Innovative New Business Hub for Moree

An innovative new business hub, specialising in agribusiness, logistics and food processing industries is set to be established in Moree and will create almost 2,000 jobs. When the precinct is operational, Moree will become the third Special Activation Precinct (SAP) in New South Wales, following Parkes and Wagga Wagga, marking the dawning of a new era for north-western NSW.

“Moree is on the Inland Rail route and is located at the junction of three major highways making it the ideal location for this new endeavour to attract considerable new investment to the region” said Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall. “A Special Activation Precinct is a designated area which brings together fast-tracked planning, infrastructure investment, government-led studies and development and in Moree’s case will happen in line with its plans for an intermodal freight and transport hub. The SAP will make it easier for new and existing businesses to expand, set-up and thrive, create new, long-term job opportunities for locals and strengthen the region’s economy.”

“Moree is a regional centre which relies on the agriculture sector for survival and while the local economy has taken a hit because of the prolonged drought, this announcement should give struggling local businesses confidence they have future when the rains and harvests return. This is the beginning of the largest transformation of Moree since Copeton Dam was constructed and the irrigation industry came to the region in the 1970s – it will mean more jobs and more opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”

The announcement was welcomed by Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries. “A Special Activation Precinct in Moree will help to realise the opportunities presented by the Inland Rail, and other projects in the region,” Cr Humphries said. “It will create a world-class business hub that will not only attract investors to the region, but also help to keep families here for the long-term. This is about creating a legacy for generations to come and helping to diversify income streams in our regions to build even more resilience against future droughts.”

Mr Marshall added the SAP was also a chance to create more jobs and opportunities for the local Aboriginal community. “The Aboriginal community represents approximately 21 percent of people living in the Moree Plains Shire and will be closely consulted with during the planning phase,” he said. “Today we are meeting on Kamilaroi land, and our ambition is to work alongside this community to deliver critical social outcomes, as well as important economic benefits like sustainable jobs for local people into the future.”

Businesses that set themselves up in the Special Activation Precinct will have access to necessary infrastructure, such as heavy-duty roads and digital connectivity, as well as a fast-tracked planning process and support through a business concierge service. Moree is set to become a world-class business precinct and true intermodal hub with road, rail and air transport links available, meaning local businesses can potentially increase their customer base globally.

Visit www.nsw.gov.au/MoreeSAP for more information.