The region's climate ranges from temperate on the coast, to cool climates on the Southern Tablelands and Southwest slopes. Alpine climates dominate on the Monaro and the Snowy Mountains.

As home to Australia's capital city, Canberra, the region attracts a myriad of businesses and institutions needed to provide services and support to the Commonwealth Government.

The Capital Region has one of the most powerful regional economies in Australia. The region's manufacturing sector is worth A$1 billion per annum.

MAJOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

The Capital Region:

• home to Australia's capital, Canberra
• strategically located between Sydney and Melbourne
• extensive inter-regional transport and trade connections
• a skilled tertiary workforce
• a curfew-free national and international airport at Canberra.

INDUSTRIES

Government services
The region has gained a well-earned reputation for specialist government services, its education and research facilities (which include the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), ICT, financial management and recruitment.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing is an important part of the Capital region's economy. Employing almost 10,000 people, the industry includes metal fabrication, printing and publishing and advanced technology.

Agribusiness
Home to large numbers of Merino sheep, the region has a worldwide reputation for producing fine wool. Other agricultural production includes high quality beef, lamb and sheep meat products and dairying. The region is home to the famous Bega Cheese. Forestry is becoming increasingly important as the region capitalises on its large areas of conifer plantations and native forest.

Wine
The cooler temperatures of the region help to produce top quality cool-climate wines. The region is still experiencing growth in vineyard and boutique winery establishment and expansion.

Tourism
The region has a A$1.4 billion tourism industry, with Canberra alone generating more than A$500 million.

As Australia's capital city, Canberra is a premier tourist hub. Visitors flock to the area each year to visit national institutions such as The National Gallery and the War Memorial. Parliament House alone receives 1.2 million visitors each year.

The region is also home to rugged coastal ranges, beautiful towns and villages, popular wineries and Kosciusko National Park with Australia's largest ski fields. Special events are held all year round including the National Cherry Festival at Young and Thredbo's Blues and Jazz Festival.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Transport
The region is located along key rail and road routes between Sydney and Melbourne, and its extensive inter-regional links include transport and trade connections to Wollongong and Port Kembla, Wagga Wagga, Sydney and Melbourne.

The region has the longest continuous four lane and 110kmh road lengths of any region in NSW (Hume & Federal highways).

A new port has been developed at Eden for defence and commercial uses.

Canberra Airport is expanding with new domestic and international terminals proposed for construction in 2009.

Major educational facilities

• University of Canberra
• Australian National University
• Australian Defence Force Academy
• Australian Catholic University
• The NSW Police College
• Expansion of NSW TAFE to include new hospitality training at Cooma and the establishment of a trade school at Queanbeyan High School.

Labour
The skills base of the region's labour force provides considerable opportunities in:

• public administration
• defence
• education
• community services
• ICT
• hospitality.