THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 Situated in the heart 2020 of the Lachlan Valley, Forbes is regarded as one of the richest primary producing areas in the state. 2040 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 1 Let’s create a future for Forbes we can call “amazing.” A MESSAGE FROM THE Mayor As you know I am very proud to be a our rich history, our beautiful waterways part of this amazing Shire of Forbes and and our commitment to agriculture and I am sure the next twenty years will be a business. wonderful time of opportunity for Forbes Shire. Forbes has so much to offer; lifestyle, diverse housing, activities for the family In the future, I see a dynamic and and a strong sense of spirit. Our residents productive shire and a place that enables love it here and the priorities set out in this its community to thrive. I am pleased to document aim to celebrate and grow what present the Forbes Shire Local Strategic makes us great. Planning Statement (LSPS), which will provide a clear long term vision to guide I encourage you all who live, work and do the Shire as it evolves in the years to come. business in Forbes to read the LSPS to find out how we can grow our community We are a growing population and a and accommodate everyone’s needs and number of large developments nearing priorities. Let’s create a future for Forbes we completion are due to speed up this can call “amazing.” growth even further. Our planning decisions need to best accommodate this Phyllis Miller OAM, Mayor of Forbes growth yet celebrate our unique character and identity. While many aspects of the Shire are changing, I am mindful of the things about Forbes we want to remain – 2 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 About the Plan The Forbes Local Strategic Planning Legislative and Development Statement sets out a 20-year land use Control Plan vision and planning priorities for the future policy context of our area to: This LSPS has been prepared in accordance with clause 3.9 of the Environmental • Manage future growth, new Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Local technology, and changing community EP&A Act) which requires that it includes Environmental needs; or identifies the following: Plan • Conserve our heritage, local character, and environment; a. The basis for strategic planning in the • Support our diverse economy and area, having regard to economic, social Local all our industries such as agriculture, Community and environmental matters; Strategic Strategic manufacturing, mining, retail, education Planning b. The planning priorities for the area that Plan and health; Statement are consistent with any strategic plan • Link the community’s strategic vision applying to the area, including the to that of the region and the state to Community Strategic Plan; achieve the best economic and social outcome for Forbes. c. The actions required for achieving those District planning priorities; Plan The LSPS does not set land use zonings or d. The basis on which the Council other planning controls. The LSPS outlines is to monitor and report on the what we want our planning controls to implementation of those actions achieve – now and into the future. Having Regional a clear vision will help us all work together The LSPS brings together and builds on Plan to ensure we achieve the future we want. It planning work found in council’s other sets the objectives of development in Forbes plans, studies and strategies such as the to ensure we maintain our quality of life, Forbes Local Environmental Plan 2013 heritage and local character, stunning (LEP), Forbes Development Control Plan main-street and our rich natural environment. 2013 (DCP), Growth Management Strategy 2009, Agricultural Strategy 2018- 2030, 2018 Draft Forbes Flood Study and the Community Strategic Plan. The LSPS will be used to inform these and future strategies align with the future strategic direction set out in this plan. THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 3 A MESSAGE FROM THE General Manager The Local Strategic Planning This plan of course does not stand alone. Statement (LSPS) is a critical The feedback we have received from community engagement through the document for our Shire, ensuring Community Strategic Plan, Community a clear vision of the future for reference panel, CBD Masterplan Forbes and our neighbouring development and the Agriculture Strategy communities. has informed us of the critical aspects our community wants to incorporate Council has worked hard to ensure the into future plans. As with all planning LSPS focuses on what truly matters most documents, we recognise the LSPS must to our community including protecting be flexible and as Council we must ensure our environment, better transport options our plan can adapt to change. and jobs close to home. The plan outlines a collaborative and coordinated way in Council will confidently lead the way, which the shire can work with all levels of meeting the outcomes of this strategic government to deliver key projects that roadmap for the future. We will work will really drive our shire forward. collaboratively with the community to ensure that land use decisions made within We have seen recent developments such the remit of the LSPS are a good fit for the as those undertaken at the Central West community, business and our lifestyle. Livestock Exchange and the Homemakers Steve Loane, General Manager Centre really transform our town. The Lake Forbes Activation Plan and its implementation will also drive economic and recreational opportunities. 4 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 Our place in the Central West Forbes Local Government Area (LGA) is and encapsulates our unique character located in Central West of NSW in Wiradjuri with buildings and independent stores country on the banks of the Lachlan River. and boutiques. In 2018 the retail sector in Forbes Shire covers 4,720 square kilometres, Forbes recorded annual growth rates of from Tichborne in the north, Ootha to the 7.9% in total output despite drought and west, Pinnacle to the south and Eugowra other impacts on the economy. to the east. The Forbes LGA consists of the main township of Forbes and a number Forbes is supported by health services of smaller localities namely Bedgerabong, such as Forbes District Hospital, dental Garema, Wirrinya, Corinella, Warroo and services alternative therapy and optometry With a lively calendar, Ootha and neighbours the LGAs of Parkes, and hosts a number of private, public Forbes is quickly Lachlan, Bland, Weddin, Cowra and and boarding schools drawing students Cabonne. Forbes and Parkes have a unique from across the region. It has a full range becoming to be known relationship with shared facilities and many of sports for all ages and seasons, from as the event destination residents travelling between the towns swimming and equestrian to netball of the Central West. for employment, health, education and and croquet and all football sports, and recreational opportunities. This is a positive regularly hosts both National and World relationship that can be built on to ensure Hang Gliding Championship events. These the continued growth of both towns. are supported by a number of facilities including an outdoor and indoor heated Forbes is positioned on the Lachlan River, pool, heritage tennis courts and a range which is the centre of the shires diverse of football and netball courts as well as Map 01: Map of Shire and neighbouring lifestyle and the foundation for our primary the Lake Forbes Walking Trail. All of these Councils in Central West NSW industry sector supported by the Central facilities underpin a healthy lifestyle. West Livestock Exchange. The primary industry sector is an important part of the With a lively calendar, Forbes is quickly Shire’s economy, with Forbes contributing becoming to be known as the event $97m of Gross Regional Product from destination of the Central West. Forbes this sector and accounting for 18% of various art and music events such as Parkes the Vanfest, Elvis Festival satellite events, employment in the Shire. Forbes is well Parkes Lachlan placed as a central location to major Kalari Lachlan River Arts Festival, Grazing Lachlan regional employers such as Moxey’s Dairy CabonnDowne the Lachlan, Frost and Fire and the Cabonne Forbes Eisteddfod as well as a number Farm, Red Bend Catholic College,Forbes Parkes Forbes Transport for NSW Regional Office, the of community events such as the Forbes Cowra Cowra Farmers Market, Australia Day Festival and Bland Weddin Catholic EducationBland office and Wvariouseddin mines including North Parkes, Evolution and the the Heritage Festival. Forbes is a safe place to live with a strong sense of community Hilltops future Sunrise Mine. Hilltops with over 90 social clubs and associations Forbes has a lively town centre that takes including five service clubs and an active pride in supporting local businesses. business chamber. The historic town centre and public art exhibited throughout the Shire draws visitors from across the region and beyond, THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 5 6 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 Map 02: Forbes Township THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 7 Map 03: Main Transport Routes through Forbes Shire Bogan Gate Ootha Monomie Parkes PARKES Tichborne LACHLAN RIVER N E W E L L H W Y LACHLAN Forbes FORBES Y Burcher Mulyandry N E W E L L H W Garema Boongarry Wirrinya WEDDIN Yarralea Marsden 8 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 Map 04: Forbes Shire in Context with NSW N Tweed Heads TO BRISBANE Boggabila Ballina Tentereld Moree Armidale Tamworth Coonabarabran Cobar Wilcannia Nyngan Broken Hill THE BOGAN Dubbo AD SCHOOL RO AD E RO WA ON NEWCASTLE Y Orange LIMEST Forbes Lithgow Cowra Katoomba SYDNEY Young Hay Balranald WOLLONGONG Narrandera Yass Goulburn Wagga Gundagai Wagga CANBERRA NEWELL HIGHWAY Finley GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY HUME HIGHWAY Albury TO MELBOURNE Bega THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 9 Map 05: Lake Forbes Activation Precinct 10 THE FORBES LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT 2040 Our Opportunities Forbes is growing.