New England and North WestMulti-dimensional and linked to global markets, New England andNorthwest is one of the epicentres of Australia’s primary industries.

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Future-focused. Outward-looking. Connected to the world.

An agricultural powerhouse

An agricultural powerhouse producing a fifth of NSW’s grossvalue of crops responding to growing demand in Asian markets

Food processing region

Major multinational food processing region for beef, lamb,poultry, and specialty food and wine – including Teys Cargill,

Thomas Foods, Baiada and Bindaree Beef.

Expanding industries

Expanding coal, horticulture, mining operations and renewableenergy sectors

New England and North West contributes over A$8.4 billion to the NSW economy and is asignificant agricultural producer and processor.

The region is recognised as a premier agribusiness and food production location, globally connected to international markets.Grains and pulses, beef, citrus, cotton, lamb, nuts, vegetables, poultry and specialty food products are sold to domestic andinternational customers.

Underpinning these industries is an extensive services sector in agribusiness, education, health, technology, and transport andlogistics provided by the University of New England, University of Sydney, NSW Department of Primary Industries, TAFE Digital,CSIRO, Smart Region Incubator, breeding and genetics research organisations, and Co-operative Research Centres.

The region’s agribusiness, horticulture, mining and renewable energy sectors have been expanding because of the productiveclimate, rich soils, and the availability of coal, solar and wind resources.

The construction of the Inland Rail will further support growth in the region. The Inland Rail will provide the New England andNorth West region’s most productive agricultural commodity regions with increased transport competitiveness. This createsnew opportunities for investment in export-focussed, value-added manufacturing and intensive agriculture.

The region is strategically located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane onkey road and rail transport routes.

The region is globally connected to capital cities and ports through air, broadband, rail and road infrastructure. Significantvolumes of agricultural commodities are moved annually.

Infrastructure investment like the A$9.3 billion Inland Rail project, investments in Armidale and Tamworth Airports, andupgrades to the New England and Newell Highways will further increase connectivity and freight productivity.

Commercial real estate in Tamworth is on average A$195 per square metre for office rent per annum compared to A$695 inMelbourne’s CBD, while industrial rent is on average A$90 per square metre in Tamworth.

Key infrastructure supporting New England and North West

A Moree Special Activation Precinct will be investigated to create a thriving business hub that will take advantage of its locationin the middle of the most productive grain region in Australia, leveraging the Inland Rail route and Newell Highway. ThePrecinct would create a new business hub that specialises in agribusiness, logistics and food processing industries.

Morning sun rising over the local post office on Peel St, Tamworth - image courtesy of Destination NSW

Key opportunities in New England and North West

Agribusiness and food

The region’s growing reputation for agribusiness and the University of NewEngland’s Smart Region Incubator support research, commercialisation andinnovation.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Agribusiness and Food, please refer to the sector detail page.

11,292 employed in agribusiness and food manufacturing sectors⟩

Dedicated education, research and development facilities at the University of New England and New England Instituteof TAFE

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6% hold tertiary agricultural or environmental studies qualifications compared to 2% nationally.⟩

Centre for livestock production and research including international livestock genetics and animal health at theUniversity of New England

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Availability of fertile cropping and grazing land facilitating high-protein grain production and premium quality meat⟩

Extensive upgrades to transport networks, intermodal terminals, transport and logistics capability.⟩

Powerhouse of Australian cotton production and traditional home of Australian cotton production⟩

University of New England’s Smart Region Incubator of research, development, entrepreneurial and commercialactivity based in Armidale

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Agribusiness and food output in New England and the North West accounts for 4.9% of the NSW total⟩

Specialist grain products for bread wheat and durum wheat for pasta production⟩

Largest beef cattle production area in NSW.⟩

Renewable energy

Established solar and wind energy infrastructure can be leveraged for furtherenergy investment along with bioenergy generation.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Renewable Energy, please refer to the sector detail page.

700 new regional jobs added in energy generation in the last 3 years.⟩

University of New England's research into second and third generation biofuels⟩

High average global solar exposure providing an ideal environment for large-scale solar systems⟩

Established energy infrastructure.⟩

71 new businesses added in electricity services between 2011 and 2017⟩

Licences granted to explore geothermal energy in Gunnedah Basins⟩

Sapphire Wind Farm is NSW’s largest wind farm with 75 turbines able to power 115,000 homes.⟩

Freight, logistics and distribution

Improvements to the region’s road, rail and air transport infrastructure requireexpanded freight intermodals to service increased freight volumes.

Workforce

Infrastructure

4,000 employed in transport, postal and warehousing services in the region⟩

A$38.70 hourly industry average wage compared to A$42.40 national average.⟩

New England Highway upgrade complementing existing road, rail and air connections linking to major Australianmarkets and export ports

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Darren Keegan

Deputy Director for New England and North West

Office contacts

131a Marius StPO Box 865TAMWORTH NSW 2340

CALL

EMAIL

Success

For more information on Freight, Logistics and Distribution, please refer to the sector detail page.

A$9.3 billion Inland Rail construction offers North West towns new and expanded rail freight intermodal options

Excellent climatic and airspace conditions for airport and aviation sector expansion⟩

Moree Special Activation Precinct investigations.⟩

AviSkills Aviation Engineering Training at Tamworth Airport services some of Australia’s largest civilian and defenceorganisations

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Additional private pilot training colleges considering expansion and establishment of operations at Tamworth Airport.⟩

New England and North West Success stories

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