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Major communities:

• Lismore
• Byron Bay
• Tweed Heads
• Kyogle
• Ballina
• Casino (Richmond Valley Council Area)

Major industry sectors:

• tourism
• agriculture and forestry
• health and community services
• building/construction
• manufacturing
• biotechnology
• multimedia and creative industries
• education and research.

 

The Northern Rivers Region provides a combination of dynamic manufacturing and horticultural industries, a spectacular natural environment and an unsurpassed quality of life offering an excellent place in which to invest and live.

The region's population is increasing at a rate of about 1.2 per cent per annum. Major employment sectors include retail, tourism, health and community services, manufacturing, education, business services and agriculture. Industry sectors such as education, media and creative industries, horticulture, residential development, forestry, meat and dairy, aquaculture and age care are emerging as areas with strong growth prospects.

The region, located in the north east of New South Wales (NSW), surrounds three major river systems – the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence – and backs onto the Great Dividing Range.

The region, located in the north east of New South Wales (NSW), surrounds three major river systems – the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence – and backs onto the Great Dividing Range.

MAJOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• highly skilled workforce
• strong transport links
• high quality lifestyle
• diverse educational facilities
• skills base spanning industries as diverse as education and manufacturing.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture
The major agricultural commodities produced in the Northern Rivers include dairy, tropical fruits, cattle, poultry, plantation forests, soya bean, sugar cane and aquaculture.

In recent years, many new and niche agricultural operations have emerged in the region. Coffee, bush tucker and hydroponics are all showing great export potential.

The agricultural industry is supported by numerous research stations and facilities which are pursuing innovative new research into the development of alternative crops and their economic potential.

Biotechnology
The research conducted at Southern Cross University has especially benefited the burgeoning natural medicine industry. Research expertise in phytochemistry, bioprospecting, plant genetics and clinical trials are a strong platform for the growth of the biotechnology industry in the Northern Rivers.

Manufacturing
The Northern Rivers is a manufacturing hub. Industries as diverse as food, beverages and timber are represented in the region. There is a high level of value adding based on the strong primary industry base of the region.

Tourism
The Northern Rivers is a key tourism destination, with the second highest level of international tourists in NSW. The region contains stunning national parks such as Mount Warning, as well as long stretches of unspoilt coastlines and significant World Heritage rainforest reserves.

The region encompasses tourist icons such as Byron Bay and Nimbin. The hinterland areas of the Northern Rivers have some significant rainforest reserves which can be accessed through the Rainforest Way. The Rainforest Way comprises a series of loops and trails that tourists may access by road.

The Northern Rivers is home to many artists, an active theatrical community and many popular festivals including the East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival, Byron Bay Writers Festival, Northern Rivers Herb Festival and the International Science, Theological and Philosophy Festival.

Creative Industries
The region has a strong skill base in creative and knowledge based sectors. It boasts more documentary makers than anywhere else in Australia other than Sydney and Melbourne. It also has strong proactive industry associations supporting the development of the creative industries.

Major educational facilities
Well developed educational facilities with two campuses of Southern Cross University, six TAFE campuses, the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) at Bryon Bay and nearly thirty other cultural educational institutions with specialist training in the arts, crafts, theatre and film.


LABOUR

Northern Rivers has a strong mix of trade skills, tertiary and professional skills, including:

• building/construction
• manufacturing
• agriculture
• multimedia
• service industries
• research and development

Major educational facilities

Well developed educational facilities with two campuses of Southern Cross University, six TAFE campuses, the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) at

Bryon

Bay

and nearly thirty other cultural educational institutions with specialist training in the arts, crafts, theatre and film.

Northern Rivers has strong transport and economic links with the South East and is well serviced by air, rail and road.

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Photo: Hamilton Lund
Courtesy Tourism New South Wales