As the Western Plains approaches a new year, a new era is also on the horizon for Western NSW, as our smaller towns' ambitions are incorporated into a recently-released regional plan that will set strategies and spending to 2041.

Following a 5-yearly review which included local government input and community feedback, the Central West and Orana Regional Plan has been updated by the NSW Government to reset its priorities and extend the plan's reach from 2036 to 2041.

While larger centres like Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Cowra, Forbes, and Mudgee have been tipped for the greatest growth, Western Plains LGAs have outlined what their priorities will be for the coming decade.

There is a long list of factors that bind the smaller and more remote towns of the Western Plains together, yet each council is facing their own unique challenges that are determined by geography and community.

Housing availability, road repair and flood security are high on the to-do list across Western NSW.

Here’s what each shire has outlined as their priorities ahead of 2041:

Lachlan Shire

Mining prospects within the region are a growing asset and are predicted to contribute to increased population and job numbers, as well as the manufacturing sector which is growing at a high rate.

The shire is looking to revamp main streets, look for industrial manufacturing and agricultural connections to the Inland Rail, and to develop major regional sports and cultural facilities.

Narromine Shire

2022 saw a growth of interest in Narromine for its proximity to Dubbo and industrial space.

The development of the freight intermodal hub and industrial hub are some of the opportunities that the shire is looking towards, with a priority to balance this growth with the protection of local character.

The shire is also looking to utilise the Aviation Business Park for industrial and commercial opportunities.

Warren Shire

The town is looking to focus on community and economic development, including a potential multipurpose space in the Warren CBD for entrepreneurial start-ups, supporting local businesses and new working professional residents who made the tree-change during Covid-19.

The shire is also looking to capitalise on the local airport through the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Royal Australian Air Force and the US Airforce.

Warrumbungle Shire

Land is a focus of the shire’s priorities, including rural land planning and zoning, and exploring the use of local rivers for recreation opportunities.

The shire will look to incorporate aboriginal cultural heritage into local planning, and further capitalise on tourism opportunities.

The prosed Coonabarabran Bypass will mean that the shire will need to work harder to attract visitors into town.

Bogan Shire

The Bogan Shire is looking to develop and capitalise on their natural assets, including potential fishing platforms, boardwalks, bird hides and fish cleaning areas as part of a cultural walking trail.

The town will also look to increase CBD business and industry growth by adapting vacant spaces for hot desking and support for start-up businesses.

Coonamble Shire

The long-proposed artesian spa remains a focus of the town’s tourism opportunities.

The shire is also looking to secure the local road network to guarantee effective transport routes for local produce.

While many towns are looking at rezoning land, Coonamble is seeking to protect agricultural land from residential development.

Gilgandra Shire

The Gilgandra Shire Council has a lot of potential to gain from the arrival of the Inland Rail, including job opportunity and economic stimulation through the broader community.

The shire is also looking towards diversifying industries, tourism, and energy generation.

The locality of Tooraweenah will become a focus for the shire.

Other western plains shires

While the scope of the central west/orana plan fails to include all of the Western Plains – including Bourke, Walgett, Brewarrina and Cobar – there are also whole-of-region approaches to investment, housing, and sustainability.  

Other LGAs with the Western Plains and their priorities are expected to be released in the Far West Regional Plan 2041, which is drafted and available for public viewing.