The future fortunes of the Harden Shire lies to the south east, with the ACT set to be a major determining factor according to a consultant’s report commissioned the Council. This finding follows the emergence of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO), of which the Harden Shire is member. The report by the GHD consultancy firm found that the ACT region could be an asset to the Shire in stemming the decline of the town’s population. According to GHD, the current trend of buying cheaper homes and land in regional areas and commuting to Canberra for work could potentially increase population growth in Shire. Currently, townships such as Bungendore, Murrumbateman, Yass and Boorowa are benefiting tremendously from their close proximity to the ACT.

In May 2015, CBRJO Canberra Region brand was launched to promote tourism and economic opportunities in the region, which includes the Harden Shire, the ACT government and 11 other Shire Councils. The consultant’s report closely examined the Shire’s economic future, and identified key issues that the Shire will need to address in the coming years, especially in regard to planning instruments and infrastructure provision. It found that the current Local Environment Plans (LEP) in the Shire doesn’t accurately reflect the current land use, and that this should be corrected in order to facilitate the efficient provision of vital infrastructure and services. “We engaged a couple of consultants to conduct a review of our LEPs,” said Harden Shire Mayor, John Horton. “Work reforming the LEPs is expected to be finished by September next year. Once that’s done, we could do what Yass or Murrumbateman have done by making it easier for people to come to the town and build.” The main challenges plaguing the Shire were identified as an ageing population and an exodus of youth, particularly from the agricultural sector. This sector was signalled out as the most vital the Shire’s economic prosperity, and that the protection of agricultural land was a must for the Harden Shire. This protection, however, was not to hinder the emergence of new industries with a greater potential for job creation and growth, such as the Pepe’s Ducks development.

Interestingly, the report recommended further infrastructure developments in villages, and identified the potential for their growth. This was more pertinent to Wombat and Galong, with the close proximity to Young for the former and the presence of the Sibelco limestone mine in the latter possibly driving population growth. In addition, GHD recommended the Harden CBD “reaffirm its role and function”, and that it lend itself to mixed retail, cultural and residential uses. Whether this was focused on Neill St to the detriment of Murrumburrah was unclear in the report. The report is currently available on the Harden Shire Council website, and public submissions will be received regarding the report until August 21st.