Central West

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Central West

Map of Central West region

Population: 179,592
Area: 63,262 sq km

Major towns and centres

Bathurst
Cowra
Forbes
Lithgow
Orange
Parkes

Region overview

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.

Major sectors

health care
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.

Summer temperatures range from 13 to 28 degrees Celsius, and winter temperatures, from two to 12 degrees.

The Lachlan Valley River system supports approximately 90,000 hectares of land licensed for irrigation use. Manufacturing, mining 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, coal, copper, timber and water supplies
is close to the major population and market centres of Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra
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. Health care and Social Assistance (12% of total employment), agriculture (11%), retail (12%) manufacturing (10%) and education (9%) are the dominant employing industries.

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. Major mines undergoing further expansion include the Northparkes, Lake Cowal and Cadia gold and copper mines.

The Lithgow Minerals and Industry Park, strategically located next to the Wallerawang power station, provides new opportunities for vertical integration and value adding to the region’s mineral wealth and associated industry.

Agribusiness

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, and easy access to Sydney and Canberra. Total visitor numbers increased by 2% in the year to June 2010 reaching 3 million, and international visitor nights have increased strongly over the past 5 years.

Labour

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

Infrastructure

Transport

Extensive rail and freight networks link the region to Sydney and the ports. 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 Port Botany.

Major educational facilities

Charles Sturt University, Bathurst and Orange
Western Institute of TAFE.

For more information contact:

NSW Department of Trade and Investment
Orange Office
161 Kite St
Locked Bag 21
Orange NSW 2800
Tel: (02) 6360 8400
Fax: (02) 6360 8484

Regional Development Australia - Central West
www.rdacentralwest.org.au
34 Sale Street,
Orange NSW 2800
Tel: (02) 6369 1600