Bathurst Blog

The release of Infrastructure Australia’s latest report into the strengths and infrastructure gaps in Australia’s regional areas has been welcomed by industry advocates.

The first report of its kind, the expansive study examined the opportunities and challenges facing the regions as more and more home buyers and renters look for life outside urban areas.

Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Ken Morrison says the report found the top challenge for the regions is the provision of diverse and affordable housing.

“This report is a critical piece of work that has the potential to guide governments, businesses and communities as they look to support growth in the regions,” Mr Morrison says.

“We know housing is not only a huge contributor to economic growth, but the provision of diverse housing options also helps to ensure the workers, teachers, doctors and other service providers can live in these regional towns and contribute to thriving communities.”

Main objectives

The Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report provides government, industry, businesses and the community with a guide to support record migration and further growth, off the back of the 200 percent increase in growth in Australia’s regional areas in 2019/20.

This regionalisation trend has continued with the first quarter of 2021 being the largest internal migration on record.

In developing the report, Infrastructure Australia collaborated with 48 Regional Development Australia committees to conduct extensive consultation on community views.

Key Themes

Overall, the report aims to help realise a regional renaissance. This includes the expansion of population, which brings a need to develop new service models and deliver expected infrastructure to continue growth.

It also seeks shared perspectives in changing regions, including identification of common themes: unique impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic; a greater need for proactive planning; major projects to be community-led; a changing social landscape; and First Nations communities’ culture and connection to country.

Capitalising on regional strengths and prioritising infrastructure gaps is paramount. This includes availability, diversity and affordability of housing; water security; mobile and broadband connectivity; access to further education and skills training; and connectivity through public transport networks.

In a nutshell, the report shines a spotlight on each region - recognition of each area’s diversity, opportunities and priorities by the 48 separate regions for further planning and to identify reform and investment options.

Bathurst Regional Council Area:

Regional economic development in NSW is growing with rises in industry output, revenue, jobs, businesses and productivity. The Economic Development Strategy was created by the Bathurst Regional Council and the community to drive sustainable economic growth.

The Bathurst regional council has produced 6 economic enablers to encourage support and development within the Bathurst region. The areas that are included to influence business development from these enablers are:

1. Infrastructure
2. Planning
3. Regional Branding, Marketing and Tourism
4. Networks and partnerships
5. Local employment
6. Smart City Development

Bathurst Regional Council Economic Profile for the Year 2021

Key statistics:

• Gross Regional Product (GRP) $2.53 Billion, 0.39% of Gross State Product (GSP)
• Population - 44,540, 22,097 employed residents
• Local Jobs - 20,721, Local Businesses - 3,507
• Largest Industry (by employment) - Healthcare and Social Assistance

Infrastructure:

For important economic, environmental and social reasons, projects can be classified as State Significant Developments under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. In relation to regional expansion and economic infrastructure, the Bathurst regional council has prioritised a range of innovative projects. The State Significant Developments that have been applied for by the Bathurst Regional Council to the New South Wales Government involve the following proposed projects:

Eglinton Solar Farm

Proposal for development of a 200-250 megawatt solar farm with associated infrastructure.

Glanmire Solar Farm

Proposal for development of a 60 megawatt solar farm with associated infrastructure and potential battery storage.

Mount Panorama Second Circuit

Proposals for a FIA grade 2/FIM Grade A National Circuit 4 kilometre and Club circuit 2 kilometre racetrack with associated pit building.

McPhillamys Gold Project

Proposal for development of an open cut mine and water supply pipeline.

Kempfield Silver Mine Project

Proposal for development of an open cut silver mine and associated infrastructure.

Altura Group Yetholme Pumped Hydro Project

Altura Group has intentions to develop a pumped Hydro project within the Bathurst region. 

Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre

Proposal for development of construction and integrated medical facilities. Associated infrastructure for hospital, medical centre, and multi level car parks for these projects.

Sustainable Growth in the Bathurst region

Provides inspiration for ‘Building a better future for us and our environment’.

Bathurst Regional Council has outlined their objectives for a Sustainable Growth Initiative, which focuses on eight key areas for sustainability in the Bathurst Region:

• Water
• Resource
• Recovery
• Energy
• Biodiversity
• Community
• Food 
• Transport
• Climate