Kundabung Feasibility Study

Overview Kempsey Shire Council is seeking to commission a feasibility study assessing the rural area of Kundabung, within Kempsey Shire NSW, for potential future development. About Kundabung is in close proximity to significant existing transportation infrastructure, including the Pacific Highway and the north-south main trunk rail line, and is equidistant between logistics hubs and close to the regional centre of Port Macquarie. Agriculture, primary production, processing, agri-business and tourism are all activities associated with this area and Kempsey Shire more widely in the past, though the extent of their current economic performance and outlook are uncertain, so the level to which they represent opportunities, constraints or both in this area is unclear. Previous NSW population projections for the Kempsey LGA have been static, however actual numbers seem to demonstrate a more positive level of local growth consistently above predictions. There is uneven housing demand across Kempsey Shire, with anecdotal evidence also suggesting that business and employment may be impacted by a lack of appropriate housing. Considerable areas of Kempsey Shire (Macleay Valley) land are impacted by natural hazard risk, biodiversity values and environmental issues, however the Kundabung area may be relatively less constrained. Council believes these broad issues make this location worthy of investigation. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the rural area of Kundabung for potential future development. Council wishes to understand if there is a convincing case for future development by exploring both demand and potential, evaluating if and what market demand actually exists, the regulatory constraints, current infrastructure and costs. The project is intended to explore and identify evidence and analysis to determine whether there exists the demand, suitable land and infrastructure for any financially viable future development.