The first inhabitants, the Aborigines, lived a rich life in the area before white settlement but were unaware of the vast resources and economic potential of the land they had settled on. Many years later, in the 1800s, explorers came across large deposits of gold. This triggered a sudden influx of people to regional NSW amid a gold rush. The area experienced rapid growth in population, the economy and industry.
The economy
Regional NSW is a flourishing area, contributing almost a third to the nation’s GDP of about $900 billion. This region is so productive that in 2005 and 2006 it produced $US31.4 billion from its numerous manufacturing industries. This makes up around 10 per cent of the country’s income. This expanse includes the famous city of Sydney and the Hunter region.
Industries
A number of wineries produce some of the world’s finest wines. Arid and semi-arid land have been converted into flourishing vineyards, a feat many assumed was impossible. These vineyards have created a good number of job opportunities which have contributed to the low unemployment rate that regional NSW enjoys. Between 2004 and 2007 the unemployment rate dropped from 5.3 per cent to 4.6 per cent. Wine producers have worked in close collaboration with universities to find eco-friendly solutions to reclaim land. Huge investments have been made in universities and generally in the education system to educate the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.
Areas with large wine production in Australia include:
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Limestone Coast in Victoria
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Mornington Peninsula in Victoria
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Margaret River in Western Australia
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Barossa Valley in South Australia
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Hunter Valley in NSW
Regional NSW has interested many international and national investors and plays host to a large number of them. Many have their headquarters in the area. They include:
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Acer Computer
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Air Express International
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MasterCard
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Philips Electronics Australia Ltd
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Rolls Royce International Ltd
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Deutsche Bank
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Vodafone
This is but a short list to give you an idea of the diversity of investors who have chosen NSW for their headquarters. The region is well served with transport links and has an extensive railway network linking major regions that produce raw materials for various industries. Highways link cities while well-maintained roads link towns and crisscross the region. The area is served by many telecommunications companies, Vodafone being one of the companies that has managed to make the most of communications within regional NSW and Australia as a whole.
Coal mining has been around for well over 150 years and is thriving. Regions such as Gunnedah Basin near Sydney and the Hunter region have large coal deposits that are yet to be fully exploited. Plans are underway to maximise coal production over the next few years. This will mean that the number of mine workers needed will increase as more job opportunities become available. The majority of the coal is used for export and for generating electricity, which in turn feeds surrounding communities. Demand for workers in regional NSW will for this reason continue to increase.
Tourism Industry
Regional NSW is home to the Blue Mountains, most famous for the Three Sisters, a splendid example of weather-worn rock pillars. Legend has it that the rocks represent Aboriginal sisters who were turned to stone. This site is very accessible, situated just two and a half kilometres from the Great Western Highway. Accessibility to this tourist and wilderness region is always improving. If you are interested in a winding journey through the mountains themselves you can catch a train in Sydney that only takes an hour to reach the area.
The mountains have a rich history dating back to the 1800s when the first explorers cut their way through the thick undergrowth. Amidst all this natural beauty a series of historic inns and hotels can be found at which tourists can enjoy excellent food and even a Devonshire tea.
The Blue Mountains are a favourite for family getaways and team-building activities. These activities include:
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Bushwalking along the many nature trails
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Sightseeing
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Panning for gold (panning is an old method of mining for gold fragments found in small deposits at the edges of rivers)
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Horse riding
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Four-wheel-drive adventures
After a long day of fun you have the opportunity to enjoy local as well as international cuisine from the comfort of the area’s many lovely restaurants as you watch the sun set over the mountains.
Sydney, the capital of NSW, famous for hosting the 2001 Olympics, still holds its allure as one of the world’s great cities. The lighting alone at night is enough to take your breath away. The clever use of colours and architecture has attracted tourists for a long time. The streets are littered with malls, selling everything from souvenirs to everyday household goods.
Conclusion
Regional NSW has come a long way since the first white settlers. It has not yet reached the pinnacles of success community leaders are aiming for. This is an economic and tourist region the world has its eye on.
