Orana
Population: 122,100
Area: 199,078 sq km
Major towns and centres
- Cobar
- Dubbo
- Mudgee
Region overview
- Orana is the largest NSW region by land area
- produces over A$850 million worth of agricultural commodities per annum
- over 1.8 million people visit Orana region each year to see attractions such as the Warrumbungle National Park, Mudgee wineries and the Western Plains Zoo
Major sectors
- mining
- viticulture
- agriculture
- tourism
Orana is the largest and most diverse region of NSW. Located in the Central West and North-West, it forms around 25 per cent of the State.
Average summer temperatures range from a minimum of 10.5 degrees Celsius in Coonabarabran to a maximum of 36 degrees in Brewarrina. Winter temperatures range from a minimum zero degrees in Coolah to a maximum of 19 degrees in Coonabarabran.
The region is traversed by a number of river systems including the Darling and Macquarie, which support an irrigation network that covers 164,556 hectares.
Competitive advantages
- strong transport infrastructure
- geographically well placed to serve three States: NSW, Victoria and Queensland
- skilled agricultural and manufacturing workforce
- strong business support services sector
Industries
Orana has considerable strengths in value-added food processing, tourism, minerals and wine, but the agriculture industry dominates the economy providing 16% of all employment.
Agribusiness
The region’s agricultural sector produces over A$850 million worth of agricultural commodities per annum. This centres on the production of cereal crops, beef, cotton and wool. The region also has well developed irrigation areas.
Tourism
More than 1.8 million people visit the area annually, spending around A$256 million. Attractions include natural wonders such as the Warrumbungle National Park and Macquarie Marshes, Bourke and the Darling River, the historic opal mining township of Lightning Ridge, Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, and the picturesque wineries of the Mudgee area.
Orana is home to a rich Aboriginal culture, and there are opportunities in the niche indigenous tourism market.
Manufacturing
The small but highly efficient manufacturing industry has a turnover of around A$320 million per annum and employs 6% of the workforce. The industry is currently concentrated around food and beverages, wood products, mineral products and fabricated metal.
Mining
The region has well established mining sectors in Cobar (copper, zinc and gold) and Mudgee (coal), which are experiencing new investment based on the commodities boom. In addition, new prospects are being developed for high value ‘rare earth’ minerals near Dubbo.
Services
Dubbo and Mudgee are major service centres for the region. After agriculture, the largest employing industries are retail (12%) and health care and social assistance (12%).
Growing industries
Orana is also home to a range of diverse and developing industries including organic and niche food production, and viticulture.
The growth in coal and minerals extraction will encourage more engineering and support services to that sector.
Future development will be focused on further value adding to the region’s agricultural produce and substantial natural resources.
Infrastructure
Transport
Major east-west and north-south road and rail networks traverse the region, providing opportunities for service industries and competitive advantages for businesses with interstate links.
The Golden Highway from Dubbo connects the region’s largest manufacturing and service centre with the fast-growing Hunter Port facilities.
Passenger road coach services operate throughout Orana, offering an efficient and flexible service.
A passenger rail service links Dubbo to Sydney, with one service per day.
A major airport is located at Dubbo, serviced by QantasLink and Rex Airlines.
Major educational facilities
- Charles Sturt University – Dubbo Campus and
Dubbo Senior College - Western Institute of Technical and Further Education
- Sydney University Dubbo Campus
Labour
The labour force is primarily skilled in:
- agriculture
- public sector administration
- mining
- farm management
- horticulture
For more information contact:
NSW Trade & Investment
Dubbo Office
Cnr Hampden & Cobra Sts
PO Box 1039
Dubbo NSW 2830
Tel: (02) 6883 3100
Fax: (02) 6883 3131
Regional Development Australia Orana
Suite1, Level 1
43 Macquarie St
PO Box 1357
Dubbo NSW 2830
Tel: (02) 6885 1488
www.rdaorana.org.au
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