A $12.7 million investment by grain supply chain company CHS Broadbent is expected to create jobs and expand agricultural storage and freight capacity in Moree.
CHS Broadbent has secured 14.6 hectares at the NSW Government’s Moree Special Activation Precinct to expand its grain, cotton and fertiliser storage, warehousing and logistics operations.
The development will include a new container packing facility, allowing more agricultural products to be transported by rail from Moree to the Port of Newcastle for export, while increasing the amount of fertiliser brought into the region by rail.
CHS Broadbent General Manager Sam Batters said the investment reinforced the company’s commitment to the region.
“CHS Broadbent has purchased additional land adjoining its Moree operations, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to growers, local employment, and investment in regional grain supply chain infrastructure.
“The acquisition will provide CHS Broadbent with greater flexibility to expand storage capacity and create additional storage options for growers across the Moree region, supporting future production growth and improving supply chain efficiency.
“The purchase is the latest step in CHS Broadbent’s ongoing multi-year investment program in Moree, which has seen the company continue to enhance its storage, handling and logistics infrastructure to better serve local grain producers.
“The additional land will also support future business growth and create further opportunities for local employment as CHS Broadbent continues to invest in infrastructure and operational capacity in Moree.”
The project is expected to support up to 15 full-time construction jobs and create another 11 ongoing full-time positions.
Construction of the CHS Broadbent expansion is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
The private investment comes as the NSW Government moves ahead with infrastructure works at the Special Activation Precinct.
A $49 million contract has been awarded to Civil Mining & Construction Pty Limited to deliver new roads, water, sewer, stormwater, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
The works are expected to support up to 250 jobs and unlock the first 100 hectares of serviced industrial land for businesses looking to establish or expand operations in Moree.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the developments marked a shift from planning to delivery.
“The Minns Government is getting on with the job of making sure the Moree Special Activation Precinct is creating new jobs, attracting investment and opening the door to new industries across the region.
“The first land sale to CHS Broadbent is a major milestone and a strong vote of confidence in Moree’s future. It shows we’re moving from planning to delivery.
“Plus, with the infrastructure contract now awarded, we’re building real momentum and laying the foundations for more businesses, more investment and more opportunities for people across Moree and north-western NSW.”
Civil Mining & Construction will finalise the infrastructure design over the coming months, with construction expected to begin in March 2027.
The first release of serviced land is expected to become available in 2027 for off-the-plan purchase or leasing, with a range of lot sizes and configurations available.
The NSW Government said having utilities and transport connections in place would make it easier and less costly for businesses to establish operations at the precinct.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Susannah Pearse said the project was a significant milestone for the community.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Moree Plains. We would like to thank the NSW Government for its significant investment in our Shire through this important project. The Special Activation Precinct has been a long time in the making, making this a huge milestone for our community and the wider region.”
“The Precinct will create enormous opportunities for investment, jobs and long-term growth, and it’s wonderful to see a local business being one of the first to secure land to support its development.
“We look forward to seeing physical works on the Precinct commence over the next 12 to 24 months, delivering roads, water, sewer and other essential infrastructure, as we continue to build a stronger future for our community and the region”.
The NSW Government has worked with Moree Plains Shire Council to refine the planned infrastructure, with the government saying the changes will avoid about $2 million a year in additional ongoing costs to council.
The works are also expected to strengthen Moree’s role as a regional freight, logistics and agribusiness hub.
The Moree development is one of four Special Activation Precincts in NSW, alongside Parkes, the Snowy Mountains and Wagga Wagga.
The precincts are designed to attract private investment, support new industries and create jobs across regional NSW.
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