Our economy and community are both strong and unique. This is why Lithgow has been established as an independent economic region by the NSW Government (rather than being grouped with several other councils) we are already transforming our economy and our future.
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To move forward into an unknown future requires dreams, imagination and vision that then allow plans to be developed that once implemented make them reality.
This is my view of how Lithgow may develop in the coming years and there will those that do not agree with it or have differing views and I would love to hear from you.
Working together we can transform our community and honour the memory of those who established Lithgow through the use of innovative technology and new ideas.
I have chosen 2042 because Energy Australia are going to invest $80 million dollars to upgrade two generators at the Mt Piper Power Plant and have stated that this will extend the life of the plant until 2042.
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Will the power plants and coal mining cease to be part of the Lithgow economy by 2042 I don't know. There are many factors outside the control of a small regional council like Lithgow and in 2042 power generation may be nuclear or a new form of highly effective renewable energy or still coal based.
However, by 2042 Badgerys Creek Airport will be in full operation and a flow on effect has been for Lithgow to develop as a satellite suburb of Sydney with an increased population of around 30 per cent. A percentage of our community now commute to jobs in the Penrith Badgerys Creek area by rail and have chosen our community because of the high quality of life.
Where will the new residents live? The large percentage will be within the City of Lithgow where the traditional larger blocks have been subdivided and smaller houses constructed. However, there has also been significant growth at Wallerawang due to upgraded facilities at lake Wallace and the economic transformation of the former Wallerawang Power Station; Portland due to the completion of the Foundations Project; Cullen Bullen due to the sewerage works undertaken in 2019-20.
Rydal, Capertee and Tarana will also see growth with tree changers from Sydney and home-based creative industries. Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley is facing a resurgence due to the development of intensive agriculture taking advantage of the Fish River Water Supply.
Some of our residents will be travelling for work to the Penrith Badgerys Creek area but what about the rest of the community. Others will be working in new industries at the former Wallerawang Power Plant possibly our own version of Silicon Valley; we will have a strong intensive agricultural sector using high tech glass houses and associated processing industries. Lithgow not only becomes an important food hub for Sydney but also exports extensively overseas.
There will be an increase in aged care facilities and agencies providing in house care to the elderly. Tourism has grown significantly due to major upgrades within our existing National Park reserve and the completion of the Destination Pagoda project.
The upgraded facilities allow Lithgow to become Sydneys backyard with extensive mountain bike tracks and outdoor activities.
There will be a major distribution hub established at Marrangaroo adjacent to the railway line. Made possible by the establishment of a new fr eight line over the Newnes plateau which bypasses the historic ten tunnels and allows for containers to be stacked two high. An important concession in the development of the Destination Pagoda project.
What about retail? The digital world has had a significant impact on Main streets around the world our community has been no different. Major retailers have withdrawn from regional areas focusing on internet sales.
Locally we will have a range of high-quality niche retailers meeting the needs of the local community but also with strong internet sales. There will be an increase in high quality cafes and restaurants to rival the best areas of Sydney.
Cr Steven Ring
Lithgow City Council
