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Major Communities:

• agriculture
• mining
• food processing
• manufacturing
• tourism
• retail

Located west of the Blue Mountains, the Central West contains a wealth of natural resources that form a solid base for a number of expanding industries.

• manufacturing sector worth around A$1,421 million annually
• home to an expanding mining sector involving coal, gold and copper
• significant natural resources including the Lachlan and Macquarie Rivers, hardwood and softwood forest resources and rich mineral deposits

The LachlanValley River system supports approximately 90,000 hectares of land licensed for irrigation use. Manufacturing and agriculture form the backbone of the region's economy.

MAJOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

The region:

• has extensive freight and commuter road and rail infrastructure
• is rich in natural resources including gold, copper, timber and water supplies
• is close to the major population and market centres of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong
• is one of the most diverse regional economies
• has strong education and service sectors.

INDUSTRIES

The Central Western Region of NSW enjoys a growing and diverse industry mix. Agriculture (14% of total employment), mining, retail (13%) and manufacturing (12%) are the dominant industries. However, education and health and community service industries are also significant employing 8% and 9% of the total workforce.

Mining
Mining underpins the region’s vibrant economy. This rapidly developing industry, which involves coal, copper and gold, is now worth over A$550 million annually to the Central West.

As one of the most heavily prospected regions in Australia, exciting new opportunities are constantly being identified. This has led to the opening of brand new operations including the Northparkes, Lake Cowal and the A$440 million Cadia gold mines.

The Lithgow Minerals Processing Park, strategically located next to the Mount Piper power station, provides new opportunities for vertical integration and value adding to the region's mineral wealth.

Agriculture
The agricultural sector is worth over A$600 million annually. Wool, cattle and wheat form the core of the industry, with significant growth occurring in areas such as horticulture, dairy farming and viticulture.

Manufacturing
The region builds on its strong agricultural base with a large food and beverage processing sector worth around A$690 million. Machinery and equipment manufacturing are also important, worth A$245 million and A$165 million respectively to the Central West economy.

Whitegoods manufacturer, Electrolux, is the largest individual employer in this sector.

Tourism
Tourism is growing steadily as an important industry sector in the region. Rapidly developing a reputation for fine food and wine, the region also boasts stunning countryside and natural attractions, a central location and quality transport infrastructure. Tourism to the region is increasing by around 16 per cent per annum.


LABOUR

The size and diversity of the region’s industrial base has created a highly skilled and flexible labour force.

Major educational facilities

• Charles Sturt University, Bathurst and Orange

• Western Institute of TAFE.

Extensive rail and freight networks link the region to Sydneyand the ports. Two intermodal transport depots at Parkes and Blayney give access by road or rail to 82 per cent of  Australia’s population within 24 hours, including direct access to Botany Bay.

Photo: Hamilton Lund
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Photo: Nick Rains
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Photo: Orange City Council
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Photo: Orange City Council
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Photo: Don Fuchs
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Photo: Hamilton Lund
Courtesy Tourism NSW

Photo: Orange City Council
Courtesy Tourism NSW