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BUSINESS IN REGIONAL NSW

About Regional NSW


Regional NSW offers an abundance of business opportunities and a relaxed lifestyle. With a population of more than 2,519,000, regional NSW covers 800,000 sq km.

Regional NSW offers a range of geography and climates, from the humid coastal environment of the north, to the semi-arid desert in the west, and the alpine peaks and sheep-wheat belt of the south. This diversity encourages a variety of industries to flourish.

The Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) works with businesses and communities in regional NSW to help them grow and create local jobs. 


Regional Growth Plans

As part of its responsibilities under the NSW State Plan, and in response to the community’s call for a stronger focus on business investment, DSRD has developed a series of Regional Business Growth Plans.

The plans provide a blueprint for working collaboratively with local government, Regional Development Boards, and other government and business stakeholders to achieve sustainable business growth in each of DSRD’s regions. For more information, see Regional Business Growth Plans.


Industries

The State's traditional manufacturing, mining and agribusiness activities have provided a firm foundation for diversification into high-growth areas such as aquaculture, biotechnology, viticulture and communications.


Infrastructure

All regional centres provide the full amenities and utilities of larger cities including mobile telephone and broadband internet access.

Electricity, natural gas and water are readily available throughout the State for business and commercial use. Residential and commercial real estate is cost competitive.


Transport

An extensive road and rail network connects regional and production centres to Australia's main metropolitan areas and transport hubs. A number of regional centres act as distribution and warehousing hubs for interstate and intrastate freight movement.

NSW's five ports are located at Sydney, Port Kembla, Newcastle, Eden in the far south, Yamba in the far north, and they service vessels from many international shipping lines.

Freight and passenger air services are available from most cities and towns throughout regional NSW.


Labour

Many highly qualified and skilled people live in regional NSW. The skills base covers the spectrum of business activity, from manufacturing to agriculture, and from technology to business and community services.


Regions

In addition to Sydney, the State is divided into 13 business regions:

West:
Far West
Central West
Orana

North:
Northern Rivers
Northern Inland
Mid North Coast

South:
Australian Capital Region
Murray
Riverina

East (adjacent to Sydney):
Central Coast
Hunter
Illawarra
Western Sydney

For more information

Enterprise and Regional Development Division | +61 2 9338 6719 |  regional@business.nsw.gov.au