A revised ‘Edward River 2050 - Fast Track for Growth’ strategy was adopted by Edward River Council at Tuesday’s meeting.
Council describes it as a “bold and forward-thinking framework that will guide long-term development and prosperity across the region”.
The strategy sets out a clear vision for sustainable growth over the next 25 years and beyond, providing a coordinated approach to urban expansion, infill development and investment in essential services such as health, education, housing, industry, recreation, and arts and culture.
The strategy still includes the goal of reaching a population of 19,800 residents by 2050, but Mayor Ashley Hall said it’s intended to be aspirational.
The lofty end goal was questioned when the original strategy was released two years ago, and especially after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released a report last year listing Edward River in the top 10 areas of population decline.
It showed that between the year 2000 and 2023, our population dropped a concerning 17 per cent - or 1761 people. The 2023 Census has the population at 8430.
A number of locals expressed concern that setting such a lofty goal could place the credibility of the process under scrutiny.
They requested council instead aim for the slightly lower population increase of about 13,300, which is also outlined in the ‘Our Region Your Say’ report as “more organic growth but will still require investment and a strategy”.
Cr Hall said the strategy is intended to reflect the aspirations of the community and position the region for success, whether the goal is met by the time frame or not.
But he and CEO Jack Bond said the immediate goal for council is to maintain the population at about 8500, and start working toward the interim goal of 13,300.
Mr Bond added the “time frame doesn’t mean too much”, saying council would continue to work to the goal beyond 2050.
Both also highlighted that meeting the goals of the strategy depend on a number of factors, including funding.
The strategy outlines that to deliver on all goals in the document, funding of between $575 million and $1.4 billion would be required across the life of the plan.
This includes investment is tourism and events ($0.5-$1 million), residential construction and affordable housing ($0.5-$1 million), care and emergency services ($0.5-$3 million), agribusiness expansion (up to $500,000), manufacturing and intermodal ($1-$6 million), and education, training and research ($0.5-$2.5 million).
“We’ve listened to our community, and we know that to prosper, we need to grow,” Cr Hall said.
“Edward River 2050 Fast Track for Growth is more than a plan - it’s a blueprint for our future.
“It captures our competitive advantages and economic opportunities, and ensures that growth is strategic, sustainable and aligned with what our community wants.”
The strategy was informed by the council commissioned ‘Sefton Report’ (2023), which highlighted the need for place-based planning, stronger investment readiness and more proactive regional advocacy.
It responds to these recommendations and incorporates almost two years of research, planning and extensive community, industry and government input, making it a truly collaborative vision for the future.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our council and our region,” Mr Bond said.
“We now have a clear, community-driven framework to guide residential, commercial and industrial expansion.
It’s a strategy we’re proud to stand behind, and we’re committed to aligning all future planning and decision-making with its goals.”
The Edward River 2050 Strategy is designed to help council attract new investment, support local jobs and ensure the region remains a vibrant and thriving place to live, work and visit.
For more information on the strategy and how it will shape the future of Edward River, visit https://www.haveyoursay.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/growth-strategy-2050 or contact manager community and economy Julia Druitt on 5898 3000.
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