GUNNEDAH SHIRE OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW A few words from the Introduction by Jamie Chaffey, Chamber of Commerce and Mayor, Council

Industry President It brings me great pleasure to introduce the Gunnedah region and a number of the opportunities that exist for prospective It is with great pride that the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce investors on behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council. The information and Industry, in collaboration with the Gunnedah Shire Council, in this document has been prepared in collaboration with the present this introduction to the clean, green and highly Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. productive region of Gunnedah located in some of the most prime resource-rich land in NSW. I trust that the Agricultural Investments Opportunity Overview We are proud to showcase a select few local businesses that will give you a taste of what is on offer in the region, and will give an indication of the quality and professionalism in particularly in relation to cattle supply and the potential industry that is available in the Gunnedah region. The “Snap for development of beef production and related export Shots” of local businesses contained within this document opportunities. The Gunnedah region is a prime location for the are a sample of the diversity of exporters, producers and development and expansion of beef production and processing processors of primary products that are in rich abundance in industries. the Gunnedah region and proof of the professional business people that make up our business community. The profiles of a selection of varied local businesses highlight how many have already taken advantage of the abundance of My vision for the future is to connect our region and our high opportunities that Gunnedah provides. It also showcases the quality business community to potential partners that can willingness and readiness of Gunnedah Shire Council to work share in our riches and provide opportunities to add diversity with investors. to the industries and processors already established within the Gunnedah region. I warmly invite you to peruse a sample of what we have to offer and look forward to a chance to welcome you to Please enjoy the content of the introduction to Gunnedah and Gunnedah to further investigate the opportunities that exist. I look forward to developing meaningful outcomes into the future.

Michael Broekman Councillor Jamie Chaffey President Mayor Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gunnedah Shire Council

2 CONTENTS

Foreword 2 Contents 3 Gunnedah in Brief 4 Socio Economic Profile 5 Strong Population Base 6 Diverse Economy 6 A Significant Tourism Destination 6 Skilled and Valuable Workforce 7 Agricultural Industry Opportunity Overview 8 Agricultural Investment in Gunnedah 9 Agricultural Resources 9 Agricultural Production 9 Investment Opportunity: Regional Beef Processing 11 The Opportunity 11 Market Outlook and Drivers 11 Cattle Supply 11 Skilled Labour 12 Transport Linkages 12 Site Availability 12 Our Business Community 13 Snapshots 14-23 Contact 24

2 3 GUNNEDAH IN BRIEF

The Shire of Gunnedah is situated in the north-east of , 425kms north west of and covers nearly 5,000 square kilometres of land. Within the Shire’s boundaries the township of Gunnedah is the major population hub and also includes the townships of Curlewis, , Carroll, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.

The Shire is situated in the centre of the highly productive , and hosts a highly productive agricultural industry including grains, cotton and beef cattle. The surrounding area is also rich in coal and natural gas reserves. Further support from strong manufacturing, tourism and retail trade sectors provide a diverse array of employment and investment opportunities within the Shire.

Disclaimer: Whilst all care and diligence have been exercised in the preparation of this report, AEC Group Pty Ltd does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained within and accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may be suffered as a result of reliance on this information, whether or not there has been any error, omission or negligence on the part of AEC Group Pty Ltd or their employees. Any forecasts or projections used in the analysis can be affected by a number of unforeseen variables, and as such no warranty is given that a particular set of results will in fact be achieved.

44 SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE

4 Figure 2: Gunnedah Shire Contribution to GRP (2014-15) Strong Population Base

Mining Gunnedah Shire presents a strong investment location, with Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing a diverse economy and solid long term outlook. The region hosts a resident population of approximately 12,800 persons Construction supporting the core regional industries of agriculture and Manufacturing resources. Healthcare & Social Assistance

Public Administration & Saftey The regional population has grown by nearly 1% per annum since 2005 and is projected to reach 13,300 people by 2031. Retail Trade Financial & Insurance Services Figure 1: Gunnedah Shire Population Transport, Postal & Warehousing 1.8% 14,000 Education & Training 1.6% Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 12,000 1.4% Electricity, Gas, Water & General Waste Services 10,000 1.2% Accomodation & Food Services

1.0% Other Services 8,000 0.8% Professional, Scientific & Technical Services 6,000 0.6% Administration & Support Services

4,000 0.4% Wholesale Trade

0.2% Arts & Recreation Services 2,000 0.6% Information Media & Telecommunications

0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2021 2026 2031 -0.2%

Source: AEC Population % Growth Source: ABS (2016), Department of Planning and Environment (2014) A Significant Tourism Destination

Diverse Economy Gunnedah possesses a significant visitor economy, adding further diversity to the regional economy. The region is Gunnedah possesses a substantial economy which generated recognised as the Koala Capital of the World with other over $800 million in Gross Regional Product (GRP) over 2014- significant attractions including Lake Keepit, the Waterways 15. The region has a diverse economic base, with no sector Wildlife Park and the Rural Museum. contributing more than 11% of GRP. Over 2014-15 Gunnedah attracted over 220,000 visitor arrivals, Major industry sectors in Gunnedah include: representing growth of 1.5% per annum since 2010-11. • Mining (11.0% of GRP): The Gunnedah Basin contains Figure 3: Gunnedah Shire Visitor Arrivals around 10% of the estimated recoverable coal reserves in 250 NSW. There are currently three coal mines within Gunnedah Shire ‐ Vickery South, Rocglen and Sunnyside, plus four

additional operations in the immediate surrounding area. 200 • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (10.6%): Gunnedah forms part of one of ’s most productive agricultural 150 regions, with major commodities including beef, wheat, sorghum, barley, cotton, canola, sunflowers, faba beans, Visitors (’000) Visitors soya beans, chick peas, corn and horticulture. 100 • Construction (8.4%): Gunnedah Shire supports over $50 million in construction industry GRP each year through 50 residential, commercial and infrastructure construction. • Manufacturing (7.0%): Gunnedah’s significant value adding 0 manufacturing sector includes four grain mill plants, two 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 stock feed plants and a cotton gin. Day Trips Domestic Overnight International Overnight Source: TRA (2016)

6 7 Skilled and Valuable Workforce

Gunnedah Shire has an available labour force of over 6,000 persons with a flexible and highly trained workforce including strong regional specialisations in engineering, farm management and agricultural services. The Shire is a competitive investment option with both labour and living costs well below New South Wales averages due to a lower cost of living. Table 1: Cost and Income Benchmarks

Factor Gunnedah Shire New South Wales % of NSW Average Personal Incomes $660 $750 88.0% Average Weekly Mortgage Repayment $365 $500 73.0% Average Weekly Rent $190 $295 64.4% Average Weekly Disposable Income (Mortgage)1 $295 $250 118.0% Average Weekly Disposable Income (Rent)1 $470 $455 103.3%

1Note: Calculated as gross incomes less mortgage/rent payments for comparative purposes only. Source: ABS (2011)

Brisbane

Gunnedah Tamworth

Newcastle

Sydney

7 AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT IN GUNNEDAH

Agricultural Resources Climate Gunnedah features a highly conducive climate for agricultural Land production enabling cropping and grazing to be undertaken Gunnedah is situated in the heart of the Liverpool Plains area, year-round. featuring deep, highly fertile alluvial soils which are amongst Average maximum temperatures vary from 34 degrees the most productive in Australia. Over 400,000ha within the Celsius in January to 16.9 degrees Celsius in July. Minimum Shire is used for agriculture, with over 90% of this land used temperatures range from 18.4 degrees Celsius in January to 3 for dryland agriculture, with the remaining 10% used for highly degrees Celsius in July. productive irrigated agriculture production. The Shire receives 500-600mm of rain per annum, Water predominately during the summer monsoon. Gunnedah Shire is situated on the and three of its headwater tributaries (the Mooki and Peel Rivers and Coxs Agricultural Production Creek). Gunnedah Shire is a major agricultural centre, producing over In addition to surface water, the Gunnedah Basin has extensive $200 million in agricultural produce each year. Gunnedah ground water reserves. The ground water supports the region’s specialises in beef cattle production and broadacre cropping. irrigated agriculture consisting primarily of cotton, grain crops, Wheat is most commonly grown throughout winter, with and pastures. cotton, sorghum and sunflowers the main summer crops. The broader New England and North West region is responsible for: • Over 70% of New South Wales cotton production. • Over 90% of sorghum production. • Nearly 90% of sunflower production. • Over 30% of beef cattle production. • Nearly 20% of poultry production.

9 Table 2: Gunnedah Shire and Regional Agricultural Production (2011) % of NSW Produce Gunnedah LGA New England and Gunnedah LGA New England and North West Region North West Region Crops (tonnes) Cotton (kg) 29,129,736 353,298,271 5.9% 71.1% Wheat 158,443 1,662,394 1.5% 15.8% Sorghum 89,049 700,218 11.9% 93.6% Canola 23,255 53,133 2.9% 6.6% Barley 40,552 447,017 1.8% 20.4% Hay 20,413 182,748 1.5% 13.7% Sunflowers 4,596 28,095 14.4% 87.9% Livestock (head) Beef Cattle 112,241 1,625,523 2.1% 30.2% Poultry 600,273 7,245,488 1.6% 19.2% Pigs 7,326 26,786 1.5% 5.5% Sheep 76,078 3,362,577 0.3% 12.5% Note: Based on Gunnedah and Gunnedah Region SA2 Source: ABS (2011)

Table 3: Gunnedah Shire and Regional Value of Agricultural Production ($Million, 2011) % of NSW Produce Gunnedah LGA New England and Gunnedah LGA New England and North West Region North West Region Crops Cotton $68.6 $800 6% 71.1% Wheat $37.9 $398 2% 15.8% Sorghum $19.0 $149 12% 93.6% Canola $11.7 $27 3% 6.6% Barley $8.8 $96 2% 20.4% Hay $8.2 $74 1% 13.0% Sunflowers $2.7 $16.5 14% 87.8% Other $12.3 $140 1% 7.6% Total Cropping $169.2 $1,700 2% 24.0% Livestock Beef Cattle $29.2 $438 2% 27.1% Poultry $10.9 $131 2% 19.2% Pigs $2.5 $9 2% 5.5% Sheep $1.9 $71 0% 11.6% Other $0.1 $0 2% 8.2% Total Livestock $44.6 $649 1% 21.1% Note: Based on Gunnedah and Gunnedah Region SA2 Source: ABS (2011)

10 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: REGIONAL BEEF PROCESSING

The Opportunity Cattle Supply

A large and high quality regional cattle herd, excellent The surrounding cattle production region2 features a beef transport linkages and a consistent and nutritious forage cattle herd of 1.6 million head, just over 30% of the New South supply presents a significant opportunity to establish a regional Wales herd. This represents a potential turnoff of around beef processing facility in Gunnedah Shire. 500,000 head per annum to support a regional abattoir. Key points of note relating to the regional cattle herd include: The following sections provide a brief overview of the potential opportunity, including: • High quality Hereford and Angus breeds. • Market outlook and drivers. • Numerous large and medium sized feedlots (including nearby (35,000 head) and Killara (20,000 head)) providing a • Regional cattle supply levels. consistent supply of finished cattle. • Labour and skills availability. • Consistent turnoff due to reliable rainfall, extensive • Transport linkages. availability of groundwater. • Potential site options. • High availability of forage grains from the surrounding industry as well as irrigated pasture. Market Outlook and Drivers Figure 5: Regional Beef Cattle Herd

Beef prices are currently at record highs with Eastern Young 1,800,00 8.0% Cattle Indicator (EYCI)1 benchmark around $6.50/kg carcass 1,600,00 6.0% weight (cwt). Strong prices have been driven by a range of 1,400,00 factors, including: 4.0% 1,200,00 • Robust demand growth in China and Vietnam. 2.0% 1,000,00 • The falling Australian dollar. 0.0% 800,00 -2.0% • A limited supply of quality cattle due to drought conditions 600,00

over recent years and constrained supply globally. -4.0% 400,00 The recently delivered Australian-China Free Trade Agreement 200,00 -6.0% will be a key long term driver. The gradual removal of beef 0 -8.0% tariffs is expected to deliver $270 million per annum in 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 additional beef production value (MLA, 2014). Beef Cattle Herd % Growth Source: ABS (2015) Figure 4: EYCI Prices (2014-2016) Figure 6: Gunnedah Regional Production Area 700

600

Gunnedah Armidale Tamworth 500

Newcastle

EYCI (c.kg cwt) 400

Sydney 300

200 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 Source: MLA (2016) 1 The EYCI index is calculated based on a seven-day rolling average expressed in cents per kilogram carcass (or dressed) weight and is sourced from sale data from 26 saleyards in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. 2 New England and North West SA4 11 Skilled Labour Transport Linkages

Gunnedah Shire has an available labour force of over 6,000 Gunnedah Shire features excellent transport and export persons with a flexible and highly trained workforce including connections, including: strong regional specialisations in: • Direct Highway Access to the port of Newcastle • Agriculture (18.6% of employment): Gunnedah features (approximately 300kms). a significant agricultural workforce of around 1,000 persons • Rail linkages via the North West rail line, including daily across beef cattle, poultry, grains, and cotton. passenger services to Sydney (approximately 425kms). • Retail (10.5%): Gunnedah possesses quality retail services • Air access from Tamworth airport (approximately 80kms) including day to day shopping and specialty offerings. including multiple daily Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) • Health Care and Social Assistance (9.5%): Gunnedah flights from Sydney. features quality local health care, aged and child care Figure 8: Transport Links services with larger regional hospitals located at Tamworth Brisbane and Newcastle. • Education and training (8.2%): Gunnedah features a strong education and training presence, providing a skilled local workforce. Establishments include two secondary and eight primary schools and the New England Institute of TAFE. Gunnedah • Accommodation and food services (7.5%): Supporting Tamworth services to local residents and the significant tourism industry. • Manufacturing (6.9%): Gunnedah supports a thriving Newcastle agricultural value adding sector, including four grain mill plants, two stock feed plants and the highly successful Sydney Carroll Cotton Gin. Figure 7: Employment by Industry (Place of Work) Site Availability

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Gunnedah Shire features numerous suitable abattoir sites

Retail Trade including greenfield options and the former Gunnedah Meatworks (600 head/day capacity). Advantages of Healthcare & Social Assistance redeveloping the Gunnedah Meatworks include established Education & Training zoning and export approvals. Accomodation & Food Services

Manufacturing

Construction

Public Administration & Saftey

Transport, Postal & Warehousing

Other Services

Mining

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Wholesale Trade

Administration & Support Services

Financial & Insurance Services

Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services

Electricity, Gas, Water & General Waste Services

Arts & Recreation Services

Information Media & Telecommunications

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0%

Source: ABS (2011)

12 OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. are proud to introduce this “Snapshot” of a few local Gunnedah and District businesses who are seeking to expand their export activities and establish mutually beneficial relationships with other regions.

The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. is a leader in the business community supporting, promoting, assisting and advocating on behalf of businesses in the Gunnedah District.

Our aim is to create a stronger and more vibrant community in which to live and do business. We recognise the natural advantages we have of diverse, rich, fertile soils and mineral resources. These natural resources have been the backbone of our economy for generations and have led to a wealth of skills and experience in agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, mining, manufacture and servicing of equipment as well as a range of other endeavours.

We actively encourage the development of strategic alliances with other regions, within and outside Australia, as a way of strengthening our competitive strengths and creating positive business relationships and networks.

In fulfilling this role we frequently work in collaboration with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Creating stronger businesses and communities through:

• Building strategic alliances and business networks • Skills development • Raising the profile of Gunnedah and District and its businesses • Facilitating access to information and advice • Advocating on behalf of its members.

14 SNAPSHOT LIVELY LINSEED PRODUCTS

Export Capabilities

We currently export to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan. We are in negotiations with supermarkets in Singapore and Malaysia. Certifications/Accreditations

• HACCP certified processing. • Awards at Sydney and Hobart Fine Food Awards. • 2 015 Northern Inland Innovation of the Year Award.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

15 SNAPSHOT WHOLEGRAIN MILLING PTY LTD

About Us Export Capabilities

Wholegrain Milling is a family-owned business that, for over We are an export registered facility that currently has exporting 30 years, has specialised in the production of a wide range of contracts with clients in Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and the superior organic flours and grain products from grain that is Philippines. We are export equipped with available stock and grown, stored and milled with no chemical residue using state production capacity. of the art Stone Mill and Roller Mill technologies, by highly skilled and experienced milling technicians. Certifications/Accreditations

We create organic and sustainably grown products that • HACCP. will satisfy every need, and are unparalleled for quality and • ISO 9001. wholesome integrity. We create products for people who • Australian Sustainable Products Certified. desire, appreciate and demand superiority in their grain based • Australian Organic. ingredients. Our Products and Services

Organic & Sustainable at Wholegrain • Wheat. • Spelt. • Rye. • Oats. • Buckwheat. • Barley. • Chickpeas. • Millet. • Quinoa. • Seeds / Beans and Pulses. • Bread Mixes.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

16 SNAPSHOT CARROLL COTTON COMPANY

About Us • Cottonseed collection. • Mote and seed marketing and brokering. Located in the New South Wales cotton growing region of the • On-site storage. Upper Namoi Valley, Carroll Cotton Company is an independent • 24 hours a day operation. cotton gin and one of a few family owned gins remaining in • Process ability for conventional and round modules. Australia. Carroll Cotton is also the most eastern NSW cotton gin in Australia, giving it an export location and proximity Export Capabilities advantage to Sydney and Newcastle ports. Please contact Scott at Carroll Cotton Company for any export Carroll Cotton is owned and operated by the founder’s son, enquiries. Scott Davies, who continues a proud tradition of reliability and integrity. Under Scott’s administration the business has grown Certifications/Accreditations rapidly with substantial upgrades to the site and infrastructure. As an independent gin, Carroll Cotton Company is able to The Carroll Cotton Company is fully accredited through Cotton take a very hand-on approach, and offer complete flexibility Australia’s ‘myBMP’ (Best Management Practices) program that allows all cotton merchants to purchase processed bales which ensures that we deliver responsibly to the Australian straight out of the ginning facilities without restriction. This cotton industry, maintaining the world’s best practices. gives the grower the unique and valued opportunity to secure the most competitive cotton pricing from all lint merchants. Our Products and Services

Carroll Cotton produces 100,000 lint bales and 30,000 tonnes of cotton seed per year. The company is renowned for achieving processing efficiencies and exceptional market returns through state-of-the-art ginning technologies, research and development, progressive infrastructure and established market partnerships. The Carroll Cotton Company delivers a comprehensive gin-to- market service, including: • Custom cotton ginning. • Mote fibre reclamation.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

17 SNAPSHOT GARVIN AND COUSENS (GUNNEDAH) PTY LTD

About Us

Garvin and Cousens are a locally owned stock and station and real estate agency.

We over a range of livestock and property services and pride ourselves in providing an honest, personalised and professional service to our clients.

Whether you are buying or selling livestock, a rural property or organising a clearance sale, our friendly team can over practical advice and personal attention to help you. Our Products and Services

Garvin and Cousens Gunnedah sell fat cattle every Tuesday and store cattle monthly at the Gunnedah Saleyards – which are the North West of New South Wales’ leading stock selling centre.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

18 SNAPSHOT GUNNIBLE CITRUS

About Us After hearing calls to make the fruit available locally, Gunnible began to enter the domestic fresh market, initially supplying Gunnible Pastoral Company is a family owned business. Mark Northey’s Natures Best, Bitter suite café and Twig and Spoon Café in Gunnedah. Our local distribution now extends The Gunnible citrus orchard is located six kilometres north of from Scone to Yamba and the consumer delight from eating our Gunnedah on the Namoi River Flood Plain. fresh juicy Salustiana oranges is driving sales to many more The rich alluvial soils, high quality underground water used for local markets. irrigation and abundance of sunlight make this an ideal location Our oranges are sized, brushed and washed but not waxed. to grow citrus. Gunnible citrus orchard was planted in 2005, with 26,000 Salustiana orange trees growing over 40 hectares. They are available in 3kg netted bags, 20kg, 350 kg or 500kg The Spanish variety, Salustiana had just been introduced to boxes. Australia. Noted to be Europe’s number one juicing orange the variety has proven to be very juicy and sweet with few or Export Capabilities no seeds. The trees are now mature and produce about 1600 tonnes of oranges a year. Harvest starts in July and goes to After a lot of research and following a lengthy accreditation November. process Gunnible is now a certified orchard that can export to China. Following the 2017 tour by a Chinese delegation Gunnible Citrus has been at the forefront with water saving from NingBO, China, organised by the Gunnedah Chamber of technology, our drip irrigation system is the most effcient way Commerce, an opportunity to sell into the Chinese Market has of applying water avoiding water losses through evaporation been established and trial shipments will begin this season. that occur with spray or flood irrigation systems. Our consulting Entomologist Dan Papacek AO, through his Queensland Certifications/Accreditations Company, Bugs for Bugs, has advised us how to use natural predators to control problem pests. By following Dan’s • Freshcare Certifed. programme’s orchard sprays are kept to an absolute minimum. • Federally Accredited orchard to supply China. Laboratory tests on our oranges show zero levels of pesticides. Our Products and Services

Our oranges are sold to Grove Juice and processed at Warwick in Queensland for national distribution. Grove Juice is available in all major supermarkets. Recently Grove has established markets for its premium quality juice in South Korea, Japan and other Asian markets.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

19 SNAPSHOT WHITEHAVEN COAL

About Us Our Products and Services

Whitehaven Coal is a leading producer of some of the world’s Whitehaven Coal produces approximately 20 million tonnes highest quality coal. of saleable (100% basis) thermal and metallurgical coal per Operating in NSW’s Gunnedah Basin, our vision is to be annum for export into the premium international markets. Australia’s leading independent coal company. Operating four open cut mines (Maules Creek, , Tarrawonga Operating four open cut mines (Maules Creek, Werris Creek, and Rocglen), one underground mine () and a Coal Tarrawonga and Rocglen), one underground mine (Narrabri) Handling and Preparation Plant, we have offices in Gunnedah, and a Coal Handling and Preparation Plant, we have offices in Newcastle, Sydney and Tokyo, Japan. Gunnedah, Newcastle, Sydney and Tokyo, Japan. Whitehaven Coal has been growing our workforce and currently employs over 800 people, sourcing the majority from the local communities in which we operate. We are focusing on increasing the diversity of the workforce and are hiring more women and Aboriginal employees. Over the past three years Whitehaven has delivered economic benefits into the north west NSW region worth more than $800m (wages and superannuation to local employees, payment to councils for community projects and for voluntary planning agreements, support for local businesses and suppliers and in donations to local charities and community groups). We are a large employer with over 80 per cent of our full time equivalent employees living in the region surrounding our operations, receiving wages, much of which is spent in the local economy. In FY2016 Whitehaven sourced products and services from over 600 business and suppliers in the local government shires surrounding the mines. During FY2016 we supported a total of 81 community projects via donations to local charities and we made $6.4m in voluntary planning agreement payments to local councils during FY2016 that help supply improved services to local residents.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

20 SNAPSHOT GUNNEDAH SALEYARDS

About Us Export Capabilities

The Gunnedah Shire is beautiful cattle fattening area and is The Gunnedah Sale Yards would provide significant benefit to home to the Gunnedah Sale Yards; one of the largest selling any business looking to operate and export from Gunnedah. centres in New South Wales. Prices in prime cattle are With the Gunnedah Sale Yards current attraction of sellers and amongst the best in the state due to the large buyer pool, buyers and the ability to readily increase that draw, the yards with stock drawn from Oberon to Bourke, and St George in provide a reliable supply of beef with export potential. Queensland to Walcha. This facility attracts local, regional and interstate buyers for the purpose of processing, restocking and Certifications/Accreditations consumption market. In the financial year ended 30 June 2015, the Gunnedah • EU (European Union) accreditation. Saleyards turned over a massive $90.5 million with over • EPA licenced. 119,000 head of cattle were sold through the yards. Stock sold • Owned and operated by Gunnedah Shire Council. through the yards are sourced largely from local producers, with close to 60% of head sold local stock. This provides a strong injection back into the local economy. Cattle sales are held each Tuesday and a Store Sale is held on a monthly basis. The Gunnedah Saleyards employs around 50 people including 12 livestock agents. Our Products and Services

• Vealer Steer. • Vealer Heifer. • Yearling Steer. • Yearling Heifer. • Grown Steer. • Grown Heifer. • Cows. • Bullock.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

21 SNAPSHOT NAMOI GOLD

About Us Certifications/Accreditations

Namoi Gold is a private business run by two energetic people We have completed Olive Care training and have excellent with a passion for producing quality olive oil, table olives laboratory, mechanical and administrative skills. and other olive products. Our farm is located just outside Namoi Gold Olive Oil has been fortunate enough to win many Gunnedah. We have been growing olives since 1996 and awards at regional contests. processing extra virgin olive oil since 2000.

We have a vertically integrated operation and use a mechanical shaker to pick the olives and an Olmio 200 press to process them. Namoi Gold offers a complete “paddock to plate” service.

In addition to olive products we are also a mixed farming enterprise producing fat lambs and seasonal opportunity crops such as duram wheat, soya beans etc. Our Products and Services

Our olive products are sold under the brand Namoi Gold. We market locally, mainly by word of mouth.

We produce • Extra virgin olive oil with an acidity of 0.4 or less. • Bottled olives (500 mls). • Olive oil soap. • Olive oil lip balm. • Fat lambs. • Duram wheat. • Other cereal crops and legumes. We also contract press for other olive growers in the region.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

22 SNAPSHOT GUNNEDAH LEATHER PROCESSORS

About Us In recent years, A.I. Topper has developed transparent alliances with a number of key Meatworks across Australia. These Gunnedah Leather Processors is a wet blue tannery owned strategic alliances create value for customers by allowing them and operated by A.I. Topper Group. As a key component of its to purchase from one central source. This approach works to commitment to value-adding at the source, A.I. Topper has strengthen market mechanisms along the full length of the invested significant resources in the expansion of Gunnedah value chain – linking end-users and primary producers. Leather Processors (GLP). Certifications/Accreditations GLP use the best available technology in order to ensure the quality and consistency of their product. The process is Our certifications and accreditations include designed to minimize impact on the local environment with the • LWG – Gold Certificate. use of hair saving, chrome recycling and CO2 technologies. • Accredited Exporter from Australian Hide, Skin & Leather By combining state-of-the-art process management systems, Exporters Association (AHSLEA). strict testing procedures and an ongoing commitment to employee training and education, GLP ensures that the skill and commitment exist to produce a consistently high quality product. Our Products and Services

• Wet blue hides (full substance). • Wet blue grains (split in wet blue). • Wet blue grains (split in lime). • Wet blue drop split. • Pickle grains. • Limed drop splits. Export Capabilities

Since its foundation in 1954 by Arnold Topper, A.I. Topper & Co has grown to become one of the most respected producers, processors and exporters of raw, semi-processed and finished stocks.

Contact Details

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 176, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 Phone: (02) 6742 3600 Email: [email protected] www.gunnedah.org.au

23 For more information regarding Investment Opportunities in Gunnedah Shire please contact:

Eric Groth | General Manager

Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63 (63 Elgin Street), GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

Phone 02 6740 2150 | Fax 02 6740 2119 Mobile 0459 238 806 | [email protected]

www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

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