AGRICULTURE FORESTRY & FISHING
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry leads the MidCoast’s export market, contributing $351.2m, to the economy, indicating a high demand for the MidCoast’s agriculture and agriculturerelated products both domestically and internationally. As the industry’s exports exceed its value add ($288.4m) it is not solely reliable on the local economy for growth, making it a pillar of economic resistance for the area.
It is a diverse industry offering bespoke products highlighted by the area being No.1 in NSW egg production and generating approximately 40% of all NSW Sydney Rock Oysters.
Opportunities
• A substantial agriculture industry, an ample supply of industrial land and strong infrastructure connections presents a major opportunity for the protected cropping industry, including glasshouse and greenhouse operations.
• Processing of raw produce including milk and protected cropping products is an economic prospect for the region.
• The National Reconstruction Fund considers the industry as a priority area and looks to invest in activities that add value by manufacturing or processing products in connection with primary industries.
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au
CONSTRUCTION
Construction is the second largest contributor to the MidCoast economy. Employment in this sector has grown by 65% since 2018, reaching 4,556 employed persons. The industry’s Value Add, $362.1M, has experienced a noteworthy 17.9% growth since 2018, far surpassing benchmark regions.
Representing 21% of all total registered businesses, the industry includes Building Construction, Heavy and Civil Engineering, and Construction Services. Construction is a key job growth industry and due to the high demand for residential housing, coupled with a dynamic portfolio of planned projects in the region, Construction is expected to remain a key economic contributor.
Opportunities
• Undeveloped Industrial and Commercial zoned land presents a surplus of opportunities for development.
Identified areas for future development (i.e. the new town of Brimbin) will rely upon extensive input from the construction industry and provide significant residential and employment growth.
HEALTH CARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
represent significant growth between 2018 and 2023 by 20.3% and 14.4% respectively.
The MidCoast offers the critical health infrastructure required to support the growing region. The industry has experienced strong historic growth and the demand for health services will continue to grow in the future with an ageing population and increased propensity for access to a higher level of health care.
Opportunities
• Aged care is a regional specialisation. There is an opportunity to explore development opportunities for further aged care and seniors housing facilities, aligned to the ageing population in the region.
• The $100million Manning Base Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment will support jobs (both during construction and for the ongoing health industry) and alleviate capacity issues.
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au
The Information, Media, and Telecommunications industry is a dynamic growth sector. Despite ranking 18th in the MidCoast with a Value Add of $59.1m, this industry has seen the highest growth since 2018, increasing by 88.8%. Primarily driven by two key sub-industries: Telecommunication Services and Internet Service providers, employment has grown by 17.5% since 2018 to 383 persons.
The rise in new and existing businesses hiring services to establish internet and telecommunications infrastructure, coupled with an increase in remote workers, presents an environment of diverse skills and innovation and is driving vigorous industry activity and progress within the region.
Opportunities
• Investing in the enhancement of telecommunications infrastructure
• Creating a conducive environment for collaborative innovation by combining the migration of professional workers with the in-depth knowledge of long-established businesses will position the MidCoast as a centre of innovation, smart development and commercialisation.
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au
MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing industry is a dynamic growth sector with strong potential. Employing 1721 people, the dominant sub industries are Food Product Manufacturing, Wood Product Manufacturing and Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing.
With a stable Industry Value add of $221.6m (0.3% growth since 2018), manufacturing is the third most productive industry in the region and ranks second in exports ($308.7m in 2023).
Advanced manufacturing processes and productivity improvements will support growth and drive the industry to be a key economic contributor.
Opportunities
• Undeveloped Industrial and Commercial Zoned Land presents a surplus of opportunities for new and expanding business.
• Servicing Industrial lands is generally cheaper than neighbouring industrial areas in the Hunter and the Mid North Coast
• Regional Manufacturing presents opportunities to significantly reduce emissions, stabilise volatile cost bases and increase supply chain resilience.
• The MidCoast region supports niche strong export-orientated manufacturing businesses.
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au
The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Industry has displayed energetic activity in recent years. The industry’s Value Add, $170.4m in 2023, is a 25% growth from 2018 ($135.9m) and employment has increased from 1,413 in 2018 to 1,476 in 2023.
A steady increase in the number of non-employing businesses operating indicates that the MidCoast is growing as a destination for professional remote workers, including those that are selfemployed. This presents prospects of collaborative innovation, advancements in research and the development of centres of excellence in the region.
Opportunities
• Undeveloped Commercial zoned land presents a surplus of opportunities for new and expanding businesses
• Creating a conducive environment for collaborative innovation by combining the migration of professional workers with the in-depth knowledge of long-established businesses will position the MidCoast as a centre of innovation, smart development and commercialisation.
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au
TOURISM
With a Value Add of $294m (8.4% of total) and employing 3,052 persons (direct and in-direct), tourism is a key industry and major contributor to the MidCoast economy.
The award-winning tourism brand ‘Barrington Coast – where the leaves touch the waters from the mountains to the sea’ has a social media following of over 150,000 and a global presence with America, Poland, United Kingdom and Canada representing the top countries (after Australia) for website sessions.
The region is currently undertaking Eco Destination Certification. The program, delivered by Eco Tourism Australia, assures travellers that the MidCoast, as a certified destination, is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.
Opportunities
• Development of paid visitor experiences and events including investment in sustainable, nature and cultural tourism experiences.
• Increasing the supply and diversity of accommodation including eco-accredited accommodation and the development of high-end accommodation.
• Initiatives that increase low and shoulder season, and midweek visitation and encourage greater regional dispersal
council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au | midcoast.nsw.gov.au