OUR THRIVING AND GROWING ECONOMY Planning priority 9 – Improving our infrastructure and becoming a location of choice The proximity of Sydney and Newcastle and connection via the Pacific Highway, coupled with affordable land, makes the MidCoast region particularly attractive to light industrial, and freight and logistic industries. These opportunities will increase with the development of the Northern Gateway Transport project which will see Taree develop as a hub for freight and logistics, while reducing freight costs in and out of the MidCoast. Planning is underway to include the site in an industrial zone to support transport-related industries. Council will continue to work with the NSW Government to provide road infrastructure improvements to link this site to the Pacific Highway. Additional industrial precincts are being planned in close proximity to the Pacific Highway, for example in Taree South. The precincts will enable easy access to the Pacific Highway and reduce the movement of freight through nearby towns. Inter-regional connections are important to support economic growth and providing access to existing industrial areas such as the Gloucester industrial area. Council will continue to work with the NSW Government to recognise the importance of The Lakes Way, The Bucketts Way and Thunderbolts Way as significant freight and tourism routes, and the North Coast Rail Line, all of which connect the MidCoast with other regions. The Manning Base Hospital provides medical services for the MidCoast, and is a significant employer that attracts service industries nearby. The Manning Health/Taree CBD Precinct Plan aims to increase the number of support businesses and services, particularly medical, around the Manning Base Hospital. The precinct expands over the adjoining Taree town centre to enhance the connectivity between these two areas. The plan will provide a new planning framework, along with improvements to our main streets and parks, which will add vibrancy to the Taree town centre. Taree Regional Airport has flights direct to Sydney, and supports local aviation industries. The Taree Aviation Business Park provides serviced lots for aviation activities. Further opportunities exist for aviation-related industries along Lansdowne Road, airport living on surrounding rural lands and improved tourist facilities at the nearby Dawson River Caravan Park and Airport Tavern site. Developing these options around the airport will contribute to the viability of this important airport. The Infrastructure Zones Review examines the planning controls that apply to infrastructure like water services, hospitals, cemeteries and TAFE; and recommends a consistent approach for the application of the controls.
MidCoast: Local Strategic Planning Statement
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