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Local Government in the Shire is proactive, with the Economic Development Section acting in a facilitation, marketing and information role. Establishment costs are relatively low, but that does not mean services or infrastructure are compromised. You can start, grow and expand your business venture in this industrious part of northern New South Wales.Travelling time to work is only minutes instead of hours. This increases your home time and enhances your standard of living thereby allowing a more balanced lifestyle.
The economy of Narrabri Shire is in a robust position. This is projected to grow in future as the economy diversifies and broadens from its agrarian base into vertically integrated industries. Further diversification is apparent through an increasing depth in production, manufacturing, logistics and service-based industries. A more detailed look at the economy of Narrabri Shire can be seen in the accompanying brochure entitled Narrabri Shire Economic Profile.
The 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics data represented below quantifies the strength of Narrabri Shire:
- Business Register Statistics indicate there are approximately 1,900 businesses registered
- Gross Regional Product in 2006/2007 at $581.5m
- Total Industry Turnover is travelling at $868m
- Medium residential property has increased 7.4% in 2006/2007 to $183,000.
As a transport hub of northern New South Wales, the Newell and Kamilaroi Highways dissect Narrabri Shire. The Newell Highway is the main north-south arterial route and links to the world through the national ports in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Six hours north to Brisbane or south to Sydney sees Narrabri strategically located in a central location. Access to trains, trucks or planes allows a business to choose the most appropriate way to transfer goods or product locally, nationally or internationally.
- Aeropelican has a twice daily return flight to Narrabri from Sydney – 1.2 hour flying time.
- Daily Countrylink rail services to Sydney.
- Six hours by road to Brisbane or Sydney.
Narrabri Shire’s labour force is approximately 8,100 persons. In 2006, the participation rate of persons within the Shire was 74.8% which is significantly higher than the rate for New South Wales which is 62.5%. So if you want to move your business to Narrabri Shire, you know you will be able to access an enthusiastic and committed workforce.
Future workers are being taught at numerous public and private primary and secondary schools within Narrabri Shire.
Narrabri TAFE is an integral part of the community providing training across a range of disciplines. Individuals are provided with nationally recognised qualifications and skills benefiting both the employer and employee. Narrabri TAFE is home to a University of New England access centre.
Currently, there are a range of existing commercial and industrial estates and buildings for new business ventures to move into.In addition, Council is fast tracking a revised comprehensive Local Environmental Plan for the purposes and provisioning of strategically located residential, industrial and commercial developments within the Shire. This revised document will not only consolidate existing industrial land pursuits but will make provisions for all future zonings from residential to heavy industrial.
Council intends to name and market a precinct in Narrabri West as an inter-modal terminal as an industry attraction terminal. The project is essentially to assist the efficiency and marketability of the site. There are existing substantial organisations that will act as attractors to other buisness and industry to ensure future growth of the area. The area is primarily flood-free allowing for a wide range of industry to be established in the vicinity. There is an existing rail infratructure plus a spur line to the locale with regular train movements to Sydney and Newcastle. The Newell and Kamilaroi Highways are in close vicinity to the site.
Making contact with new business networks within Narrabri Shire is an easy and rewarding experience. There are a range of private enterprise driven organisations that new businesses are able to join to discuss ideas and generate opportunities. These business groups are as follows:
- Narrabri Chamber of Commerce
- Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce
- Boggabri & District Promotions Group
Real estate in Narrabri Shire has been witness to the “tree change” experience. As a result the medium sales price has been increasing at a steady and stable rate. However, Narrabri Shire still offers very affordable living within a range of areas compared to city prices.
If you want to live close to town then an older style house may be for you. There are also new housing estates where you can design your own property and have it built by local master tradesmen. Or if the wide open spaces is your style you can choose a farm or an estate with larger lifestyle blocks. Whichever living environment you choose, the resulting decision will mean lower entry and establishment costs and allow you, your family and your staff a range of fantastic lifestyle options.
The lack of water is a talking point across the nation. Narrabri Shire however, is in a fortunate position whereby its annual water allocation is far in excess of the current amount used. This resource has the ability to attract water intensive industry to the Shire that will benefit from the secure water surplus capacity on offer.
Narrabri Shire is in a leading position whereby it is a net exporter of electricity from the Shire. This has come about due to a company called Eastern Star Gas that has in a short period of time, graduated from an ambitious explorer to an integrated gas exploration and production company. The Narrabri Power Project developed by Eastern Star Gas to commercialise natural gas reserves has been successfully completed with the commissioning of Wilga Park Power Station. The power station produces electricity at a significantly lower greenhouse intensity than coal-fired generators. Wilga Park Power Station is projected to expand its capacity from around 10MW to 40MW in the coming years.
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