The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has refreshed its 20-year vision for the Riverina Murray to provide better housing choices and more resilient places for the region’s residents.
Executive Director of Local and Regional Planning at DPE, Malcolm McDonald said the final Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2041 would help guide planning and land-use decisions for the region’s 20 Councils over the next 20 years.
“The Plan was updated to reflect the public’s feedback and reset the planning priorities for the region, with an aim to achieve healthy, connected and resilient communities,” Mr McDonald said.
“It responds to challenges experienced over the last five years – from drought, bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, the 2022 floods,” he said.
“It also includes strategies to provide greater housing supply and affordability, including temporary accommodation.”
Mr McDonald said the strategy featured actions to help implement recommendations for the Regional Housing Taskforce and the findings of the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry.
He said it outlined ways to strengthen links and improve decision making for cross-border communities, such as planning for delivery of services and infrastructure in towns like Moama and Echuca.
“The final Plan outlines objectives to make the most of region-shaping infrastructure, including the Inland Rail and multiple Murray River bridge projects, which will diversify the economy and open opportunities for new investment,” the Executive Director said.
“Other highlights include promoting renewable energy initiatives; encouraging Aboriginal communities to benefit from their land; protecting and leveraging rural and industrial land; contributing to a net-zero State by 2050; and investigating ways to safeguard, connect and revitalise waterfront areas.”
DPE’s 77-page Riverina Murray Regional Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
