Community input sought on the future of Polo Flat industrial precinct

Published on 27 March 2024

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Polo Flat Master Plan that will guide the future development of the region's largest industrial area.

Polo Flat, located just 1.5km east of Cooma's town centre, is a local economic hub supporting many local businesses and industries. The draft plan considers current infrastructure limitations, future industrial land needs, economic opportunities, and how to enhance services, facilities, and connectivity.

‘Polo Flat plays a key role in our region's economy, but we need to put the strategic pieces in place to ensure that in our rapidly changing world it remains a thriving and competitive industrial centre in the years to come,’ said Mark Adams, Coordinator Economic Development at Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Thanks to grant funding from the NSW Government, Council worked with experienced consultants to prepare a draft Master Plan that sets out a strategic framework for Polo Flat's future growth.

Key proposals in the draft plan include:

• Working with Snowy Hydro on future use of their lands to meet projected high industrial land demand
• Creating a varied mix of lot sizes from 2,000 sqm to over 10 hectares to ensure there is room for big and small enterprises in the future
• Upgrading Polo Flat Road with lighting, signage, landscaping, and reserving space for the possible future addition of active transport infrastructure
• Establishing a central public space with recreational facilities
• Protecting and enhancing existing environmental assets like native grasslands

‘This draft plan proposes a bold and modern vision for the future of Polo Flat, but it's crucial we receive community input to make sure that what we’re proposing meets local needs and is the best Plan it can be,’ said Mr Adams. ‘We want to hear from residents, businesses, landowners and anyone with an interest in this important area.’

The community consultation is open now until 11.59pm on Sunday 21 April 2024. To review the draft Master Plan and share your feedback on the future of Polo Flat, please visit www.yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au/polo-flat-master-plan or attend the upcoming community information pop-up session to learn more.

After revisions to incorporate public feedback, the final master plan will guide Council's planning, infrastructure investment and economic development initiatives for Polo Flat over the next 20 years.

‘With strategic direction to guide investment and by working together with our community, Council is confident that we can unlock Polo Flat's huge potential as a regionally-significant industrial centre and a great place to locate your business,’ said Mr Adams.

‘A healthy and vibrant Polo Flat full of growing businesses, will boost employment and the wider economy and will benefit everyone, right across the Snowy Monaro.’