In June this year, Western Plains App reported on the total capital works budget of Gilgandra Council which was projected to hit a new high of $30,900,143 in the 2023-24 year.

At the time, Mayor Doug Batten said the capital works program was aspirational.

"The highest on record for Gilgandra," Mr Batten said.

Part of the funding was to go to the development of an Industrial Land Subdivision to the tune of $5 million and with the aim of purchasing and servicing additional industrial land to meet current and future demands.

Gilgandra Council now reports that the purchase of 4.5 hectares of land has been made and will be developed as a fully serviced industrial area in line with their Community Strategic Plan, a Region growing Towards 5000.

The opportunity to purchase this parcel of land within the existing industrial estate in Naden Drive was presented to Council earlier this year.

"Since the sale of all the lots in the Enterprise Drive Industrial Estate, Council has been working toward sourcing other parcels of land that would support employment generating activities in the Gilgandra Region," Mayor Doug Batten said.

"The purchase of the 3.81 hectares aligns with Council's vision to have adequate serviced industrial land available to attract new industries, and support the growth of existing business in readiness for growth in our region off the back of Inland Rail, and the renewable energy projects."

"But, in order to grow the population, people need a place to live, and work, and by Council securing and developing this lot will a provide major step forward to meeting this vision."

Council is in the process of finalising the water and sewer servicing before the lots can be made are available to the public for purchase. This new subdivision will make available 12 new industrial lots ranging from 2731m2 to 4296m2 to support light industrial developments.

At its November meeting Council also resolved to dedicate funding towards the upgrade of Naden Drive to help accommodate the increase in traffic, which is planned to occur in 2024.

"This is an exciting project with Council already fielding interest from prospective purchases. Pending the finalisation of a sales strategy, Council will then proceed with the sale of these lots. Council expects that the lots will be made available for sale in April 2024," Mr Batten said.

Gilgandra Council is also undertaking a planning proposal to rezone land on the Western side of town. This added rezoning aims to enhance the current lots available to establish a comprehensive, long-term strategy by offering expansive industrial parcels to facilitate the larger scale development of general industry in the region.