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In March 2024, Forbes Shire Council received $250,000 in grant funding under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to develop the North Forbes Service Strategy (NFSS) which is a comprehensive plan to guide infrastructure servicing for future housing developments in North Forbes.
The NFSS assessed existing sewer, water, and stormwater networks, identified shortfalls, and recommended upgrades to support the delivery of 2,500 residential lots as proposed in the Forbes Housing Strategy (2021-2041).
This servicing strategy includes a detailed review of the existing water, sewer and stormwater systems and has identified areas requiring expansion and upsizing. The final output is a single strategy document that will enable Council to effectively plan and enable housing development within the North of Forbes, into the future. The outcomes of the strategy document have highlighted the services upgrades required for housing developments existing and planned. We have developers ready to come on line and we are now aware of the infrastructure Council needs to provide immediately and for future planned development areas. Council is already using the strategy in our business and looking to procure services to design the services upgrades as outlined in the strategy document. In terms of project management success, this was delivered on time and within budget. Our consultants were professional and subject matter experts. This strategy will now be used to stage the development area and to assist in applying for further funding to commence the project. The NFSS document has allowed us to further develop our 10-year Capital plan and forecast potential upcoming costs to manage Council’s cashflow.
Council has recently applied for further funding through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program Stream 1 for the development of detailed engineering designs for the recommended infrastructure upgrades.
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