Central West
Population: 175,351
Area: 63,262 sq km
Major cities 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 industries:
- agribusiness
- mining
- food processing
- manufacturing
- tourism
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, 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. Agriculture (14 per cent of total employment), mining, retail (13 per cent) and manufacturing (12 per cent) are the dominant industries. However, education and health and community service industries are also significant employing 8 per cent and 9 per cent of the total workforce.
Mining
Mining underpins the region's vibrant economy. This rapidly developing industry, which includes 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. This has led to the opening of brand new operations including the Northparkes, Lake Cowal and the A$440 million Cadia gold 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 industries.
Agriculture
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, a central location and quality transport infrastructure.
LABOUR
The size and diversity of the region's industrial 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. Three intermodal transport depots at Parkes, Bathurst 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.