A town with just under 6000 homes will make way for 2000 more as the state readies for an injection of new industry into the area.
Set in one of NSW’s richest agricultural valleys, the town of Narrabri and the shire that shares its name have long been a steady source of some of the country’s best cotton, wheat, lamb and beef.
But as a key stop on a forthcoming new rail route, the town is anticipating some big changes.
The town of Narrabri is a key stop along a new rail route. Image: Narrabri Shire Council
All aboard the Inland Rail
A freight rail line to connect Melbourne and Brisbane, the Inland Rail project involves extensive upgrades to 1000km of existing track and construction of a further 600km. Currently still being built, it’s expected to be completed in 2027, creating a brand new thoroughfare for cargo along Australia’s eastern states.
When the project is done – including the longest, 306km link between Narrabri and Narromine – things are expected to change for towns along the route. With the increased connectivity, regional towns once considered off the beaten path can now serve as new commercial hubs as goods are moved between some of the country’s biggest cities.
The NSW government has positioned Narrabri as a key point on this journey, and has just released a proposal to rezone parts of the shire to make way for more than 2000 new, flood-free homes, a new city centre and a jobs precinct.
Bracing for a boom
For a shire that, at the last census, counted its population as roughly 12,000 with 5960 dwellings to accommodate its residents, that’s a significant expansion.
The jobs precinct, which will form a buffer between the new town centre and the Inland Port Precinct (where more intensive industries are proposed) is expected to generate hundreds of new employment opportunities alone.
To accommodate future population growth, the NSW government has proposed that at least 2100 dwellings are constructed over the next 20 years, largely through infill development in flood-resilient locations in Narrabri West.
Once fully developed, this residential area is expected to give rise to new local retail and associated services, acting as a secondary local community meeting point.
Maitland street will retain its role as the centre for business activity within the town of Narrabri, and will benefit from revitalisation through improved pedestrianisation and active transport connections. An “eat street” concept will be developed in this area to create new opportunities for cafes and restaurants.
New tracks under construction. Image: Inland Rail
While the effort was state-led, Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, said that his office had worked closely with the state government on the plan and called the rezonings “a great outcome for Narrabri”.
Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens agreed.
“This is a milestone moment for Narrabri. As the second largest economy in the North West after Tamworth, we must continue to stay on the front foot—and this rezoning proposal does exactly that."
Minister for regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty, called it “a great example of Council working hand in glove with the NSW Government to deliver great long-term planning outcomes for Narrabri and surrounding areas”.
Ms Moriarty spoke to the impact that projects such as the Inland Rail route have.
“More investment means more jobs for the next generation of Narrabri locals who will see their hometown transformed while retaining its much-loved charm and character.”
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