RICHMOND Valley Council is moving forward with its plans to activate the Regional Jobs Precinct and attract new businesses to the region with a $13.8m investment in new infrastructure and industrial land.
Council was successful in its request to amend its Bushfire Local Economic Recovery funding deed for the Casino Industries Activation Project, enabling it to buy 14.1 hectares of land to expand the existing Cassino Drive industrial estate, at a cost of $2.2 million. This tract adjoins 20.3 hectares of Council-owned land. The funding will also assist with the construction of a two-lane roundabout and infrastructure work.
Bushfire Local Economic Recovery projects are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, and Council thanks both for their $9.96 million contribution to the Casino Industries Activation Project.
Both Council properties are being rezoned to industrial use as part of the Regional Job Precinct Master Plan. Known as precinct three, this new development is expected to attract a diverse range of industries, further enhancing the Richmond Valley’s economic landscape.
General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the activation of 34.4 hectares in the Casino industrial estate was anticipated to attract significant investment, boosting the local economy and providing a robust platform for future growth.
“This is a milestone project for Council and the community, Mr Macdonald said. It aligns perfectly with Council’s long-term economic development goals, and we have already had keen interest in the project from existing local businesses and prospective new businesses.
“We are committed to supporting the growth of industries which will bring innovation, jobs and prosperity to our area.”
Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said Casino Industries Activation Project was crucial for building the resilience of the community, and the establishment of new businesses would represent a step change for the Richmond Valley economy.
Cr Mustow said Council had an important role to play in creating the right conditions for investment, employment and growth.
He said the Richmond Valley was already a leader in primary industries and food manufacturing enterprises and it was Council’s intention to make it the number one choice for doing business.
“Business is the activity which will make things happen in the Richmond Valley, and economic growth is what we continue to encourage – and that applies to all businesses, big and small,” Cr Mustow said.
Total cost of the project is $13.8 million, with Council’s contribution coming from its internal reserves, and involves:
Roundabout construction work
- Construction of a two-lane roundabout on the Bruxner Highway at Patricia Street
- Relocation of existing electricity lines
- Installation of street lighting on Johnston Street
Internal infrastructure work (road, drainage, electricity, water and sewer)
- Acquisition of development property
- Construction of a sewerage pumping station
- Extension of water reticulation to the property boundary and to service internal lots
- Sewer mains to service lots
- Upgrade of public road network (Patricia Street and Irving Drive extension) to service lots.