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Water.

ACTION 2.2.2 Establish monitoring planned strategically, in conjunction with mechanisms to enable better councils. This type of infrastructure includes demand forecasting to inform schools, emergency service facilities, bus depots, energy generation and supply facilities, infrastructure coordination waste disposal areas, cemeteries and crematoria, and a range of other infrastructure. Establishing mechanisms to monitor development will enable councils, industry and The NSW Government will: infrastructure providers to improve planning for future infrastructure requirements. This is • monitor land release to inform and particularly relevant for infrastructure that has coordinate infrastructure needs. longer delivery lead times and needs to be 44 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 45

GOAL 3 – A region that protects and enhances its productive agricultural land, natural resources and environmental assets

The region’s economic success, its character, generation, rural living and tourism. Dealing heritage, rural areas, urban centres, attractions with land use conflict is an ongoing challenge and environment, all rely on the careful particularly when rural residential development management of natural resources and the results in the loss of productive agricultural land environment. This is becoming more apparent through land fragmentation and consequently due to the increasing competition between a decline in investment certainty in future agriculture, industry and the environment. commercial agriculture. Protecting agricultural land from urban encroachment and further The region’s future prosperity depends on fragmentation also helps to preserve industries, notably agriculture, mining and biodiversity. renewable energy that rely on access to land, water and other environmental assets. These The NSW Government has developed the Right natural resources must be managed to to Farm Policy, which presents a comprehensive minimise the potential for land use conflict, approach to dealing with the right of farmers to avoid unintentional sterilisation and maximise undertake lawful agricultural practices without future economic opportunities. conflict or interference arising from complaints from neighbours and other land uses.

DIRECTION 3.1 Protect The co-location of incompatible land uses can restrict growth and discourage investment in regionally important good agricultural practices and productivity. It agricultural land is important to protect primary and secondary production land, and related supply chain infrastructure. While the total land area available for potential agricultural use is large, there are a Travelling Stock Reserves are parcels of Crown comparatively small number of locations with a Land reserved under legislation to provide high economic productive capacity due to pasture for travelling or grazing stock. These access to water, high quality soils and suitable parcels are an important agricultural climates. The NSW Government will actively production asset for the region and can be Top: plan to protect productive agricultural lands to beneficial in times of drought, bushfire or flood. Macquarie Marshes manage the pressures from increasing They are also used for public recreation, apiary Nature Reserve, domestic and global demand for food and fibre, Warren, courtesy of sites and conservation. This land is managed by Cameron Muir the risks of declining productivity from land Local Land Services to balance the needs fragmentation, climate change, biosecurity risks between travelling stock and the conservation Middle: and land use conflicts. Canola, courtesy of of native species. Many travelling stock reserves Cabonne Shire Council have high biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural The potential for land use conflict across the heritage values. These lands need to be Bottom: region’s agricultural lands is high with protected from the encroachment of Beef cattle, courtesy competing demands for the use of agricultural incompatible uses. of Lachlan Shire land from resource extraction, forestry, energy Council 46

Figure 12: Resources

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land

Timber Production and Forestry

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Irrigation Area

Sydney Drinking Water Catchment

Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 47 48

ACTION 3.1.1 Identify and protect The NSW Government will: regionally important agricultural • prepare a Regional Agricultural lands Development Strategy to map important agricultural land, identify emerging The biophysical and socio-economic opportunities, and give guidance and requirements for sustainable agricultural direction for local planning of agricultural production vary between individual agricultural development, to complement the existing industries. Each industry requires access to a Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land specific combination of resources including mapping; land and water, favourable climatic conditions, • require councils to recognise and protect labour, infrastructure, and proximity to markets the potential of productive agricultural land and processing facilities. To be sustainable they in local planning controls; and must operate with the available resources, protect and restore the natural resource base, • implement the Government’s Agriculture and manage onsite and offsite impacts. Industry Action Plan - Primed for growth: Maintaining agricultural land efficiently, and investing locally, connecting globally (Nov preventing fragmentation, are critical to 2014). sustainable and profitable agricultural Wheat harvest, Grenfell, courtesy of production. Five Hours West ACTION 3.1.2 Establish a strategic The co-location of incompatible land uses can planning framework to protect the restrict growth, and discourage investment in productive values of agricultural good agricultural practices and productivity. It land is important to protect primary and secondary production land, and related supply chain infrastructure such as regional saleyards, silos The planning system is currently being and abattoirs, so that these industries can reviewed so it can provide the strategic and continue to operate without restriction. A legal framework to protect rural land uses, critical mass of agricultural industries must be natural resources, developing industries, maintained to support important parts of the dependent industries and communities. supply chain, including ancillary services, infrastructure, markets, processing facilities and An updated policy framework will help guide related industries. local strategic planning to provide certainty and consistency, support investment in new The NSW Government’s 2014 Biophysical and existing agricultural industries, and enable Strategic Agricultural Land mapping identifies planning to manage future risks such as climate agricultural land in the region that is of variability. significance to the State (see Figure 12). This land is capable of sustaining high levels of Such a framework can inform local planning, production for a variety of agricultural support ongoing investment and employment, industries due to high quality soil and water and capture new opportunities for the resources, and a lack of constraints. The value sustainable use of agricultural land. of this land, and its ongoing viability, must be considered when determining the relative The NSW Government will: merits of coal and coal seam gas extraction. • deliver an updated strategic policy framework that: There is an opportunity to complement the existing Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land recognises the importance of mapping with additional regional-scale agricultural lands; mapping that reflects regional climatic and protects land and resources for key geological conditions, as well as regional agricultural industries from industry needs. Mapping that incorporates inappropriate development; biophysical, infrastructure and key socio- economic factors can be used to inform provides clear and consistent direction strategic land use planning for diverse for the management of agricultural agricultural sectors. lands; DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 49

provides guidance on managing the The NSW Government will require councils to: interface between agricultural lands and identify opportunities to minimise other rural and urban land uses; • biosecurity risks for current and future considers the potential impacts industries through biosecurity plans and associated with climate change; and strategic planning, including a review of land use zones in local plans; and provides direction to councils about the sustainable management of agricultural • promote the application of buffer areas to lands when they are preparing minimise biosecurity risks when assessing evidence-based local strategies; and the potential impacts of new development. • work with councils to protect productive agricultural land through land use zoning, and where possible, increase opportunities DIRECTION 3.2 Protect the for agricultural and horticultural uses to region’s mineral and keep fresh foods available locally. energy resources

ACTION 3.1.3 Encourage the Australian and State Government policies increased use of biosecurity relating to the mining and energy resource measures to protect the region’s industries are continually evolving in response agricultural assets to governments’ improved understanding of national issues and opportunities. Enhancing our collective understanding of the location, Effective biosecurity is important because it value and attributes of mineral and energy contributes to the wellbeing and prosperity of resources, throughout the Central West and the region, and more broadly the nation. A Orana, is an important step toward the biosecurity event has a negative impact not just sustainable long term management of these on an industry, but may also extend to sectors within the region. surrounding activities and associated industries such as manufacturing and processing, transport and tourism. ACTION 3.2.1 Identify mineral and energy resource lands to support Potential biosecurity risks are increasing due to the globalisation of trade, population growth, the sustainable management of climate variability, and competing priorities for mining industries and diversification resources, including land use conflicts.55 of NSW energy supplies

Biosecurity risks can be minimised by Energy resources are important both to the appropriate land zoning and land uses in local region and the State economy. Coal mining will environmental plans, and by applying buffers to be an ongoing important industry, separate different land uses, through distance, predominantly due to its export value. Over the vegetation or topography. coming decades, the region will continue benefiting from the economic and employment The NSW Government’s commitment to flow-on effects of the coal mining industry and strengthening and maintaining biosecurity through the development of new industries that measures across NSW is provided across a can provide alternative energy supplies for the number of documents, including the NSW State. This may include gas and renewables. Biosecurity Strategy 2013-2021,56 the NSW Weeds Action Program 2015-2020 and the The NSW Government has identified energy Draft NSW Invasive Species Plan 2015–2022. resource lands for coal and gas across the Local Land Services will continue to play a key State. Within the Central West and Orana role in this issue, in collaboration with other region, these are in the established coalfields in organisations such as the NSW Department of the east of the region around Lithgow and Primary Industries. Mudgee shown on Figure 13 and the petroleum exploration areas in the north east of the region, which are shown on Figure 14. The NSW 50

Government is currently working with the growth of the mining industry, with resource Australian Government to identify additional planning across the State currently guided by lands capable of accommodating large-scale the: renewable energy projects to support the NSW Gas Plan; development of these industries. • • NSW Mining Act 1992 and the NSW In addition to energy resource lands, the NSW Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991; Government has also identified mineral State Environment Planning Policy (Mining, resource lands, shown on Figure 15, which • Petroleum Production and Extractive contain an array of other mineral resources that Industries) 2007, which includes coal seam have extractive value. Many of these also gas exclusion zones around towns and provide affordable supply sources for other villages; industries operating within the region, including for example: • Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment Guide; and • agricultural industries which use limestone as fertiliser and clay to pelletise stockfeed; • the Draft Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment for Potential Coal and manufacturing industries that process clays • Petroleum Exploration Release Areas into ceramics and bricks, limestone into Cadia East Mine, Guidelines. Orange, Courtesy of cement, and sands into pigments and glass; Newcrest Mining Ltd and To support the sustainable economic growth of • construction industries, which use fine the mining industry and diversification of aggregates to make concrete and asphalt energy supplies for NSW within the Central and coarse aggregates as road and rail West and Orana, the NSW Government will: ballast. • develop analytical tools to identify and map large-scale renewable energy potential, Figures 13, 14 and 15 (see pages 52-57), show building on new information such as the the location of existing exploration and Australian Government’s Australian production titles for the following respectively Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure, (based on information known at February as it becomes available; 2016): provide geoscience information available coal; • • related to the resources and energy sectors • gas (petroleum) areas and areas where in NSW and transparently monitor exploration titles have been bought back by development activity. Up-to-date mapping the NSW Government; and of resource titles is available on the Common Ground website and geoscientific minerals and quarries (excluding coal). • data is housed in the Department of Industry’s Geoscience Data Warehouse; and The maps for coal and gas exclude areas with high potential for and/or identified resources. • work with councils and industry to identify Information regarding potential and/or and support opportunities for smaller-scale identified mineral and energy resources is renewable energy projects such as those available from the Division of Resources and using bioenergy or waste coal mine Energy. The data will be updated as geological methane, supporting greater energy knowledge is acquired. Up-to-date mapping of security within the region. resource titles is available on the Common Ground website and geoscientific data is The NSW Government will use this information housed in the Department of Industry’s to work with councils and industries within the Geoscience Data Warehouse. Central West and Orana to plan for the future of mining industries; identify the short, medium The NSW Government has several policy and and long term development priorities to guide legislative tools to support the sustainable investment decisions for these industries; and identify new opportunities for renewable energy industries. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 51

Definitions Explanatory note: Current Coal Mining Activities and Exploration Areas map COAL SEAM GAS – natural gas from coal seams.

EXTRACTIVE MATERIAL - sand, gravel, clay, soil, rock, stone or Figure 13 (over) identifies the current coal similar substances, but does not include turf. mining activities in the Central West and GAS – natural gas found in several different rock types including Orana, based on existing licences issued sandstone, limestone, shale and coal. under the Mining Act 1992. These include: MINERAL - a solid naturally occurring substance including, but • coal exploration titles – identifying not limited to, coal, oil shale, agate, bauxite, copper, diamond, areas where an exploration licence or emerald, fluorite, gold, graphite, iron, lead, opal, potassium, rutile, assessment lease has been granted to ruby, selenium, silver, topaz, vermiculite, zinc, zirconia but does enable title holders to establish the not include petroleum. quality, quantity and commercial viability of underlying coal resources. A full list of minerals can be found in Schedule 1 of the NSW The map identifies those titles that are Mining Regulation 2010: held by the NSW Government and http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/ those that are held by private subordleg+619+2010+cd+0+N companies; and MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES – minerals, petroleum, • coal production titles – identifying gemstones, extractive materials and renewable energy. areas where a mining lease has been granted to allow coal to be extracted. MINING INDUSTRIES – industries that mine mineral and Land subject to coal production titles petroleum resources. may contain a range of mining-related PETROLEUM (INCL. OIL & GAS) – any naturally occurring activities, including open cut or hydrocarbon, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state, or a underground mines and surface mixture thereof. infrastructure such as roads or rail, as well as buffer zones to sensitive uses or other non-operational areas.

Coal Seam Gas There are also locations where mining activities are excluded by the: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; The Gunnedah Basin coalfield extends partly into the • and Warrumbungle Local Government Area. The petroleum exploration licence (PEL) titles in the local government areas of • State Environmental Planning Policy Gilgandra, Coonamble and Warrumbungle are shown in Figure 14 (Mining Petroleum Production and (see page 54). Extractive Industries) 2007. As with other industries, coal mining and coal seam gas extraction The data shown draws on information have the potential to affect water supply, security and relating to existing title approvals and is infrastructure. These risks can be managed and it is important correct at February 2016. The data does that these proposals continue to be assessed and regulated, not indicate the nature, timing or location informed by the best available science. of specific mining activities. Further The Government’s NSW Gas Plan was released in November 2014 information about recent or current and establishes a clear strategic framework to deliver world’s best development applications for mining practice standards and regulation of the coal seam gas industry. projects in specific locations can be found on the Department of Planning and The NSW Gas Plan is based on scientific and rigorous analysis by Environment’s Major Projects website at: the independent NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer and her Office. http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/. The Chief Scientist’s report concluded that the gas industry can be managed with the right regulation, engineering solutions and ongoing management. The Government has accepted all of the 22 recommendations in the Chief Scientist’s final report. 52

Figure 13: Current Coal Mining Activities and Exploration Areas

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Coal Production Title

Company-held Exploration Title

Government-held Exploration Title

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Waterway

Disclaimer: Exploration titles show where applications can be made for mining activities. They do not infer a right to mine.

Mining is excluded in National Parks and Historic Sites. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 53 54

Figure 14: Current Petroleum exploration Titles and areas where Exploration Titles have been Bought Back by NSW Government 2011-2015

Disclaimer: Exploration titles show where applications can be made for mining activities. They do not infer a right to mine. Mining is excluded in National Parks and Historic Sites.

Regional City Highway Area where exploration titles have been bought back by Regional Centre Main Road government 2011-2015

Town/Village Waterway

Railway Petroleum Exploration Title DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 55

Explanatory note: Explanatory note: Current Petroleum Current Mineral Resource Titles Exploration Titles and and Exploration Areas map Areas where Exploration Titles have been bought Figure 15 (over) identifies the mineral resources, other than coal, that back by NSW Government are known to occur in the Central West and Orana, including mineral 2011-2015 map sands, industrial minerals, gemstones and other metals. The map shows: Figure 14 identifies the current location of • current minerals mining titles – identifying areas where a mining petroleum mining activities in the Central lease has been granted to allow the mineral to be extracted; West and Orana, based on existing licences issued under the Petroleum • identified resources – identifying where previous exploration or (Onshore) Act 1991. Industry activities are assessments have confirmed the presence of a mineral resource. currently limited to exploration and The areas shown include an adjacent transition area around the assessment to establish the quality, identified resource, where planning and management should quantity and commercial viability of consider the current or future implications of extractive activities; petroleum resources, which may include • current minerals exploration titles – identifying areas where an conventional and coal seam gas. exploration licence or assessment lease has been granted to enable title holders to establish the quality, quantity and Mining activities may also be excluded by commercial viability of underlying mineral resources; and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. In addition to this, State Environmental • potential resource areas – where geological surveys suggest Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum there may be a high likelihood of a particular resource, which may Production and Extractive Industries) 2007 be confirmed through future exploration and assessment. also excludes gas exploration and production in critical industry clusters and There are also locations where mining activities are excluded by the: around existing settlements. • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; and This figure also shows where exploration • State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum titles have been bought back by the NSW Production and Extractive Industries), 2007. Government, following the release of the NSW Gas Plan in 2014. The data shown reflects the NSW Government’s Minerals Resource Audit, finalised in 2015 and includes existing title approvals issued The data shown on these maps draws on under the Mining Act 1992, current at February 2016. This data does information relating to existing title not indicate the nature, timing or location of specific mining and approvals and is correct at February 2016. quarrying activities. Further information about recent or current The data does not indicate the nature, development applications for mining projects in specific locations can timing or location of specific mining be found on the Department of Planning and Environment’s Major activities. Further information about Projects website at: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/. recent or current development applications for mining projects in specific locations can be found on the Department of Planning and Environment’s Major Projects website at: http://majorprojects. planning.nsw.gov.au/. 56

Figure 15: Current Mineral Resource Titles and Exploration Areas

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Current Minerals Mining Title

Identified Resource

Current Minerals Exploration Title

Potential Resource

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

Waterway

Disclaimer: Exploration titles show where applications can be made for mining activities. They do not infer a right to mine. Mining is excluded in National Parks and Historic Sites. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 57 58

First Solar, Nygan, courtesy of AGL Energy

ACTION 3.2.2 Plan for the ongoing Having a staged approach to land use planning productive use of mineral and for a resource area will recognise the sequential energy resource lands nature of activities: • lead-in stage – to determine the project’s Mining activities have specific operational suitability and viability consideration needs needs that can compete with other sensitive to be given to the potential local and uses. However, they are also temporary, cumulative environmental or social impacts dependent on the productive life of the facility and benefits of the proposed activity, and or resource. Once extractive resource lands the productive value of the resource and have been identified, there may be the investments in land and infrastructure opportunities to identify interim activities that required to support ongoing operations; will enable lands to be used productively, • operational stage – consideration needs to without sterilising the future potential to extract be given to the requirements that should be the underlying resource. However, any land use set to manage the production of resources changes contemplated in advance of the in line with global and national demands, extraction of resources must be carefully and to maintain buffers to sensitive uses; considered. and

The Council of Australian Governments • transitional stage – consideration needs to Standing Council on Energy and Resources be given to transitioning to other land uses, prepared a Multiple Land Use Framework to once the underlying resources have been assist in planning and managing multiple land extracted. uses. The framework includes a series of planning principles that can assist in planning Throughout the lifecycle of the resource, around known resource areas, where other high consideration should also be given to value land uses also exist. opportunities to provide: rural and agricultural activities; Developing land use plans that respond to the • lifecycle of the extractive resource area will • conservation – to protect biodiversity and enable all stakeholders to better understand sustain habitat connectivity; and the long term productive value of the land and • housing – to accommodate long term provide greater certainty for investments. demands for expanding cities, towns and These land use plans may consider how villages (this will be informed by and identified extractive resource lands may support a separate action for long term accommodate a range of uses, either settlement planning). sequentially or simultaneously with extraction- related activities. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 59

The NSW Government will: energy generation by renewable energy by 2020. These targets have been a driver of wind work with relevant councils, communities • and solar farm proposals across NSW. and industries to prepare land use plans that respond to the lifecycle of resource The NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan details activity for active and emerging mining three goals and 24 actions to most efficiently areas in the Central West and Orana. grow renewable energy generation in NSW. The three goals are to: ACTION 3.2.3 Implement the NSW • attract renewable energy investment and Renewable Energy Action Plan to projects; increase renewable energy • build community support for renewable generation energy; and • attract and grow expertise in renewable The NSW Government has prepared a NSW energy technology. Renewable Energy Action Plan (2013) to help achieve the national target of 20 per cent of The NSW Government will: • implement the actions in the NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan.

Developing alternative energy sources in the Central West and Orana

In the coming decades, coal mining will continue to be landmark Nyngan Solar Plant occupies an area of 250 an important industry within the Central West and hectares and is currently the largest solar farm in the Orana region, meeting global and State demands for southern hemisphere producing 102 megawatts of energy. New opportunities will also emerge within the electricity from approximately 1.36 million solar region, allowing the region to diversify its energy photovoltaic modules. sector through the development of alternative energy The south-eastern parts of the region are well suited to sources, including gas and renewables. wind generation and already have wind farms, including Blayney Wind Farm with 15 turbines57 and Gas Hampton Park in Oberon with two turbines. A number of new wind farms have been proposed, including The State imports the vast majority of its gas supply Bodangora Wind Farm with 33 turbines58, Flyers Creek and the NSW Government is investigating options to Wind Farm with 43 turbines59 and the Liverpool Range develop its own gas resources to meet a greater Wind Farm with 288 turbines.60 proportion of its demand. The Australian Government is currently working to establish a consistent approach to mapping the Renewables potential for these resources around the country. The region also has recognised opportunities for Other opportunities may also emerge to generate developing alternative energy resources, with identified energy from products including biomass (for example, undeveloped resources and emerging opportunities for agricultural products, forestry products or municipal renewables. It has a number of operational solar, wind waste), carbon sequestration or waste coal mine and bio-energy projects. methane. These energy alternatives can support a more The western parts of the region such as Warren, sustainable energy future within the region by reducing Coonamble and Bogan Local Government Areas are demands for energy as well as the emissions generated well-suited to solar energy generation due to the high by the energy industry. level of annual solar irradiance/insolation. The 60

Left: Cotton bales, courtesy of Pippy Simmons, Warren Shire Council Right: Local business, courtesy of Bathurst City Council

DIRECTION 3.3 Manage competing and conflicting Strategic Release Framework interests in agricultural, mineral and energy resource areas to provide The region holds a rich and diverse geology creating a future potential for greater certainty for mineral and energy resource exploration investment and extraction. It is recognised that there are competing As the region continues to grow, and new uses for land in this region and that there economic development opportunities emerge is a need to balance these interests in for rural and resource industries, there is order to deliver the vision for this region. potential for conflict to arise. The potential for That is, to deliver a region with a conflict is likely to occur where development of sustainable future that maximises the mineral and energy resources coincides with: advantages of its diverse climates, landscapes and resources. • land that currently, or may in future, accommodate agricultural activities; As part of the process to achieve balanced outcomes, the NSW land that may in future accommodate urban • Government has introduced a Strategic activities; and Release Framework for coal and gas. • water resources. This is a mechanism to review and define which lands may constitute new There is also potential for conflict if new exploration release areas. housing encroaches into rural and resource New exploration licences will only be areas leading to increased management costs, issued in areas released by the Minister or if it affects the potential to sustain or grow for Resources and Energy after an rural and resource industries. Land use planning assessment of resource potential, and can provide greater certainty for investment in economic, environmental and social rural and resource industries by establishing factors. clear parameters and transparent processes to support new development. Community consultation and an upfront assessment of social, environmental and One example of how government is managing economic matters will occur through a conflict in the case of mining is through the preliminary regional issues assessment. strategic release framework, which takes into Overall, the new framework resets the account the viability of the resource and NSW Government’s approach to issuing economic, environmental and social impacts of exploration titles to be transparent, new areas for coal and petroleum exploration. informed and consistent with the NSW However, consideration also needs to be given Government’s broader mineral and to exploring the possibility of identifying areas energy resource strategies. of strategic importance to agricultural industries at the State level. This information will assist decision-making about releasing new areas for coal and petroleum. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 61

Further work is also currently under way to DIRECTION 3.4 Manage improve the regulatory environment for coal and coal seam gas development. The Strategic and conserve water Statement on NSW Coal will guide the growth resources across the region and performance of the NSW coal sector. The Statement’s objectives aim to deliver strong Water underpins the success of the region’s and sustainable economic growth by balancing communities, economy and the environment. It resource development and management of is a limited and precious resource and must be other land uses and the environment. managed both for immediate needs and for long term social, economic and environmental ACTION 3.3.1 Avoid urban and rural sustainability. Water resource management is an issue that is external to land use planning. residential encroachment into identified agricultural and extractive The Central West includes part of the Sydney resource lands when preparing long Drinking Water Catchment and specific term settlement strategies planning and development controls apply to proposals within this catchment. Developments Urban and rural residential encroachment into in this catchment must have a neutral or identified agricultural and extractive resource beneficial effect on water quality and should lands impacts on the viability and future not reduce the quantity of water reaching growth potential of rural and resource reservoirs. These protections are provided in a businesses in the Central West and Orana. suite of legislation including State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011; local planning direction Local demand for housing in long term 5.2 Sydney Drinking Water Catchments issued settlement strategies should be assessed based under Section 117(2) of the Environmental on regional priorities, including support for the Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Water sustainable growth of agricultural and mining NSW Act 2014 and the Water NSW Regulation industries in the Central West and Orana. Long 2013; and the Water Management Act 2000. term settlement strategies should recognise and respond to: The health of the region relies on maintaining • opportunities to provide similar housing and protecting water catchments, watercourses outcomes in other locations within the and riparian land. Healthy water systems enable region; the best water quality, biodiversity, recreation and economic outcomes. Responding to less the specific operational requirements of • water allocation and climate change impacts existing or potential future agricultural, will be a major challenge for the region and its mining and extractive industries; and producers. • effective and efficient provision and management of associated infrastructure and services. ACTION 3.4.1 Support the sustainable use and conservation of The NSW Government will: water resources • work with councils to avoid the impacts of urban and rural housing encroachment into Historic water use and drought have meant that identified agricultural and extractive water supply for all water users, including the resource areas when preparing local environment, has been prioritised and strategies. This will support the ongoing rationalised. The major water users in the success of agricultural and mining region are councils, water utilities, and mining industries within the Central West and and agricultural industries such as cotton, dairy, Orana; and wool and wheat. Sharing water equitably between competing water users and the • work with councils and industry to identify where demands for additional urban lands environment, particularly during periods of coincide with identified extractive resources drought, is a key issue. and develop strategies to sequence the release of these in line with mining Water resource management is complex and is activities. vested across all three tiers of government. At 62

Castlereagh River, Coonamble, courtesy of Gecko Photographics, Destination NSW

all levels therefore, government must develop • Belubula Regulated River Water Source; policies that provide a sustainable supply of Castlereagh River (above Binnaway) Water water for present and future generations. • Source; The Murray-Darling Basin Plan limits water use • Castlereagh River (below Binnaway) at environmentally sustainable levels by Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources; determining long term average sustainable Mandagery Creek Water Source; diversion limits.61 Integrated responses to the • management of water supply, recycling, • NSW Great Artesian Basin Shallow conservation and efficiency, across all sectors, Groundwater Sources; are already being implemented through the Lower Macquarie Groundwater Sources; Basin Plan. • and Water resource plans are currently being • Lower Lachlan Groundwater Source. prepared to implement the outcomes of the Basin Plan and existing water sharing plans are Subdivision for rural residential land has expected to be a component. These plans dramatically increased the number of establish rules for sharing water between the landholders who are able to extract water, environmental needs of the river or aquifer and without the need for a water licence. It is water users, and also between different types important that this incremental extraction of of water use, such as town supply, rural the region’s water is sustainably managed. domestic supply, stock watering, industry and irrigation. The following water sharing plans The region is adapting to water scarcity and the exist in the region: effects of climate change by using more efficient irrigation technologies. The NSW Macquarie Bogan Unregulated and Alluvial • Government will support efficiencies in Water Sources; irrigation that continue to create a demand for • Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated agricultural land and provide appropriate Rivers Water Source; opportunities for agribusiness growth through projects such as Restoring the Balance. • Lachlan Regulated River Water Source; • Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources; • NSW Murray-Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources; • NSW Murray-Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources; • NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources; DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 63

The NSW Government will: Restoring the Balance • support the Murray-Darling Basin resource allocation plans and collaborate with industry and stakeholders to provide clarity Restoring the Balance is part of a 10-year to producers on changes to and Australian Government initiative called management of water allocations; and Water for the Future, to help Australia plan for a future with less water. Without • recognise and plan for the pressures of a sufficient water the Murray Darling changing climate on water availability and Basin’s ecosystems will continue to use for the environment, agriculture, deteriorate, threatening many species settlements and communities, and industry. and the viability of farming, non-rural production, cities and towns. As part of the initiative, $3.1 billion will be used to purchase water entitlements from irrigators. There is compelling scientific evidence that the basin is facing a future with less water. The purchase of water entitlements is part of an integrated effort to meet this challenge.

Figure 16: Water Governance62

LOCAL STATE FEDERAL

Water pricing and economic regulation

Water planning and management

Water markets

Water supply and services

Water quality management

• Ministerial • Local water utilities Departments • Murray-Darling • Irrigation companies • Economic regulator Basin Authority • Major water utilities 64

DIRECTION 3.5 Protect and Many of the region’s natural features are already subject to a high level of regulation. manage the region’s Land use planning can identify locations where environmental assets these high environmental values are likely to occur and strategic planning can help to protect their values through the right The Central West and Orana region’s landscape regulatory environment that avoids or underpins its cultural heritage, settlement and minimises impacts on their values. agricultural character. It comprises dryland and wetland landscapes, riparian systems, alpine Areas with a high probability of high communities, grasslands karst systems and environmental value are identified in Figure 17. semi-arid shrublands. These important High environmental value assets in the region landscapes support native flora and fauna, include (but are not limited to) the following: endangered ecological communities and a number of threatened and vulnerable species. • areas protected for conservation, including national parks, state flora reserves and The Macquarie-Castlereagh catchment includes Crown reserves; the internationally significant Macquarie native vegetation of high conservation Marshes Wetlands which are about 200,000 • value, including over-cleared vegetation hectares in size. The Macquarie Marshes Nature types and vegetation within over-cleared Reserve was listed under the Ramsar landscapes; Convention in 1986. It covers 19,850 hectares and contains significant cultural values.63 • known habitat for threatened species and populations; Groundwater dependent ecosystems and endangered ecological communities; aquatic habitats also have high environmental • values. Aquatic habitats in the region have been • wetlands and lagoons, such as Dunns mapped by the Department of Primary Swamp and ‘the Drip’ near Mudgee and the Industries, Fisheries. Macquarie Marshes near Warren;65 areas of geological significance, such as The region also has a significant number of • karst landscapes like Jenolan, Abercrombie, reserves gazetted under the National Parks and Borenore and Wellington Caves;66 and Wildlife Act 1974, including the Wollemi National Park, which forms part of the Greater • the volcanic landscapes of Coolah Tops and Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This area the Warrumbungles.67 is recognised nationally and internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.64

This draft Plan takes a landscape-based approach to regional planning. It recognises the importance that the community places on the region’s unique environmental features and their associated cultural, tourist and recreational values. It is vital that these environmental assets are not only protected but also actively managed and restored. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 65

Left: Macquarie River, courtesy of Cabonne Shire Council Middle: Warrumbungle National Park, courtesy of Susan Wright, Destination NSW Right: Cathedral Cave, Wellington, courtesy of Gecko Photographics, Destination NSW

ACTION 3.5.1 Facilitate improved Explanatory note: Environment map access to quality information relating to high environmental values and use this information to Figure 17 (over) shows vegetation of potentially high environmental value across the Central West and Orana region. avoid, minimise and offset the These areas relate to natural features that have existing impacts of development on protections under legislation, regulation, policy or significant environmental assets intergovernmental agreement. This mapping helps to identify regionally important conservation areas and areas that should be Currently, the availability of local scale field- avoided by development. When preparing planning strategies and validated vegetation mapping varies across the local environmental plans, councils will need to consider region. Field-validated vegetation mapping is appropriate environmental protection measures to protect key used to identify, protect and manage environmental assets. environmental assets at a local scale, and to A range of criteria were used to map high environmental values validate any new growth areas. Areas identified land including: for new or more intensive development can then be located to avoid or mitigate potential • existing conservation areas, including national parks and impacts on these values. Where it is not reserves, marine parks, declared wilderness areas, Crown possible to avoid impacts, councils will be reserves dedicated for environmental protection and required to consider how impacts can be conservation, and flora reserves; managed through planning controls or other environmental management mechanisms such • native vegetation of high conservation values, including vegetation types that have been over-cleared or occur within as biodiversity offsets. over-cleared landscapes, old growth forests and rainforests; The NSW Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major • threatened ecological communities and key habitats; Projects applies to all biodiversity in NSW, important wetlands, coastal lakes and estuaries; and including aquatic biodiversity. All other offsets • or compensation requirements are covered by • sites of geological significance. the Department of Primary Industries’ policy The data used to identify high environmental values in this draft and guidelines for fish habitat conservation and Plan are intended to provide a regional-level overview for the management (updated in 2013). purposes of strategic planning. Some areas not identified on the map, including terrestrial and aquatic environments, may also The NSW Government will continue to refine contain high environmental values. the potential high environmental value mapping as new information arises. Councils will need to This data will continue to be updated as new information becomes consider environmental protection measures available. Interested parties should contact relevant agencies, for key environmental assets when preparing including the Office of Environment and Heritage for further local planning strategies and amending local information and to obtain the most recent spatial data. environmental plans. 66

Figure 17: Environment

Regional City

Regional Centre

Town/Village

Railway

Highway

Main Road

Declared Wilderness

Karst Conservation

Ramsar Wetland

National Park and Reserve

State Forest

High Environmental Value

Wetland

Irrigation Area

Sydney Drinking Water Catchment

Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 67 68

The NSW Government will: status and aquatic threatened species distribution maps, will be used by councils work with councils, when they are preparing • during strategic planning and when they are planning strategies or local environmental developing local environmental plans. plans for new or more intensive development, to: The NSW Government will require that councils: identify and implement appropriate use appropriate provisions to protect water planning controls to protect areas of • catchment areas and groundwater sources high environmental value; from potential impacts from development. implement the ‘avoid, minimise, offset’ Any development should have a neutral or hierarchy, by striving to avoid and beneficial effect on water quality; and minimise impacts on areas of high minimise the impacts of development on environmental value, and where impacts • fish, fish habitat, aquaculture, commercial cannot be avoided, identify and secure and recreational fishing and waterways appropriate biodiversity offsets through (including watercourses, wetlands and an offset strategy; and riparian lands), and meet the Water Quality consider the use of biodiversity and River Flow Objectives. certification. • continue to refine the potential high environmental values mapping as new DIRECTION 3.6 Protect information arises to assist decision- people, property and the making. environment from exposure to natural hazards and ACTION 3.5.2 Maintain healthy build resilient communities waterways and wetlands, including downstream environments The region’s natural environment presents a number of challenges for hazard management Water quality is an important factor influencing and planning. Major natural hazards such as the ability of waterways and aquifers to sustain floods, bushfires and drought are already a healthy aquatic ecosystems. The Department of challenge and are expected to be exacerbated Primary Industries’ Policy and Guidelines for by climate change. Fish Habitat Conservation and Management (2013) provides guidance, and assists in All local government areas in the region are managing and protecting our important aquatic exposed to the threat of natural hazards, resources. although the extent of the threat varies. Some areas are more prone and exposed to floods New and enlarged developments need to be such as Narromine, Bogan, Coonamble, Forbes appropriately located, designed, constructed and Warren, while other heavily forested areas and managed to minimise impacts, including such as Lithgow, Oberon, Bathurst and the downstream impacts, on key fish habitats. The Warrumbungles, are more prone to bushfires. NSW Government’s Water Quality and River Flow Objectives are a resource councils should Climate change poses a significant risk to the use to guide catchment and local strategic region’s ecosystems, agricultural productivity plans. and the sustainability and resilience of smaller communities. In December 2014, the NSW Key fish habitats are those marine, estuarine Government released climate projections and and freshwater habitats that are important for impact information at scales relevant to local the preservation of fish communities and for decision-making.68 The NSW and ACT Regional the ongoing productivity of recreational and Climate Modelling69 projections for the future commercial fishing and the aquaculture suggest that the region will be particularly industry. Key fish habitats have been mapped vulnerable to rising temperatures and changing by the Department of Primary Industries, rainfall patterns. Fisheries, and along with the fish community DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 69

ACTION 3.6.1 Review and map The impact of climate change natural hazard risks to inform land use planning decisions

The region is likely to be affected by a changing climate in the Understanding the nature and location of future with several climatic changes predicted including: hazards is an important part of strategic • a drier and warmer future climate, resulting in increased planning. Most councils include hazard evaporation, increased occurrence of heat waves, extreme mapping in local environmental plans, for winds and fire risk; example, flood prone land and karst land maps, which provide a level of certainty about site potential for increases in seasonal extreme rainfall events • constraints and risks. leading to changed flood behaviour;70 • an overall change in rainfall, with the rainfall patterns Mine subsidence is known to affect part of the projected to vary across the region, but with a drier spring and historic coal mining areas around Lithgow and wetter autumn predicted generally; may also affect other parts of the region where mining has occurred. The NSW Government substantial reduction in stream flow, for example, in the • already provides strategic advice and support Macquarie River, an 11 to 30 per cent decrease in flows to councils and landowners to plan, manage upstream by 2030; and respond to risks and hazards from mine • combined climatic changes likely to affect natural systems, subsidence through the Mine Subsidence species and ecosystems, and those that cannot adapt likely to Board. Decisions made on new infill and decline, contract or become extinct; greenfield development, particularly around the Lithgow area, need to consider the potential hotter climate with days projected to be on average +0.4 to • risks and hazards associated with mine 1°C hotter across all seasons by 2030, and +1.8 to 2.7°C hotter subsidence. by 2070; • minimum temperatures are projected to increase in the near Hazard mapping is currently based on the best future by 0.5 to 0.9°C and in the far future by 1.5 to 2.6°C; available information, which in some cases means councils must rely on historical data and • increased frequency of very high or extreme fire-risk days – individual site assessments. A more strategic the temperature increases are likely to increase fire intensity approach to mapping is required, including the across the region; progressive updating of regional hazard • substantial reduction in the magnitude, frequency and datasets, and improved communication with duration of broad-scale floods; councils about updated data.

• increased short and intense rainfall events, resulting in Managing flooding is an important priority for increased localised flooding events from smaller urban the NSW Government and councils.72 The Office streams and urban drainage systems; 71 and of Environment and Heritage provides both • average fire weather, and severe fire weather days, projected financial and technical support to local to increase in summer, spring and winter. government so they can develop and implement Floodplain Risk Management Plans to manage flood risk in local communities.

Bushfire hazards and risks are identified on maps of bushfire prone land, which are prepared by councils and certified by the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service. The extent of bushfire prone land may increase with climate change and it is prudent for mapping to be reviewed and monitored at regular intervals. 70

To reduce the community’s exposure to flood The Local Government and Shires Association hazards, the NSW Government will require of NSW has developed a Model Asbestos Policy councils to: for NSW Councils on behalf of the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities. The policy update and implement new flood planning • has been developed to help councils formulate levels (where necessary) using updated asbestos policies and to promote a consistent flood mapping from floodplain risk approach to asbestos management. management plans; and • update flood planning area maps in local The NSW Government will: environmental plans, using updated require councils that are affected by areas information from endorsed floodplain risk • of naturally occurring asbestos to use management plans. appropriate approaches to manage the risks of disturbance. The NSW Government will: • update and share current information on environmental assets and natural hazards ACTION 3.6.3 Support communities with councils to inform planning decisions. to build resilience to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change ACTION 3.6.2 Minimise the potential A systematic and coordinated approach is impacts of naturally occurring necessary to manage climate change risks. asbestos on communities Communities in the region need skills and knowledge about the issue, and need to be Some parts of the Central West and Orana are prepared with adaptive measures across the subject to naturally occurring asbestos with economic, social, environmental and potential impacts from ground disturbing infrastructure sectors to mitigate the effects of activities. Areas where naturally occurring climate change. asbestos is found include the Coolac Serpentinite in south west NSW, the Gilmore Agricultural productivity is likely to be affected Suture Serpentinites in south central NSW, by climate change with predicted lower rainfall, Ordovician to Early Silurian rocks east of higher temperatures and prolonged dry periods Orange and ultramafic complexes in central (drought). Farmers are already preparing for west NSW including areas near Fifield, south and managing severe cyclical variations by west of Dubbo.73 Naturally occurring asbestos improving irrigation; trading water; adopting is found in the local government areas of innovative technology, machinery and crop and Wellington, Cabonne, Orange, Cowra, Blayney animal genetics; using climate forecasting; and and Bathurst. adopting new approaches to marketing. In urban areas, domestic water restrictions and Naturally occurring asbestos only poses a low water use landscaping is being used. health risk when elevated levels of fibres are released into the air, either by human activities The NSW Government can help communities or by natural weathering, and the fibres are prepare for climate change through land use inhaled by people. planning, investment in technology, infrastructure and education. The Office of Environment and Heritage has commenced DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 71

Left: Sheep grazing, Mandurama, courtesy of Destination NSW Right: Courtesy of Parkes Shire Council

rolling out a series of Enabling Regional The NSW Government will: Adaptation Projects across the State, including consider the outcomes of the Regional the Central West and Orana, which will help • Climate Change Adaptation Planning local decision-makers identify and implement Program to inform future land use planning actions to address the potential risks of climate decisions; change. It will identify regional climate vulnerabilities and potential adaptations at a • adopt a whole-of-government approach to regional and sub-regional scale through a series information exchange to support climate of facilitated workshops with agencies, local change adaptation and preparedness; and government, and the Regional Organisations of work with councils to understand and Council and pilot Joint Organisations. • respond to climate-related risks by applying and communicating fine-scale climate The Office of Environment and Heritage will information to support decision-making. continue to develop information to help manage and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Councils can recognise and prevent development pressures in and adjacent to vulnerable areas in their local environmental plans.

To reduce the community’s exposure to natural hazards, the NSW Government will require councils to: • incorporate best available hazard information into local planning controls; • prohibit new urban releases in high flood hazard areas and designated waterways, consistent with floodplain risk management plans; • implement the findings of flood studies, modelling and floodplain risk management plans, for example, by including amendments to planning instruments and incorporating findings into local strategic plans; and • locate developments away from areas of known high biodiversity value and high bushfire and flooding hazard. 72 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 73

GOAL 4 – Strong communities and liveable places that cater for the region’s changing population

The Central West and Orana Region is and a range of jobs that support key economic projected to grow by 18,750 people, from sectors such as agribusiness, mining and 283,700 in 2016 to 302,450 in 2036. tourism.

Population change will have implications for the Some towns and villages are projected to patterns, roles and functions of the region’s experience population growth, particularly diverse settlements. Success across the region those in Cabonne and Blayney Local will be measured by growth in the cities and Government Areas that are close to the regional regional centres and the strength and resilience cities of Bathurst and Orange. Other of smaller towns and villages. settlements, which predominantly support agricultural production and mining activities, The draft Plan aims to create attractive, healthy are projected to remain relatively stable or in and sustainable communities which are great some cases experience decline as a result of places for people to live, work and visit. changes to employment opportunities and demographic change.

The NSW Government supports efforts to grow DIRECTION 4.1 Manage the region and create strong and diverse growth and change in the communities resilient to economic, social and region’s settlements environmental changes. Partnership-based initiatives such as the ‘Evocities’ program have been successful in attracting new residents and The regional cities of Dubbo, Orange and Top: investment into regional cities like Dubbo, Housing, courtesy Bathurst will experience the highest rate of Orange and Bathurst. Both the Australian and of Narromine Shire population growth in the region. The regional NSW Governments support for this partnership Council centres of Lithgow, Mudgee and Parkes will also initiative has resulted in increased funding and experience growth as they become more Middle: dedicated resources. Grenfell attractive places for people to live and work. playground, The prosperity and liveability of the region is courtesy of Five dependent on the strong interrelationships and Hours West dependencies that exist between these six larger settlements and the many smaller towns Bottom: Dubbo Regional and villages. These smaller towns and villages Theatre, courtesy provide local level services and offer more of Dubbo City affordable housing, attractive lifestyle choices Council 74

Figure 18: Bathurst Regional City

University Business Release Area

Hospital Business Precinct

Intermodal Terminal Existing Industrial Land

Regional Airport Special Use Area

Railway Station Urban Area

Main Road Open Space

Railway Non-Urban Area

Urban Release Area Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 75

Figure 19: Orange Regional City

University Urban Release Area Open Space

Hospital Business Precinct Non-Urban Area

Railway Station Existing Industrial Land Waterway

Main Road Special Use Area

Railway Urban Area 76

Figure 20: Dubbo Regional City

University Railway Urban Area

Hospital Urban Release Area Open Space

Intermodal Terminal Industrial Release Area Non-Urban Area

Regional Airport Business Precinct Waterway

Railway Station Existing Industrial Land

Main Road Special Use Area DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 77

increase job opportunities and services. This ‘Evocities’ - Local will benefit the immediate and broader regional Government Partnership community. These centres are well-placed to capitalise on growth with their location on Initiative various national highways and the rail network. Bathurst and Lithgow are also able to capitalise on their close proximity to Sydney. Seven of the State’s largest regional cities – Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Detailed strategic planning is required to Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga maximise the role of the cities as centres of Wagga – formed a partnership in 2010 to influence, to optimise outcomes for economic encourage capital city residents to growth, the delivery of infrastructure and long relocate to and invest in Evocities. term planning that meets the future needs of The Evocities have collectively welcomed communities and industry. Making best use of 2,375 new households (June 2015) existing transport infrastructure networks (road generating over $225 million in and rail), and removing barriers to development additional annual direct spending. The such as unsuitable zoning and restrictive land initiative has also helped to lift median use controls, will attract future investment. incomes, encourage business growth, increase tourism and grow participation The NSW Government will work with: in community groups. • Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange City Councils to develop a regional cities strategy which: investigates linkages between health and education precincts; ACTION 4.1.1 Support the role and manages areas of growth; function of the regional cities and regional centres coordinates infrastructure delivery across residential, industrial and rural land; By 2036, the number of residents living in and around the regional cities will grow by 23,250 considers the role, function and from 126,100 in 2016 to 149,350 in 2036. The relationship of the regional cities with regional cities are supported by the three other centres; and regional centres – Mudgee, Parkes and Lithgow assigns responsibility for actions and – which together form the backbone of a projects across all levels of government. diverse, interconnected and interdependent network of centres. ACTION 4.1.2 Deliver improved The regional centres perform similar roles and functions to the regional cities as they provide a tools and partnerships to build range of supplementary services, facilities and community capacity in towns and employment opportunities. These centres villages to strengthen community service a broader area beyond the local resilience surrounding settlements and have a population generally greater than 10,000 people. However, Resilience is important for all settlements in the the highest level of services and facilities region. Towns and villages are more vulnerable generally remain located in the regional cities, to the effects of demographic and economic which provide commercial, residential, cultural change than larger cities and towns, due to and industrial opportunities and higher-order their size and sometimes isolated locations. services to their surrounding catchments. Communities need to be able to develop, Dubbo acts as the primary service centre for implement and sustain solutions to these the Far West and has a catchment population challenges for long term prosperity. This can be that extends well beyond the boundaries of the achieved by capitalising on community assets region, to more than 120,000 people.74 such as heritage, lifestyle amenity and the environment, and by offering specialised The growth of the regional cities will encourage services and products. future investment throughout the region, helping to grow and diversify industry and 78

Communities need to build skills and capacity, ACTION 4.1.3 Support the identify opportunities, and enhance their continued identification and involvement in decision-making to become protection of the region’s heritage more resilient to change. The NSW Government supports opportunities to work collaboratively with stakeholders to build community capacity. The Central West and Orana has diverse The pilot Joint Organisation of Councils Aboriginal and European cultural heritage, with governance model promotes capacity building 137 identified heritage items listed on the NSW and resource-sharing across councils, to jointly State Heritage Register and over 1,967 local advocate and pursue common issues and goals. heritage items listed in local environmental plans. There are nine Aboriginal Places Other tools and resources such as the NSW identified and protected under the National Strengthening Rural Communities Resource Kit Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. All of these assets (2001) can be used by communities to enhance enrich the landscape and cultural value of the their capabilities and become more self- region. sufficient. This resource needs updating to accurately reflect the challenges currently The natural history of the region has shaped facing communities. and influenced the Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and Wayliwan regions, as well as many non- Celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage, Resilient communities depend on the quality of, Aboriginal settlements across the region. This courtesy of Dubbo and access to, core services such as health, rich heritage is reflected in the various City Council education and transport. Continued equitable settlements, transport routes and place names access to these services, and particularly aged given to natural features. It is also reflected in care, will help smaller regional communities nature reserves, national parks and other retain and potentially grow population and protected lands. improve their liveability. Connectivity, through initiatives such as the National Broadband Heritage protection and promotion can support Network, will enable future economic growth in tourism that can help to sustain smaller these centres. communities. Councils can maximise their heritage assets through interpretation and Successfully building resilient and prepared adaptive reuse. There is a need to investigate communities is highly dependent on access to the potential barriers to the adaptive reuse of accurate information. This enables communities heritage items in the region to enable councils and government to more accurately to retain tangible connections to their understand and plan for current and future settlement history and to further promote the services. There is a need to develop a benefits of reuse, particularly in smaller standardised set of baseline data across the communities. region, underpinned by improvements in the collection, interpretation and use of data. Preserving and protecting history is important to the identity of many people in the The NSW Government will: community, particularly Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal cultural heritage • work with CENTROC (Central NSW includes places and items that are of Councils) and other stakeholders to significance to Aboriginal people because of investigate the issues around their traditions, observances, lore, customs, standardisation of baseline data collection beliefs and history. It is dynamic and may in the region; comprise physical (tangible) or non-physical • work with councils to review and update (intangible) elements. Aboriginal cultural existing tools, resources and strategies, heritage also relates to the connection and focused on building capacity and resilience sense of belonging that people have with the in rural and regional communities; and landscape and each other. • work with councils to improve partnerships It is important to acknowledge and respect the with industry, research, and education and indigenous cultural heritage of the region and training providers to align skill shortages confirm that sites of cultural importance to the with tailored regional training programs. Aboriginal community are recognised and appropriately managed. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 79

DIRECTION 4.2 Enhance Aboriginal Cultural Heritage the economic self- determination of Aboriginal Councils have identified a need to communities strengthen the way that Aboriginal cultural heritage is considered in the planning system. The NSW OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Government’s model for standalone Responsibility, Empowerment) is the NSW Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation Government’s plan for Aboriginal affairs. It was released in September 2013. It aims focuses on revitalising and promoting to remove all Aboriginal cultural heritage Aboriginal languages and culture; creating provisions from the current National opportunities; increasing the Aboriginal Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and introduce community’s capacity; providing choice; and them in a new act.75 empowering Aboriginal people to exercise that choice, as well as giving them the tools to take Public consultations to collect responsibility for their own future. information and consult about the reforms have been conducted. A strategic approach to Aboriginal cultural ACTION 4.2.1 Conduct a strategic heritage will enable consideration of assessment of land held by the Aboriginal cultural values in the future region’s Local Aboriginal Land planning and management of the region, and will help Aboriginal communities to Councils to identify priority sites for maintain a sense of place and further investigation of their community. economic opportunities

Many of the OCHRE actions are outside the planning system; however, there is an The NSW Government will: opportunity to look at the landholdings of Local Aboriginal Land Councils to see how they can • support councils to undertake and best be planned, managed and developed for implement heritage studies to inform the benefit of the local Aboriginal community. strategic plans, including regional This will allow Aboriginal people to gain Aboriginal cultural heritage studies; economic benefit from their land and provide • work with CENTROC to undertake a greater opportunities for economic scoping study to investigate the barriers to independence. adaptive reuse of heritage items in the region; Together, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and the Department of Planning and Environment will • investigate opportunities to increase the work with the Land Councils to identify their protection of heritage items and the landholdings and to map the level of constraint revitalisation of main streets and town at a strategic scale for each site. centres, through community education and development incentives in local This information can be used to develop environmental plans; and practical solutions to the potential commercial • require that councils recognise and protect use of the land; for example, for Aboriginal sites that have Aboriginal and European housing and employment opportunities. It has cultural significance, by including potential to provide economic returns to the appropriate heritage provisions in local Local Aboriginal Land Councils that can be environmental plans. invested in assistance programs in the region.

The NSW Government will: • work with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils to identify priority sites that can create a pipeline of potential projects. 80

DIRECTION 4.3 Increase The region’s close proximity to Sydney and other metropolitan centres makes it a highly and improve housing sought after location for rural residential choice to suit the different development. This type of development needs lifestyles and needs of the to be carefully planned so that it does not create land use conflict, increase land population speculation or put pressure on infrastructure and services – all of which can affect the An additional 13,600 homes will need to be productivity of agricultural industries. constructed across the region to cater for population growth and demographic change over the next 20 years. The majority of this ACTION 4.3.1 Deliver enabling housing growth is projected to occur in and planning controls that facilitate an around the regional cities where job increased range of housing choices, opportunities are growing. While there is including infill housing close to generally sufficient zoned land available across existing jobs and services the region to cater for anticipated growth, there is a growing need for greater housing diversity New housing to meet the needs of the region’s population, The region has sufficient zoned land to development, particularly those aged over 65 years. accommodate projected residential growth courtesy of Bathurst over the next 20 years. The majority of housing City Council By 2036, over 25 per cent of the region’s supply is likely to be delivered in land release population will be aged over 65 years old (a 44 areas and primarily concentrated around the per cent increase from 2016). The regional cities regional cities and regional centres. are projected to have the smallest percentage of population aged 65 years and over, while Towns and villages will continue to play an Gilgandra, Weddin, Cowra, Oberon and important role in providing housing choice. Lithgow are projected to have the largest Even in areas with stable or no population population percentage (greater than 30 per growth there will still be demand for new cent). dwellings, with smaller households seeking a greater variety of housing types. It is important that older residents have greater housing choice to meet their needs. Having Councils should consider the aspirations of local choice can help older residents retain a communities when planning for the future. connection to their community and more easily Aspirations for greater growth are reflected in transition into high needs aged care within their land use planning decisions, for example, local communities, if necessary. making land or infrastructure available for development in strategically identified In addition to providing housing choice, the locations. This may influence population growth spatial distribution of the aged population will patterns. have implications for the delivery of transport services, infrastructure, health care and social The NSW Government supports upfront, assistance, and community based services. evidence-based strategic planning of land release areas. Given the amount of land already zoned for housing, councils will be required to Demand for housing across the region undertake strategic assessment of new land fluctuates at different times of the year release options, prior to land rezoning. As part depending on seasonal employment, special of the strategic assessment, councils should events or as a result of major development consider existing transport infrastructure and activities employing itinerant workers. In mining services and future transport infrastructure communities, demand for housing can fluctuate requirements. across the lifecycle phases of mining operations, with high demand during construction. Greater housing diversity needs to be available to cater for these seasonal employment needs. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 81

Figure 21: Ageing Population by Local Government Area 2016

11-20% of the LGA population is aged 65 years and older

21-30% of the LGA population is aged 65 years and older 82

Figure 22: Ageing Population by Local Government Area 2036

21-30% of the LGA population is aged 65 years and older

31-40% of the LGA population is aged 65 years and older DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 83

The NSW Government will work with councils to: There is potentially a role for councils, non- government and local not-for-profit develop and implement a land monitoring • organisations to develop and operate such program for residential land across the facilities, to meet the increasing demand and to region to identify future strategic enable ageing in place. Any new facilities requirements and monitor regional supply should be appropriately located in close and demand; proximity to existing services and facilities, and • review planning controls in existing urban located on land free from hazards, including areas to identify opportunities to increase flood and bushfire risk. the range of housing options, including townhouses, villas and apartments, in There are State planning policies which regional cities and locations close to streamline approval processes for seniors existing services and jobs; housing. Developers use these policies to provide larger-scale public and aged care prepare Statewide land release criteria to • housing. The incentive provisions contained in assess locations for residential uses across these policies need to be reviewed to better regional NSW, to be used as an input to suit regional circumstances. Often they do not settlement planning; deliver benefits for private developers due to • align infrastructure planning with land higher development costs and lower demand release areas, to provide new developments (because facilities need to cater for smaller with adequate infrastructure; and populations compared to metropolitan areas). regularly review and update local strategic • The NSW Government will: plans, where required, to provide a range of housing types which reflect the changing • work with councils to investigate the needs of the community. demand for seniors housing and to identify barriers to providing a range of low care and independent seniors accommodation ACTION 4.3.2 Facilitate a more options across the region; and diverse range of housing for seniors • review the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Providing sufficient housing for people as they Disability (2004) and determine how to age helps to retain their connection to the make it more applicable for private community and provides opportunities for local developers in regional areas. employment in related service industries. Housing for seniors ranges from smaller housing that is specifically built to meet the ACTION 4.3.3 Develop a framework needs of people as they age, to communal to facilitate a range of independent living arrangements, residential accommodation options for the aged care facilities, and hospital and palliative care facilities. seasonal, itinerant and mining workforces Councils have advised that there is an undersupply of appropriate housing for seniors Seasonal and itinerant workers are needed across the region and that the demand for across the region to support agribusiness and appropriate accommodation for seniors is mining.76 The region experiences a large influx increasing. of seasonal workers during harvest periods, particularly in the irrigation areas. There is potential to support housing for seniors through medium density development. These Currently, the region does not have an developments should be located in close adequate range of accommodation options or proximity to existing town centres and villages, capacity to appropriately accommodate to capitalise on existing infrastructure and seasonal, and itinerant or mining workers. This services (including health services). This will undersupply can result in increased rental allow residents to downsize to smaller, more housing pressures, and health and safety manageable homes, close to the services they concerns from overcrowding and makeshift require. housing in sheds, containers and rural buildings. 84

Tourism and visitor accommodation providers ACTION 4.3.4 Develop and also experience accommodation pressures by implement principles for rural renting rooms to seasonal and mining workers, residential development which reduce their availability for the visitor economy. Poorly located rural residential development Further guidance is required for the can create land use conflict with other land development of temporary mining uses, result in the loss or alienation of accommodation, required for short periods of agricultural lands, socially isolate residents, time during mining construction, operation or increase the demand and cost for services and shutdown. facilities, and adversely impact the environment. Managing this type of development will become increasingly important as the regional economy diversifies Temporary housing villages and as development pressure for this type of housing increases.

The introduction of temporary housing to provide short term In the Central West, demand for rural accommodation for construction and mining employees has been residential development is driven by the desire used to address temporary peak demand for housing. for a rural lifestyle, particularly in close Temporary housing can help to address difficulties in expanding proximity to the regional cities of Orange and permanent housing stock quickly, and to avoid a potential Bathurst, and in some cases, close proximity to oversupply of permanent housing in the longer term. Planning for Sydney. In the Orana, this type of development temporary housing villages must be undertaken strategically, and has been seen as a way of attracting population in partnership with the affected communities, to mitigate potential to reverse or stabilise decline. Councils have impacts to established towns. indicated that this type of development increases pressure for additional services, Temporary housing villages should avoid duplicating services and outside existing settlements, and the additional facilities available in the existing townships. In some service costs are borne by councils and the circumstances, locating temporary populations on the outskirts of broader community. established centres may be preferable to enable temporary residents to use and contribute positively to facilities that serve Directing future growth to locations that can the entire community, and to better integrate into these sustain additional housing, and are readily communities. This decision must be informed by an understanding serviced, will provide for the efficient and of the likely changes to economic opportunities for the town over sustainable development of land. To achieve time. this outcome, proposals that seek to rezone additional land for rural residential purposes The NSW Government will: will need to address the Draft Settlement Planning Principles outlined over. These draft • prepare guidelines to help councils plan and principles will inform the preparation of manage seasonal and itinerant worker Statewide criteria. accommodation; and • prepare planning guidelines for the temporary accommodation of mining employees to support workforce needs during mining construction, operation or shutdown. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 85

Left: Glen Willow sports fields, Mudgee, courtesy of Mid-Western Regional Council Right: Housing choice, courtesy of Dubbo City Council

Table 2: Draft Settlement Planning Principles ACTION 4.3.5 Facilitate the delivery of more affordable housing options through improved planning policies New rural residential areas will only be supported if identified through an endorsed The cost of housing in the region is relatively Principle 1 comprehensive strategic planning process and affordable in comparison to other areas of comprehensive housing strategy. NSW. Areas with high levels of social disadvantage and areas with rental supply shortages generally experience issues with New rural residential areas will be located in housing affordability. Between 2001 and 2014,77 close proximity to existing urban settlements there has been a decline in the proportion of to maximise the efficient use of existing Principle 2 housing that is affordable for very low and low infrastructure and services, including water, income households in the region. sewer and waste services.

New rural residential areas will be located to avoid and minimise the potential for land use Housing Affordability Principle 3 conflicts with productive, zoned agricultural land and natural resources. Affordable housing is housing that is appropriate for the needs of very low to New rural residential areas will avoid areas of moderate income households and priced high environmental, cultural and heritage Principle 4 so that these households are also able to significance, regionally important agricultural meet other basic living expenses. land or areas affected by natural hazards. Housing stress occurs when lower income households are spending more than 30 per cent of their income on rent New rural residential areas will be designed to or mortgage costs. There is strong provide an alternative housing choice and Principle 5 demand in the region for housing for enhance the semi-rural character of the area. rent and purchase by lower income residents, students, single person households and seniors. The NSW Government will: Low income households are most disadvantaged by housing affordability. prepare Statewide land release criteria to • It forces residents to obtain cheaper assess locations for rural residential uses housing in isolated locations, away from across regional NSW, to be used as an input employment opportunities, essential to settlement planning; and services and public transport • work with councils to apply the criteria to connections, exacerbating issues locate rural residential development in associated with social disadvantage. appropriate areas. Similarly, affordability issues can affect students, where onsite accommodation is unaffordable or unavailable, or where rental housing is costly or unavailable close to the location of the tertiary education facility. 86

The centralisation of welfare and community DIRECTION 4.4 Enhance services in Dubbo places a significant demand on affordable and social housing and ancillary community access to jobs support services. There is currently a large and services by creating stock of social and public housing located in the well-connected places, city. The NSW Land and Housing Corporation is currently reviewing social housing estates designed to meet the across NSW and the draft Plan will provide needs of a regional input about the affordability issues relevant to the Central West and Orana. community

The NSW Government recognises that more Places should be designed to meet the different needs to be done to meet the housing needs of needs of the population – children, young people on very low, low and moderate incomes. people, families, singles, people with disabilities, and the ageing community. Good Councils can help to improve affordable urban design can contribute to cultural, housing by including the following in their economic and physical wellbeing. planning strategies and local environmental Local jobs, courtesy of plans: Over the next 20 years, the region’s public Bathurst City Council transport needs will change as the population model controls that require the inclusion of • ages and workplaces change, although it is affordable housing in developments. For likely that communities will remain highly car instance, councils may consider a bonus dependent. Demand for reliable and affordable provision requirement to deliver a transport options will increase between percentage of affordable housing in a regional cities, regional centres and towns and development; villages. • development controls and reduced contributions, or other development The NSW Government has identified a need to incentives that may boost construction of improve public transport interchanges to make secondary dwellings as alternative it easier, particularly for the elderly and people affordable housing. Councils could also with mobility limitations, to get around.78 consider planning incentives under the Currently, the NSW Government funds several State Environmental Planning Policy regional community transport programs Affordable Rental Housing (2009); and including: • promote new caravan parks and • NSW Community Transport Program; manufactured home estates on Regional Transport Coordination Program; unconstrained land in existing settlements, • and new land release areas in the urban • Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure growth areas. Councils can identify sites Grants Scheme; and strategically through their local planning Home and Community Care Program (a strategies. • jointly funded NSW and Australian Government initiative). The NSW Government will: • prepare guidelines for local housing The NSW Government has introduced a range strategies; of programs designed to provide new infrastructure in regional cities and towns to work with councils to prepare local housing • encourage active transport alternatives where strategies that plan for a range of housing appropriate, including:79 types and to consider local affordable housing needs and strategies; and • Walking Communities Program; • consider amendments to relevant • Connecting Centres Cycling Program; and environmental planning instruments Cycling Towns Program. informed by updated strategies. • DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 87

ACTION 4.4.1 Identify opportunities • work with local transport operators and to provide improved and increased community transport providers to transport connections between the investigate a range of delivery models for flexible transport, to determine what works region’s towns and villages to the best for different areas. regional cities

Public transport services will be vital to ACTION 4.4.2 Implement local connecting people to jobs, housing, services planning controls that protect (including health care and education), and for regional airports from the community interaction. encroachment of incompatible The Central West Regional Transport Plan land uses (2013) recognises the importance of investing in public transport infrastructure and services, Regional economic growth will be underpinned to improve connections with urban areas and by the continued operation and expansion of help reduce social disadvantage. Detailed plans air travel and related facilities across the region. to implement and deliver these strategies Due to the region’s distance from capital cities through integrated timetables, and more and other large centres, air travel is crucial. It is flexible and demand-responsive transport the fastest mode of travel, particularly for options, are currently being developed. tourism, business and health service connections to Sydney and Brisbane. With an increasing ageing population, public transport will be important to sustain access to Commercial air services are provided in services and quality of life. Transport for NSW Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Mudgee and Parkes, will work with bus operators to develop routes with a number of other airports/airfields and timetables to improve bus services in the providing aviation bases for agricultural and region’s major centres and their connections private services, for example Cowra. with regional communities. It will also work with local transport operators and councils to develop programs that focus on serving the unique characteristics of each town. Fly-in Fly-out Community transport providers (in most cases councils) will need to identify and plan for future community transport needs. Commuting patterns across the region have changed as a result of the Transport for NSW is committed to developing continued growth in the mining industry, a long term plan for regional rail to improve with a large number of chartered ‘fly in services to the regional cities and regional fly out’ movements from both capital centres, and the connections to metropolitan cities and other regional centres.82 cities, including Sydney, Canberra and It is not only the airports owned and 80 Melbourne. operated by resources companies that facilitate Australia’s participation in the Festival and event service plans will be world trade in minerals, but also general developed with local councils, festival purpose airports which transport fly-in organisers and transport providers (including fly-out workers.83 airports). These plans will outline the services required for festivals and events and the responsibilities of all parties.81

The NSW Government will: Strategic planning will need to be undertaken by airport operators and the NSW Government • investigate opportunities to improve bus to identify opportunities for long term operations in regional cities and their investment and expansion. Councils should connections with regional communities; include provisions in local plans to protect and plan for expansion opportunities for regionally • develop strategies to better link the region’s towns and villages to regional cities and significant airports and avoid encroachment regional centres; and from incompatible development. 88

National Ultra-light Fly-in, Narromine airport, courtesy of Gecko Photographics, Destination NSW

Growth in regular passenger services and When planning and redeveloping town and city demand for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, centres, design and environmental NSW Rural Fire Service operations and general considerations such as pedestrian movement, aviation users has prompted the development vegetation, water management (water sensitive of a Dubbo City Regional Airport Master Plan. In urban design) and public domain infrastructure addition, Bathurst, Mudgee, Narromine and should be incorporated into the planning Orange have prepared master plans to guide process. New and existing development in the the future development of their respective region should also be designed to provide airports and facilities. opportunities for active transport (such as walking and cycling), where appropriate. The NSW Government supports the allocation of the 20 per cent of flight slots into Kingsford Urban design guidelines are commonly Smith Airport to regional NSW services and developed with a metropolitan focus and are aims to obtain a greater allocation in peak often not applicable to regional and rural periods.84 These flight slots are critical to environments (areas located outside Newcastle, supporting business within the region and Sydney and Wollongong). Developing regional enabling access to the Sydney CBD. urban design guidelines will help councils when they are preparing their local environmental The NSW Government will: plans and development control plans. Regionally contextualised urban design implement controls in local environmental • guidelines are also valuable in guiding the plans to protect airports from the revitalisation of regional town centres, new encroachment of incompatible release areas and infill development. development. The NSW Government will: ACTION 4.4.3 Deliver regionally • develop regional urban design guidelines specific urban design guidelines that can be used by councils when preparing amendments to local environmental plans and assessing Good urban design has the capacity to add to development proposals. the community’s cultural, economic and physical wellbeing. Communities should be safe and socially inclusive places that promote social, cultural and recreational opportunities. Places should be designed to meet the different needs of the population – children, young people, families, singles, people with disabilities and the ageing community. DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 89

Appendix A - Centres Classification Definition

Regional Cities • Have a different population and economic profile, depending on their location, • Have the largest commercial component of surrounding assets and development any location in the surrounding region. history. • Provide a full range of higher-order services including business, office and retail uses with arts, culture, recreation and Regional Centres entertainment centres. • Service a broad area, beyond the local • Have a population of 30,000 or more and surrounding settlements. are expected to be a focus for growth over • Share similar functions to regional cities but the next 20 years. serve smaller catchments and have a more • Service the wider community through limited range of services, facilities and principal referral hospitals, tertiary employment opportunities. education services and major regional • Generally have a population of 10,000 or airports. more and are expected to be a focus for • Have economic roles that are significant to growth supporting the regional cities over the entire population catchment. the next 20 years. And/or their remoteness and importance to their wider catchment • Have opportunities for housing growth and elevates their role to regional centres. choice. • May not have a diverse industry base like a • Have centres that may not fulfil all of the regional city, but it can be classified as a above criteria but may substitute economic centre due to its importance to a specific roles and population levels with an industry (for example, tourism, agriculture important geographical role within a region. and mining).

Centre Population Centre 2016 LGA Category (ABS Urban Centre Name Population Locality)85

Orange Orange Regional City 41,250 34,990

Dubbo Dubbo Regional City 41,950 32,330

Bathurst Bathurst Regional Regional City 42,900 31,300

Lithgow Lithgow Regional Centre 21,000 11,140

Parkes Parkes Regional Centre 15,250 10,030

Mudgee Mid-Western Regional Regional Centre 23,650 9,830 90

Endnotes

1 NSW Department of Planning and 14 Op cit., RMCG (2015) for Department of Environment (2014), NSW Population, Planning and Environment, Central West Household and Dwelling Projections, and Orana Agricultural Industries Sydney, http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ Research-and-Demography/Demography/ 15 Department of Planning and Environment Population-Projections (2015), Changing Industries of Employment Central West NSW, Sydney 2 Deloitte Access Economics (2014) for NSW Trade and Investment, Gross Regional 16 Op cit., Deloitte Access Economics (2014) Product and Employment by Region, for NSW Trade and Investment 2006-2011, Sydney 17 Alkane Resources Ltd, www.alkane.com.au 3 Ibid 18 Australia Zirconia Ltd., (2013), 4 ibid Environmental Impact Statement – Executive Summary, Report Number 5 Ibid 545/04.

6 Ibid 19 Ibid

7 rmCG (2015), for Department of Planning 20 Destination NSW (2015), Sydney, http:// and Environment, Central West and Orana www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/ Agricultural Industries, Sydney facts-and-figures/local-area-profiles

8 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011), 21 Op cit., NSW Department of Planning and Multipliers for culture-related industries, Environment (2014), NSW Population, prepared by the National Centre for Culture Household and Dwelling Projections and Recreation Statistics, Canberra, http:// culturaldata.arts.gov.au/publications/ 22 NSW Health, Western NSW Local Health statistics_working_group/other/ District, www.wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au multipliers_for_culture-related_ industries#Australia%20input-output%20 23 NSW Government, 26 February 2015, ‘$60 multipliers million for Mudgee Hospital’, Sydney, https://www.nsw.gov.au/news/60-million- 9 Op cit., Deloitte Access Economics (2014) mudgee-hospital for NSW Trade and Investment 24 NSW Health (2014) NSW Rural Health Plan 10 Central West Livestock Exchange, www. – Towards 2021, Sydney http://www.health. forbeslx.com.au nsw.gov.au/rural/Publications/rural-health- plan.pdf 11 Australian Livestock Markets Association Inc., Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, 25 Central NSW Councils (Centroc),(n.d.), http://www.saleyards.info/public/saleyard/ Forbes Factsheet, http://www.centroc.com. index.cfm?Saleyard=Dubbo&SaleyardID=6 au/wp-content/uploads/FORBES2013v3. pdf 12 Ibid 26 regional Development Australia, Central 13 Deloitte Access Economics (2014), Gross West (2013), Regional Plan 2013-2016, Regional Product and Employment by Orange, http://www.rdacentralwest.org.au/ Industry Group by Local Government Area, wp-content/uploads/2014/12/RDA-Central- 2006-2011, Sydney West-Regional-Plan-2013-2016.pdf DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 91

27 V8 Supercars, http://www.v8supercars. 39 Op cit., Transport for NSW (2012), NSW com.au/news/championship/bathurst- Long Term Transport Master Plan 1000-one-of-the-biggest-ever 40 Op cit., Transport for NSW, NSW Freight 28 Parkes Elvis Festival, Festival History, http:// and Ports Strategy www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/about/ festival-history/ 41 Ibid

29 Destination NSW (2013), Central Inland 42 Ibid NSW Regional Destination Management Plan, Version 2, September 2013, Sydney 43 Transport for NSW, (2013), Sydney, http:// freight.transport.nsw.gov.au/strategy/ 30 ecker, S, Clarke, R, Cartwright, S, Kancans, action-programs/casestudies/case- R, Please, P and Binks, B. (2010), Drivers of study-17.html Regional Agritourism and Food Tourism in Australia 2010, Australian Bureau of 44 Department of Infrastructure and Regional Agriculture and Resource Economics, Development, Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Canberra Rail 2015, Canberra, https://infrastructure. gov.au/rail/inland/files/Inland-rail- 31 Transport for NSW (May 2015), Final Newell Brochure.pdf Highway Corridor Strategy, Sydney http:// www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-road- 45 Water NSW (n.d), Belubula Investigation, network-corridor-planning/newell- Penrith, http://www.waternsw.com.au/ highway-corridor-strategy projects/belubula

32 Transport for NSW (2012), NSW Long Term 46 Water NSW (2015), Cranky Rock Preferred Transport Master Plan, Sydney Site for Central West Dam, Penrith, http:// www.waternsw.com.au/about/ 33 Transport for NSW (2013), NSW Freight and newsroom/2015/cranky-rock-preferred- Ports Strategy, Sydney site-for-central-west-dam

34 Op cit., Transport for NSW, Final Newell 47 NSW Government (2016), State Highway Corridor Strategy Infrastructure Strategy – Regional NSW, Sydney, http://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/ 35 Transport for NSW (2014), NSW Budget state-infrastructure-strategy#regionalnsw – The State of Freight, Sydney, http://www. transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/ 48 Ibid nsw-budget-state-freight 49 Infrastructure NSW (n.d), Restart NSW, 36 Transport for NSW (2015), Golden Highway Sydney, http://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov. Draft Corridor Strategy, Sydney, http:// au/restart-nsw.aspx www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-road- network-corridor-planning/golden- 50 Ibid highway-corridor-strategy 51 Infrastructure NSW (n.d), Restart NSW, 37 Op cit., Transport for NSW, NSW Long Term Water Security for Regions, Full Project List, Transport Master Plan Sydney, http://insw.com/ media/48040/150330_water_security_for_ 38 Op cit.,Transport for NSW, Final Newell regions_-_full_project_list.pdf Highway Corridor Strategy 92

52 NSW Government, 9 February 2015, Media 65 Department of the Environment (n.d) , release: $37.9 million for Central West Directory of Important Wetlands in Water Security, http://www.infrastructure. Australia, Canberra, https://www. nsw.gov.au/media/47071/150209_media_ environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/ release_150209_pipeline_announcement_ australian-wetlands-database/directory- central_west.pdf important-wetlands

53 Department of Primary Industries, Water, 66 environment, Climate Change & Water Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog (2010), Guide to NSW Karst and Caves, Program, Parramatta, http://www.water. Sydney, http://www.environment.nsw.gov. nsw.gov.au/urban-water/regional-water- au/resources/ and-waste-water-backlog-program geodiversity/10104nswkarstcaveguide.pdf

54 NSW Government (2016), State 67 Ibid Infrastructure Strategy – Water, http:// www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/state- 68 Office of Environment and Heritage, infrastructure-strategy#water AdaptNSW, Understanding and adapting to climate change impacts in NSW, Sydney, 55 local Land Services (2013), NSW http://www.climatechange.environment. Biosecurity Strategy 2013-2021, Dubbo nsw.gov.au/

56 Ibid 69 University of NSW (2012), NARCLiM NSW/ ACT Regional Climate Modelling Project, 57 Trust Power, Blayney Wind Farm, https:// http://www.ccrc.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/ www.trustpower.co.nz/our-assets-and- files/NARCliM/index.html capability/power-generation/blayney 70 Ibid 58 Infigen Energy, Bodangora Wind Farm, http://www.infigenenergy.com/our- 71 Office of Environment and Heritage, Adapt business/development-pipeline/wind- NSW, Central West and Orana Climate energy-projects.html Change Downloads, http://www. climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/ 59 Infigen Energy, Flyers Creek Wind Farm, Climate-projections-for-NSW/Climate- http://www.infigenenergy.com/our- projections-for-your-region/Central-West- business/development-pipeline/wind- and-Orana-Climate-Change-Downloads energy-projects.html 72 Office of Environment and Heritage (2015), 60 epuron, Liverpool Range Wind Farm, http:// Flood Risk in NSW, Sydney, http://www. www.epuron.com.au/project/liverpool- environment.nsw.gov.au/floodplains/ range FloodRiskNSW.htm

61 murray Darling Basin Authority (n.d), Basin 73 NSW Trade & Investment, Division of Plan, Canberra, http://www.mdba.gov.au/ Resources & Energy, 2016, Mapping of basin-plan Naturally Occurring Asbestos in NSW – Known and Potential for Occurrence, Heads 62 National Water Commission (2011), http:// of Asbestos Coordination Authorities archive.nwc.gov.au/home/water- https://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__ governancearrangements-in-australia/ data/assets/pdf_file/0016/30418/FINAL- new-south-wales Mapping-of-Naturally-Occurring-Asbestos- in-NSW.pdf 63 Office of Environment and Heritage, (2013), Sydney, Macquarie Marshes Ramsar site 74 Dubbo City Council (2014), Community http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ Profile, Dubbo, http://www. wetlands/MacquarieMarshesRamsar.htm communityprofile.com.au/dubbo/

64 UNESCO (n.d), World Heritage List, Greater Blue Mountains Area, http://whc.unesco. org/en/list/917 DRAFT CENTRAL WEST AND ORANA REGIONAL PLAN 93

75 Office of Environment and Heritage (2013), Aboriginal heritage – The proposed Government model, , http://www. environment.nsw.gov.au/achreform/ ACHproposedmodel.htm

76 regional Development Australia, Orana NSW (2014), Research into the workforce capacity of the Orana Region, Dubbo, http://www.rdaorana.org.au/research-into- the-workforce-capacity-of-the-orana- region.htm

77 Housing Centre for Affordable Housing: Housing Market Snapshot/ Central West and Orana http://www.housing.nsw.gov.au/ centre-for-affordable-housing/for- planners-of-affordable-housing/housing- snapshots/housing-market-snapshot- central-west-and-orana-region

78 Op cit., Transport for NSW (2012), NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan

79 roads and Maritime Services, Walking and Cycling Program Funding Guidelines, http:// www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/business- industry/partners-and-suppliers/lgr/ walking-and-cycling-program-funding- guidelines-explanatory-note.pdf

80 Transport for NSW (2013), Central West Regional Transport Plan, Sydney

81 Ibid

82 Ibid

83 Ibid

84 Ibid

85 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Quickstats, 2011 Census, Canberra, http://www.abs.gov. au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/ quickstats?opendocument&navpos=220