New England and North West

The New England and North West region, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, is an agricultural powerhouse that produces a fifth of the New South Wales crops that are in huge demand from Asian markets. 

From the volcanic rainforest tablelands and cliffs in the east to the highly productive floodplains in the west, the region has some of the most fertile soils in Australia, enabling a diverse and connected economy with premium agribusiness foundations and a future in renewable energy and resources.

The Moree Special Activation Precinct will capitalise on the New England and North West region’s credentials as one of Australia’s most productive and progressive grain, pulse and cotton regions. The precinct’s location along inland rail routes and national highways enables streamlined national and international market access. 

Moree is primed to activate a new commercial hub for vertically integrated agribusinesses, leveraging logistical capabilities for intensive horticulture and food processing and driving Australian food and fibre produce investment growth.

The Namoi Regional Job Precinct will focus on improvements in planning to support the sustainable growth of intensive agriculture and livestock production.

The New England and North West region is rich in mineral, energy and renewable resources, with one of the largest solar farms in Australia located at Moree. There is a unique opportunity to generate additional wind energy on the Tablelands due to the productive climate and availability of solar and wind resources. The New England Renewable Energy Zone will unlock $10.7 billion of private-sector investment in large-scale renewable energy and storage projects in the region.

Industry growth is supported by the region’s higher education agricultural technology expertise and ICT investments including a Smart Region Incubator, breeding and genetics research organisations, and Co-operative Research Centres. An extensive services sector in agribusiness, education, health, technology, and transport and logistics further underpins growth.

The $14.5 billion Inland Rail project, investments in Armidale and Tamworth Airports, and upgrades to the New England and Newell Highways will increase connectivity, creating new opportunities for investment in export-focused, value-added manufacturing and intensive agriculture.