Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana is undertaking a major infrastructure study, which is expected to uncover the needs of the region's business and industry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
RDA has partnered with Orana Regional Organisation of Councils, NSW Department of Planning and Environment and NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
RDA Orana chief executive officer, Felicity Taylor-Edwards, has called on the region's businesses to take part in an online exercise, to literally map the infrastructure projects that would best benefit their industries.
Mrs Taylor-Edwards said it was already known the region was faced with ageing and inadequate infrastructure, which could inhibit future growth.
"Things like roads, rail and aviation infrastructure may impact a business' capacity to access ports and new markets," Mrs Taylor-Edwards said.
Improvements in telecommunications infrastructure, such a high-speed internet and consistent phone coverage, could boost business productivity, she said, giving businesses better connections with the rest of the world along with the ability to adopt innovative technologies.
"The mapping process is called 'collaborative mapping'," she said.
Described as a simple way "of governments, business and community to mark planned and unplanned projects" on a map of the region, Mrs Taylor-Edwards said ARUP Pty Ltd would be conducting the research.
"This information will help ARUP identify and prioritise potential projects," she said.
ARUP had already collated a range of existing plans and reports across the region to identify alignment or gaps.
Mrs Taylor-Edwards said the team would then look at the projects identified in those plans and those suggested through the mapping process in order to prioritise them based on which ones could bring economic benefits and return on investment to the region.
"This is a great opportunity for the region to really have a say in their future and communicate their needs to the people who can make things happen," she said.
For more information on how you can get involved, email admin@rdaorana.org.au.