Narrabri Shire Council is turning its attention towards acquiring Crown lands in Narrabri and the shire, or making the land available for private developers.
The move is aimed at meeting the demands of town and shire growth.
At last Narrabri Shire Council meeting, the council’s property and assets manager, Peter Murphy tabled a report which detailed the areas of Crown lands in Narrabri, Wee Waa, Boggabri and Baan
Baa.
Following the survey the council now has a clear picture of the areas and status of the lands.
The aim of the report was to identify the parcels of Crown land with a view to ultimately making the land available for sale to promote private development or for acquisition by council.
Mr Murphy’s report highlighted sites in Narrabri and the shire which have been the subject of discussions with government
departments.
However, progress in dealing with a number of authorities had been slow.
The council endorsed Mr Murphy’s recommendation that the support of Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries be sought in getting action on the lands issues ‘as a matter of urgency.’
In Narrabri, the key Crown Reserve precinct along the eastern bank of Narrabri Creek, embracing The Crossing Theatre, Panton Cottage, the Visitor Information Centre, and sporting ovals were
identified. It was recommended that the council seek full ownership of the sites or investigate their purchase at commercial rates.
A large area of land, bounded by the two Narrabri West roundabouts and the old Newell Highway is also listed for potential acquisition. The report noted that ‘positive advice’ had been received from Crown Lands on the ability to establish the old Newell highway, and from John Holland on the concept of a new rail crossing.
In Wee Waa, the council will seek disposal of land adjacent to Wee Waa Public School for subdivision, and provision of land adjoining the Museum at Wee Waa Showground.