2012/2013 Operational Plan - Narrabri Shire Council

A note from the
Mayor
As Mayor I am pleased to introduce Council’s 2012/13 Operational Plan which will provide delivery of services and
capital works as part of the longer 10 year Shire Strategic Plan.
The past 12 months was a repeat of much of last year’s events with another 2 major flood events severely
impacting the entire Shire. On both occasions the Shire was declared a natural disaster area, with the second
event, only 2 months after the event resulting in State and Federal Governments declaring the Shire as
Category C under the Natural Disaster Funding Agreement between the governments.
Whilst maintaining and repairing roads and bridges has been the focus of operations, work progressed on planning
and tendering for the Narrabri Pool reconstruction, and commencement of work on the new Library and Cook Oval
amenities constructions at Wee Waa.
Councillors and staff prepared and delivered submissions regarding mining developments in the Leards Forest
area, as well as a number of government inquiries regarding coal seam gas development and the new State
Government’s Strategic Regional Land Use Policy.
The Shire’s emerging grain consolidation hub at Narrabri continues to expand with 3 new operators establishing
facilities, and a number of new businesses have started in all 3 major centres in the past year.
The growing demand from residents and visitors resulted in Aeropelican expanding services to Sydney and
Brisbane to 52 flights weekly, with regular charter flights bringing mining workers to Narrabri Airport which has
now assumed regional status. Upgrade of this facility has become the Council’s major priority.
The Council’s new Local Environmental Plan crept closer to approval which is expected early in the 2012/13
operational year. This will culminate a 10 year process which has spanned 3 separate terms of Council.
This Strategic Plan reflects Council’s vision for the development of our Shire as a regional centre and I commend it
to you.
Robyn Faber
Mayor
2 | Narrabri Shire Operational Plan