The draft master plan sets out a strategic direction that leverages Richmond Valley’s highly productive agricultural land and workforce as well as its connections to major transport routes, including the Bruxner Highway, Summerland Way, and North Coast railway line.

The precinct aims to create even more jobs for a skilled and growing regional workforce.

As a collaboration between the NSW Government and Richmond Valley Council, the draft master plan provides an improved strategic planning framework, expert studies and technical information, to give businesses or investors greater certainty to set-up or expand their operations.

The draft master plan is on exhibition for four weeks to enable stakeholders, investors and community members to view, consider and submit their feedback.

To view the Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct draft master plan and make a submission, visit: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/richmondvalleyRJP

The exhibition period closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 10 March 2024. Submissions received will inform the final master plan, expected to be released in June 2024.

The NSW Government is committed to future-proofing regional communities by making it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs, and set up communities like Casino and the broader Richmond Valley region for continued success now and into the future.

Regional Job Precincts are focused on delivering planning support to local councils to drive investment and boost economic prosperity in regional NSW.

Precincts are located in Albury, South Jerrabomberra, Richmond Valley and Namoi.

Regional Job Precincts are delivered through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, dedicated to transformative infrastructure projects in regional NSW, led by the Department of Regional NSW.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct draft master plan sets out planning and land use requirements across a cluster of specialised industry sub-precincts, underpinned by technical studies, to provide a strategic vision for land in this area.

“We want to make Casino and the broader Richmond Valley region a great place to live, work, play and invest; where long-term growth, investment and development opportunities are available.

“This area has the potential to generate up to 1900 new jobs across agribusiness, manufacturing, food processing and other niche industries to 2036 and beyond.

“The precinct is uniquely located at the intersection of the Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way, with access to the North Coast as well as the highly productive agricultural lands surrounding Richmond Valley.

“We invite investors, stakeholders and community members to have their say on the Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct draft master plan.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We are committed to providing a brighter economic future for the North Coast region by driving investment and boosting economic prosperity.

“The draft master plan sets out ways the Government and Richmond Valley Council want to make it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs, and set up communities like the Richmond Valley for success.

“Public engagement in the planning process plays a vital role in shaping the future of the North Coast so I encourage everyone with a stake to get involved and have their say.”