RDA-Riverina Regional Profile

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Regional Profile

2014

Updated January 2014

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Contents

1. Executive Summary ...... 3 2. Terms of Reference ...... 4 3. The RDA-Riverina Region ...... 6 Country Change ...... 6 RDA-Riverina Local Government Areas...... 7 4. Social and Demographic Profile ...... 36 Population ...... 36 Regional Migration ...... 39 Age Characteristics ...... 42 Population Characteristics and Labour Force ...... 44 Housing ...... 46 Cost of Housing ...... 48 Crime ...... 49 5. Geographical Profile ...... 50 Land ...... 50 Water Use ...... 50 Climate ...... 51 Unique Features ...... 52 6. Economic Profile ...... 53 The Labour Market...... 54 Employment Growth ...... 58 Skill Shortages ...... 59 Skilled Migration ...... 63 7. Agriculture and Natural Resources ...... 67 8. Tourism ...... 70 9. Gas and Electricity ...... 72 Natural Gas Networks in NSW ...... 72 Electricity...... 73 10. Environment Profile ...... 75 Cultural Heritage ...... 75 Murray-Darling Basin ...... 76 Murrumbidgee River ...... 77

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Irrigation ...... 77 Riverina Local Land Services ...... 79 National Parks ...... 81 Lakes and Wetlands ...... 81 11. Education Profile ...... 82 Number of Schools ...... 82 Primary and Secondary School Enrolments ...... 83 Higher Education ...... 84 Post-School Qualifications ...... 85 Job Services Australia ...... 86 12. Health Profile ...... 88 Murrumbidgee Local Health District ...... 88 Murrumbidgee Medicare Local...... 90 Health Institutions ...... 2 13. References ...... 4

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

1. Executive Summary

The RDA-Regional Profile 2013 provides a statistical analysis of the RDA-Riverina region. Using the most up to date data (gathered from the 2011 Census and ABS reports); this profile aims to provide individuals, community organisations and industry with an insight into the region. Data from this profile will be particularly relevant to community organisations and industry groups that need quantitative data to support submissions and business related activities.

The Riverina region is home to the Murrumbidgee River and the major food producing areas of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA). Renowned for being one of Australia‟s largest agricultural hubs, the Riverina region relies heavily on the agriculture sector for its economic prosperity. The MIA itself provides over one-quarter of all the fruit and vegetable production in NSW and is also one of Australia‟s largest exporters of bulk wines. The region not only grows but processes significant agricultural product from meat, rice/cereal, cotton, vegetables, fruit (citrus), nuts to wine. Retail, manufacturing (particularly value adding to food & beverages), health care and social assistance are also major employers in the region.

The City of Wagga Wagga and Griffith are the major centres of the RDA-Riverina service area, home to approximately 60,000 and 24,000 people respectively. These centres located at the east (Wagga Wagga) and west (Griffith) of the region are hubs for the provision of health, education and other government services for the region. Wagga Wagga in particular has experienced significant population growth and has been noted as one of the state‟s fastest growing regional cities.

Unemployment across the Riverina region was 4.4% and the workforce participation rate 64.5% (2011 ABS Census Participation rate & Unemployment rate DEEWR, Small Labour Markets Australia) in 2011. In December 2013 according to Department of Employment Small Labour Market Data the unemployment rose to 5% across the region. The median age is 41 for the region and the average weekly household income is $994 for the region (ABS Census 2011). The capacity to attract and retain skilled labour in the region will continue to be a challenge especially considering the aging population and migration of younger people aged 20-35years. However the region has projects such as Evocities www.evocities.com.au and Country Change www.couuntrychange.com.au that are looking to promote the employment, business and lifestyle opportunities that the region offers.

The region has a strong education base with Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, RAAF and Kapooka Army Base. All of these facilities will be vital in building the skills and confidence of all people (including Aboriginal & new immigrants) in the region.

The Riverina has a wealth of people with a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to business and life. Opportunities for development exist in the Riverina region in agriculture, aged care, aviation, manufacturing, transport & logistics and education.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

2. Terms of Reference

Data used throughout this profile has been sourced from a number of different publications which are outlined in the Reference section of the RDA-Riverina Regional Profile.

The majority of data included in the profile has been sourced from the 2011 Census, however as statistical divisions have been altered since the 2006 Census the ability to compare data from year to year may not be possible in some instances.

The links below provide an overview of the geographical areas which most consistently correlate with the RDA-Riverina region:

 My Region: http://myregion.gov.au/profile/riverina  Destination NSW: http://archive.tourism.nsw.gov.au/Riverina_p920.aspx  Australian Statistical Geographical Standard (ASGS): http://betaworks.abs.gov.au/betaworks/betaworks.nsf/projects/ASGSBoundariesOnlin e/frame.htm  National Regional Profile 2007 – 2011: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/nrpmaps.nsf/NEW+GmapPages/national+re gional+profile

Individuals, community organisations and industry using this profile should be mindful that statistical data varies between the three tiers of government and the specific sector being investigated. Table 2.1 demonstrates the National Regional Profile divisions 2006 – 2010 (upon which some information is still based).

The National Regional Profile divisions have been updated since the 2011 Census. The new Riverina region does not correlate entirely with the RDA-Riverina region and there is some overlap of information detailed in this profile.

Table 2.1: Riverina NSW – Statistical Division, Sub-Division and Local Government Areas

Statistical Division Statistical Sub-Division Local Government Area (SD) (SSD) (LGA)

. Murrumbidgee . Central Murrumbidgee . Wagga-Wagga (excluding Wagga-Wagga) . Coolamon . Lower Murrumbidgee . Cootamundra . Wagga-Wagga . Gundagai . Junee . Lockhart . Narrandera . Temora . Tumut shire . Carrathool . Griffith . Hay . Leeton . Murrumbidgee

Source: ABS (2010), National Regional Profile 2006 – 2010.

For further information regarding the new National Regional Profile divisions, visit:

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 National Regional Profile 2007 – 2011: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/nrpmaps.nsf/NEW+GmapPages/national+re gional+profile

Some statistics in this report include Tumut, Harden, Young and Boorowa Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the Murray region which sit outside the RDA-Riverina service area, however due to their strong links with the RDA-Riverina region they have been incorporated into the profile. Additionally, other identified Riverina LGAs including Bland and Hay LGA may be omitted in some instances.

For further detail regarding the sources of data included in the RDA-Riverina Regional Profile, please visit the Reference section on page 94.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

3. The RDA-Riverina Region

The Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina region stretches 500 kms east to west across south-central NSW. It covers an area of almost 59,665sq kms and services a population of approximately 144,0001 people. The Riverina-RDA is comprised of 14 Local Government Areas: Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Griffith, Gundagai, Hay, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Temora and Wagga Wagga.

The Riverina region is home to the Murrumbidgee River and the major food producing areas of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA). Renowned for being one of Australia‟s largest agricultural hubs, the Riverina region relies heavily on the agriculture sector for its economic prosperity. The MIA itself provides over one-quarter of all the fruit and vegetable production in NSW and is also one of Australia‟s largest exporters of bulk wines. Retail, manufacturing, health care and social assistance are also major employers in the region.

The City of Wagga Wagga and Griffith are the major centres of the RDA-Riverina service area, home to approximately 60,000 and 24,000 people respectively. Wagga Wagga in particular has experienced significant population growth and has been noted as one of the state‟s fastest growing regional cities.

The RDA-Riverina region faces challenges and many opportunities which it is working collaboratively with the Australian, state, territory and local governments to overcome and achieve. Some of the prominent issues facing the region include the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, skills shortages, the fluctuating Australian dollar, environmental issues and the agricultural economy.

Country Change

The Country Change project is a joint venture between a collection of communities or LGAs that are working together to promote the wonderful opportunities that you can gain by moving to the country. The website promotes a number of the RDA-Riverina LGAs townships including Hillston, Cootamundra, Hay, Griffith, Narrandera, Holbrook, Leeton, Temora and Lockhart.

The Country Change project is under the auspices of RDA-Riverina and exists purely to help you make the move to the Riverina, not to make a profit. The project works in parallel with the Evocities NSW program www.evocities.com.au that includes Wagga Wagga in the RDA Riverina region. Information pertaining to RDA-Riverina LGAs from the Country Change website is included where relevant. www.countrychange.com.au

1 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 6

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

RDA-Riverina Local Government Areas

Local Government Communities Website Area Bland Shire Council Ungarie, Barmedman, West www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au Wyalong, Wyalong, Tallimba, Weethalle, Naradhan, Mirrool Carrathool Shire Hillston, Goolgowi, Rankins www.carrathool.nsw.gov.au Council Springs, Merriwagga & Carrathool Coolamon Shire Coolamon, Ganmain, www.coolamon.nsw.gov.au Council Ardlethan, Beckom, Marrar & Matong Cootamundra Shire Wallendbeen, Stockinbingal www.cootamundra.nsw.gov.au Council Griffith City Council Yoogali, Hanwood, www.griffith.nsw.gov.au Tharbogang, Lake Wyangan, Bilbul, Beelbangera, Nericon Gundagai Shire Muttama, Nangus, www.gundagai.nsw.gov.au Council Adjunbilly, Coolac Hay Shire Council Hay, Booligal, Maude www.hay.nsw.gov.au

Junee Shire Council Bethungra, Old Junee, www.junee.nsw.gov.au Junee Reefs, Eurongilly, Illabo, Dirnaseer, Wantabadgery, Harefield Leeton Shire Council Yanco, Whitton, Wamoon, www.leeton.nsw.gov.au Murrami Lockhart Shire Council Lockhart, The Rock, Yerong www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au Creek, Pleasant Hills, Milbrulong Murrumbidgee Shire Darlington Point, www.murrumbidgee.local- Council Coleambally e.nsw.gov.au Narrandera Shire Grong Grong, Barellan, www.narrandera.nsw.gov.au Council Colinroobie, Corobimilla, Kamarah, Kywong, Moombooldool, Binya Temora Shire Council Temora, Ariah Park, www.temora.nsw.gov.au Springdale Wagga Wagga City Wagga, Forest Hill, www.wagga.nsw.gov.au Council Kapooka, Gumly Gumly, Bomen- Lady Smith, Collingullie, Currawarna, Mangoplah, Uranquinty, Tarcutta, Oura, Galore, Humula

Bland Shire Council

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

About

The Bland Shire was proclaimed in 1906 and is a vibrant and progressive rural community located on the northern fringes of the Riverina region of New South Wales. The Bland Shire was built on the industries of agriculture, eucalyptus and mining and these sectors make up a large percentage of Bland Shire‟s Gross Domestic Product in 2013.

The Bland Shire has a population of 5,865, and the Shire‟s major centre of West Wyalong located on the junction of the Newell and Mid-Western Highways, and Goldfields Way, is home to over 3,000 residents. Within a 160km radius of West Wyalong are the towns of Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Forbes, Parkes and Cowra, and the township is situated within 300kms of Canberra – providing an authentic, vibrant and progressive rural lifestyle well within reach of city conveniences. West Wyalong‟s community and economy combine all the virtues of country living with the outstanding advantages of a highly central location and access to major population centres. Further afield is Sydney – 491km, Melbourne – 571km, Adelaide – 910km and Brisbane – 1,114km making it an ideal central location to establish a business or home.

The Shire offers outstanding parks and gardens, sporting and community facilities, excellent schools, key medical and business facilities and boasts a terrific community spirit. The sporting facilities include the Ron Crowe Rugby League Complex and the Holland Park Swimming Pool. Communities located within the Bland Shire include Barmedman, Tallimba, Ungarie, Weethalle, Wyalong, Kikoira, Naradhan and Mirrool.

The Bland Shire is rich in European and Aboriginal heritage, and has 25 State Forests, Reserves and a National Park within its borders. A number of events are held throughout the year including the Mirrool Silo Kick, Barmedman Modified Tractor Pull and agricultural shows at West Wyalong, Weethalle, Barmedman and Ungarie.

Our Industries

The Bland Shire has a low unemployment rate and the Barrick Cowal Gold Mine is the Shire‟s major employer with a workforce of about 320 permanent staff and a further 120 contractors. The mine generates an estimated $54 million in annual household income with new employment opportunities regularly advertised. In 2012, Cowal produced 268,000 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $597 per ounce. Proven and probable mineral reserves as of December 2012 were 2.8 million ounces of gold.

Pace Farm, GrainFlow, Grain Corp, Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution, NSW Department of Education and Bland Shire Council are the Shire‟s other major employers. Pace Farm operates the largest egg producing facility in the southern hemisphere in West Wyalong while GrainFlow has invested heavily in the region through its modern grain handling facility. The Bland Shire is also one of the largest winter cereal cropping districts in NSW, growing crops such as wheat, barley, oats, triticale, cereal rye, field peas, lupins and canola.

Council has strategies in place to attract more new industries to the area and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future. Fantastic business and investment opportunities exist to

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

support these major developments and meet the need for housing and other goods and services for its growing population. West Wyalong also offers unique and exciting opportunities for professionals as well as a vibrant retail sector.

Statistical Data2

 Population & Demographics The Bland Local Government Area (LGA) covers 8,557.7sq kms and has a population of 5,865 people. The median age of people within the Bland LGA is 41 years, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.9% of the population and people aged 65 years and over accounting for 19.2% of the population. The LGA has a relatively small Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of 4.0%.

 Housing: The Bland LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Bland LGA consists of 2,868 private dwellings, with a median weekly rental cost of $130. The median weekly household income is $879.

 Education: In Bland, 27.5% of people were attending an educational institution in 2011, of these, 35.6% were in primary school, 22.9% in secondary school and 13.9% in a tertiary or technical institution.

The Bland LGA has six primary schools, two high schools and one non-government Catholic school to accommodate both primary and secondary students. There are also several pre-schools and long day care facilities spread throughout the Bland Shire.

 Employment: The Bland LGA has a low unemployment rate with a constant demand for skilled labour. In 2011, there were 2,792 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Bland. Of these, 63.1% were employed full time, 26.3% were employed part-time and 3.5% were unemployed. 31.3% of people aged 15 years and over in the Bland LGA were engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Bland included Managers 30.6%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.4%, Machinery Operators and Drivers 11.7%, Labourers 11.0% and Professionals 9.5%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Bland LGA was $459.

 Industry: Of the employed people in the Bland LGA, 24.5% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included Metal Ore Mining (Barrick Cowal Gold Mine), 8.2%, School Education 5.6%, Local Government Administration 4.6% and Road and Freight Transport 2.5%.

Website: www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au

2 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Carrathool Shire Council

About

Carrathool Shire Council includes the town of Hillston and the villages of Goolgowi, Merriwagga, Carrathool and Rankins Springs. The Shire spreads over approx. 19,000sq kms and is home to just 2,686 people; two-thirds of whom are based in the five towns and villages, with the remaining one-third in rural areas.

The major town of Hillston is located on the Lachlan River and is recognised as a leading producer of a diverse range of primary commodities. This position owes much to the availability of high quality water, rich and fertile soils, warm climate and pollution free environment. The Shire boasts two rivers, two national parks and a booming agricultural industry.

Residents of Carrathool Shire enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and have a strong sense of community. The Carrathool Shire is situated in close proximity to the regional centre of Griffith and promotes itself as a safe and friendly place to live and work.

Carrathool Towns and Villages

Hillston was settled in 1963 on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is a rich agricultural centre, supplying food and fibre to the Australian and export markets.

Carrathool is home to The Carrathool „Best of the Bough Shed‟ Races, held each February which attracts over two thousand people to the historic race meet. Rankins Springs is a small village set in the middle of the Conapaira Ranges. Located only 65kms from Griffith, Rankins Springs is situated on the Mid Western Highway and, with its shady green parks, is a popular resting place for travellers.

The village of Merriwagga is home to the legend of the Black Stump and the tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere. Merriwagga is situated 40kms south of Hillston, on the Kidman Way. The village of Goolgowi is located 55kms from Griffith and is the headquarters of Carrathool Shire Council.

Our Industries

The Carrathool Shire is well known for its rich agricultural industry. Traditionally a grazing and cropping area, new innovations in irrigation have allowed the district to expand into additional produce such as citrus, cotton, viticulture, walnuts, olives, potatoes, lettuce, mangoes, cherries, corn and rice.

Council is one of the major employers in the area, along with a number of large scale agricultural businesses. „Seasonal work‟ is available throughout the year due to seasonal plantings.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Statistical Data3

 Population & Demographics The Carrathool Local Government Area (LGA) covers a large area of approximately 19,000 sq kms however has a population of only 2,587 people. The median age of residents within the Carrathool LGA is 40, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.4% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 15.3% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is 6.7%, a large number relative to the total LGA population.

 Housing The Carrathool LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Carrathool LGA consists of 1,334 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of just $80. The median weekly household income is relatively high, at $942.

 Education In Carrathool 26.0% of people were attending an educational institution in 2011. Of these, 37.9% were in primary school, 23.7% in secondary school and 10.7% in a tertiary or technical institution.

The Carrathool LGA consists of three government primary schools, one non- government Catholic school and a central school to accommodate both primary and secondary school students. Hillston Central School is the only school that provides secondary education in the Shire.

 Employment There were 1,359 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in the Carrathool LGA. Of these, 67.5% were employed full time, 21.1% were employed part-time and 4.1% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 and over, 27.2% of people in the Carrathool LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group in the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in the Carrathool LGA included Managers 33.7%, Labourers 16.4%, Machinery Operators and Drivers 12.7%, Clerical and Administrative Workers 8.7% and Technician and Trades Workers 8.7%. The weekly median personal income for people aged 15 and over in Carrathool is $527.

 Industry Of the employed people in the Carrathool LGA, 30.9% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included Local Government Administration 5.8%, School Education 5.1%, Fruit and Tree Nut Growing 4.1% and Mushroom and Vegetable Growing 3.0%.

Website: www.carrathool.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/hillston.aspx

3 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 11

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Coolamon Shire Council

About

Coolamon Shire is located in the Riverina region of NSW. While wheat has been cultivated in the area since 1851, the township of Coolamon, on which the Shire is centered, was established around the time when the railway arrived in 1881. The Shire was proclaimed on 3 March 1906 and is now home to approximately 4,000 people, taking in the three larger towns of Coolamon, Ganmain and Ardlethan, and the smaller villages of Marrar, Matong and Beckom.

Ideally situated, Coolamon Shire is bound by the neighbouring Shires of Narrandera, Bland, Temora, Junee and the City of Wagga Wagga and enjoys the best of both worlds - the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of rural living, and excellent services and facilities both within the Shire and in nearby areas.

Coolamon is rich in culture and heritage tourism, jam-packed with museums, natural attractions, gorgeously presented heritage streetscapes, boutique shopping and quaint and quirky cafes. A number of festivals and events are held each year to celebrate what‟s great about the Shire including the Coolamon Up-2-Date Art Exhibition, Capture Coolamon Shire Photography Competition, New Year‟s Eve Street Party, Ganmain Show, Poetry Capers, Ardlethan Picnic Races, Ardlethan Jazz Festival and Ganmain Hay Festival.

The name 'Coolamon' is an Aboriginal word meaning dish or vessel for holding food or water. On an 1870 map of the area, a cluster of water holes was referred to as 'Coolamon Holes', prior to the gazetting of the town of Coolamon in 1881.

Our Industries

Coolamon Shire is one of the richest agricultural and pastoral districts in the Riverina and is renowned for its production of wheat, canola, barley, oats and other cereal crops, as well as hay and chaff. Wool, lamb and beef are also important products from the area. The NSW Government has invested in small and large scale projects in the area, creating jobs and attracting people to the Shire.

Statistical Data4

 Population & Demographics The Coolamon Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 2,494sq kms and has a population of 4,099 people. The median age of residents in the Coolamon LGA is 43, with children aged 0-14 years making up 22.4% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 20.4% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Coolamon LGA makes up 2.6%.

4 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 12

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Housing The Coolamon LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Coolamon LGA consists of 1,790 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $125. The median weekly household income is $857.

 Education In Coolamon 30.7% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these, 33.7% were in primary school, 21.7% in secondary school and 13.4% in a tertiary or technical institution.

The Coolamon LGA consists of four government primary schools, two non- government Catholic schools and two central schools which cater for both primary and secondary school students.

 Employment There were 1,760 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Coolamon. Of these, 62.6% were employed full time, 27.2% were employed part-time and 3.6% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 and over, 32.6% of people in the Coolamon LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group in the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in the Coolamon LGA included Managers 26.7%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.9%, Professionals 12.6% Labourers 10.8% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 10.3%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Coolamon LGA was $452.

 Industry Of the employed people in the Coolamon LGA, 21.7% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included School Education 6.3%, Local Government Administration 3.4%, Tertiary Education 2.6% and Road Freight Transport 2.2%.

Website: www.coolamon.nsw.gov.au

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Cootamundra Shire Council

About

The picturesque district of Cootamundra is located in the South West Slopes of NSW, half way between Sydney and Melbourne and possesses an appealing mix of country charm and city style. Cootamundra is a thriving centre for sport, history and the arts and boasts a strong commercial and services sector. The town is surrounded by classic undulating agricultural land and villages rich in heritage.

The Cootamundra Shire is home to two small villages, Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen. Stockinbingal consist of approximately 250 people and is primarily a farming community producing wheat, canola, cereal crops, sheep, wool, fat lambs and cattle. Wallendbeen, a well-known resting place at the intersection of the Olympic Highway and Burley Griffin Way, is renowned as one of the best wheat growing areas in NSW, having produced the State Winners for a number of years.

The greatest batsman the world has ever known, Sir Donald Bradman, was also born in Cootamundra. His birthplace, 89 Adams Street, has been restored and converted into a museum which is popular with tourist to the town and district. The name Cootamundra is a corrupted version of the Aboriginal word "Gooramundra" meaning turtles, swamp or low- lying.

Our Industries

Since its earliest days, the Cootamundra district has enjoyed prosperity from its natural environment, which today supports a diverse mix of agricultural pursuits, producing quality beef, lamb, wool and rich crops of grain. A recent study has identified that Cootamundra has exceptional natural resources for Agribusiness development.

GM Scott Abattoir is the largest single employer in Cootamundra, with more than 200 employees. The abattoir is a $25 million per annum operation, processing 3,500 lambs and 200 cattle daily. It produced its own products, beef, lamb, meal, by-products and skins, under the Noble Farm brand name.

Statistical Data5

 Population & Demographics The Cootamundra Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 1,523.8sq kms and has a population of 7,334 people. The median age of residents in the Cootamundra LGA is 47, with children aged 0-14 years making up 18.9% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 23.3% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Cootamundra LGA makes up 3.9%.

5 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 14

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Housing The Cootamundra LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Cootamundra LGA consists of 3,533 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $150. The median weekly household income is $768.

 Education In Cootamundra 28.0% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these, 28.1% were in primary school, 22.6% in secondary school and 11.6% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Cootamundra Shire is home to a number of educational institutions including four government primary schools, one central school, one non-government special school, Cootamundra High School and Riverina Institute of TAFE, Cootamundra Campus.

 Employment There were 2,953 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Cootamundra. Of these, 59.8% were employed full time, 29.9% were employed part-time and 5.5% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 26.2% of people in Cootamundra LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Cootamundra included Labourers 15.6%, Managers 15.5%, Professionals 14.8%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.7% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 11.8%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Cootamundra LGA was $425.

 Industry Of the employed people in Cootamundra 9.1% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included School Education 6.0%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 5.25% (GM Scott Abattoir), Supermarket and Grocery Stores 4.2% and Residential Care Services 3.8%.

Website: www.cootamundra.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/cootamundra.aspx

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Griffith City Council

About Griffith City is located in the Riverina Region of south-western New South Wales, about 450 kms north of Melbourne, and 570 kms west of Sydney. Griffith City is a predominantly rural area, with rural-residential and residential areas in several townships and villages. Most of the population lives in the main urban area of Griffith, and the smaller villages of Beelbangera, Bilbul, Hanwood, Lake Wyangan, Nericon, Tharbogang, Widgelli, Yenda and Yoogali. Rural land is used largely for agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, particularly rice, citrus fruit, canola, vegetable and grape growing, with some sheep and cattle grazing. The original inhabitants of the Griffith area were the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. European settlement dates from the 1820s, with land near the rivers used mainly for sheep grazing. Land became used for agriculture from the 1860s. Population was minimal until the early 1900s. Growth took place from 1912, due largely to the opening of the railway line and the establishment of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, which supplied water from the Murrumbidgee River for farming.

Our Industries The main industries in Griffith include wine making, citrus, rice, manufacturing, retail and agricultural (vegetable, fruit and other niche food production). The local economy consists of retail, property investment, manufacturing, food processing, education, health, construction, fibre packaging, wood products, furniture, stainless steel engineering, metal fabrication and finishing, general engineering, innovative technologies and agriculture.

Griffith‟s adventurous and industrious people developed the huge agricultural sector of vineyards, cereal crops, pasture and rice over the past 100 years and then added value through manufacturing, retail and innovative technology.

Food and beverage manufacturing is Griffith‟s largest employer. One of the larger businesses, poultry processor Baiada Poultry, is expected to double its output to 10.5 million birds per annum at a total commitment of $60 million. Griffith is also Australia‟s largest producer of wine and opportunity abounds to service this growth industry.

There are 3,178 businesses in Griffith. Retail employs over 3,000 people and serves a regional population of 50,000, with the major shopping centre in Banna Avenue and shopping centres in Yambil Street. Griffith caters to both high-end boutique and family shoppers. Manufacturing employs over 2,000 people, with many metal fabrication and engineering firms located in the city.

Statistical Data6

 Population & Demographics

6 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 16

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The Griffith Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 1,639.9sq kms and has a population of 24,364 people. The median age of residents in the Griffith LGA is 36, with children aged 0-14 years making up 22.5% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 14.3% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Griffith LGA makes up 4.1%.

Griffith is also well known for its strong Italian culture, with 20.8% of the population identifying with Italian ancestry and 9.6% speaking Italian at home.

 Housing The Griffith LGA consists of 9,968 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $180 – relatively high for the Riverina region. The median weekly household income is also high, at $1,065.

 Education In Griffith, 31.3% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these, 29.8% were in primary school, 21.9% in secondary school and 12.8% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Griffith LGA consists of 14 educational institutions, including eight government primary schools, three non-government Catholic schools, one special school and three secondary schools. Griffith also provides tertiary education facilities through TAFE NSW Riverina Institute.

 Employment There were 11,793 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Griffith. Of these 60.5% were employed full time, 28.0% were employed part-time and 4.9% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 17.8% of people in Griffith LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Griffith included Managers 17.5%, Labourers 16.6%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.9%, Professionals 12.5% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 12.4%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Griffith LGA was $531.

 Industry Of the employed people in Griffith, 7.3% worked in Beverage Manufacturing. Other major employment included Fruit and Tree Nut Growing 5.2%, School Education 4.7%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 4.5% and Supermarket and Grocery Stores 3.3%. Griffith‟s gross regional product was $1.257 million in the 2011/2012 financial year.

Website: www.griffith.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/griffith.aspx

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Gundagai Shire Council

About

Nestled in the South West Slopes of NSW and comprising part of the lands of the Wiradjuri people, Gundagai Shire is located approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne and with a cosy population of around 3,500 people.

Gazetted in 1923 from an amalgamation of the Adjungbilly Shire and the Gundagai Municipality, Gundagai Shire is proud of its rich heritage and is home to legends such as the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Dad and Dave and the awe inspiring Rusconi's Masterpiece in Marble. The earliest migrant settlers can be traced back to the 1820s. The infamous bushranger, Captain Moonlight was captured at nearby Wantabadgery and is now buried at the North Gundagai cemetery.

The district‟s scenic countryside and wealth of bush characters provided much of the inspiration for the stories and poems of Australia's most famous poet "Banjo" Paterson who spent considerable time at "Kiley's Run".

Traditionally a very safe farming area, the Gundagai Shire yields a wide variety of produce. Bee farmers produce prodigious amounts of beautiful honey. In the south and east, higher rainfall and cooler seasons see large forestry plantations and rolling hills producing wool, lamb and beef. Along the valley floors, rich alluvial flats produce excellent lucerne hay and horticultural products whilst cereal crops are important in the north and west. Recently, viticulture has become an increasingly important crop in the district with several large vineyards now operational and more planned.

At the heart of the Shire and sitting alongside the Murrumbidgee - with excellent education, health and aged care facilities - is the friendly town of Gundagai, famous in both verse and song. With top class sporting amenities, relaxed lifestyle and proximity to major centres it is a great place to live and work or even just visit.

Our Industries7

The rural economy is still the backbone of the Gundagai community, and many families remain here today that are descendants of the districts earliest families. They have been through the floods, the droughts, the booms and the busts and still keep their country ways with quiet pride in what has been achieved in this little piece of Australia.

Because of the Gundagai‟s position on the Hume Highway corridor, the town has had at various times great police presence, communications employees working on telecommunication facilities and great numbers of people employed to make the roads we enjoy today.

7 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 18

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Secondary Industries in Gundagai are using the latest in technology and include the modern Gundagai Meat Processors Plant and D J Lynch Engineering who have been engaged in many major construction projects including building steel spans for the Olympic Stadium.

Statistical Data

 Population & Demographics The Gundagai Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 2,457.1sq kms and has a population of 3,662 people. The median age of residents in the Gundagai LGA is 42, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.4% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 19.0% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Gundagai LGA makes up 2.5%.

 Housing The Gundagai LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Gundagai LGA consists of 1,743 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $140. The median weekly household income is $907.

 Education In Gundagai 28.4% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these, 36.5% were in primary school, 23.0% in secondary school and 11.9% in a tertiary or technical institution. Gundagai LGA offers six schools, including four government primary schools, one non-government Catholic school and one secondary school.

 Employment There were 1,754 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Gundagai. Of these, 58.9% were employed full time, 29.6% were employed part-time and 4.3% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 28.9% of people engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Gundagai included Managers 22.7%, Labourers 20.6%, Technicians and Trades Workers 12.6%, Professionals 10.2% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 9.2%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Gundagai LGA was $470.

 Industry Of the employed people in Gundagai, 19.1% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services 6.5%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 6.3%, School Education 5.6% and Accommodation 3.6%.

Website: www.gundagai.nsw.gov.au

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Hay Shire Council

About

The Hay Shire covers an area of 11,348sq kms with a shire population of approximately 3,000 people. Located on the vast open and virtually treeless Hay Plains, the main regional centre of Hay is situated at the intersection of the Sturt, Mid-Western and Cobb Highways. Halfway between Sydney and Adelaide and just 4½ hours from Melbourne, Hay is centrally located. The other main towns in the Shire are Maude and Booligal, made famous by the Banjo Patterson poem Hay, Hell and Booligal.

Situated on the picturesque Murrumbidgee River and surrounded by the vast open Hay Plains, Hay's history is rich with characters and tales of boom and bust - of isolation and innovation. Over centuries, poets and artists have attempted to capture the spirit of the plains, but only a visit to Hay will give visitors the real experience - the unique landscape, the diversity of attractions, the richness of our cultural heritage and the warmth of pure country hospitality.

Hay has a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. From motels to caravan parks, bed and breakfast to farm stays.

Our Industries

Hay is a progressive and proactive community with agriculture the main base of the economy but in recent years the community has embraced tourism. This diversification has created a range of employment and business opportunities in the private and government sector.

Hay's geography, climate and environment are conducive to a range of agricultural and pastoral activity. The Hay Shire is well known for its Merino sheep and wool industry as well as producing a diverse range of commercial crops such as rice, corn, cotton and wheat. Irrigated horticultural land produces lettuce, rockmelon, broccoli, grapes and garlic. Hay is centrally located to transport this produce to markets in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. The potential to value add in the horticultural industry is extensive.

The community‟s diversification into tourism has also seen new opportunities in the hospitality and retail sector. A number of new businesses have established themselves in Hay during the past few years, obviously realising the potential of the region.

Statistical Data8

 Population & Demographics

8 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 20

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The Hay Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 11,348sq kms and has a population of 2,956 people. The median age of residents in the Hay LGA is 43, with children aged 0-14 years making up 20.1% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 19.3% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Hay LGA is relatively high, making up 5.6%.

 Housing The Hay LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Hay LGA consists of 1,552 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $125. The median weekly household income is $805.

 Education In Hay 28.1% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these, 34.4% were in primary school, 22.4% in secondary school and 12.6% in a tertiary or technical institution. The Hay LGA offers four educational institutions; two government primary schools, one non-government Catholic school and one secondary school.

 Employment There were 1,352 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Hay. Of these 60.4% were employed full time, 28.6% were employed part-time and 3.6% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 28.6% of people in Hay LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Hay included Managers 19.0%, Labourers 17.5%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.8%, Clerical and Administrative Workers 10.5% and Professionals 10.1%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Hay LGA was $441.

 Industry Of the employed people in Hay, 15.1% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries included School Education 6.5%, State Government Administration 5.7%, Accommodation 4.0% and Local Government Administration 3.9%.

Website: www.hay.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/hay.aspx

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Junee Shire Council

About

Junee is a beautiful town with affordable homes and residential blocks, career opportunities in both Junee and Wagga Wagga (only 30km away), five fantastic local schools, excellent medical facilities, and a nearby university.

With the famous chocolate and licorice factory, legendary haunted Monte Cristo Homestead, the largest working railway roundhouse in the Southern Hemisphere, beautifully preserved historical buildings, aromatic lavender fields, and colourful countryside, there're a thousand ways to get side-tracked in Junee.

Junee has a rich history that harks back to the gold rushes of the 1800s. Combined with the NSWGR railway heritage and the proud, grand history which can still be seen in the architecture and charming streetscapes, Junee has a unique style of its own.

The award-winning Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory makes the town a very home- sweet-home! Organic licorice and Belgian-style chocolate on your doorstep, thanks to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory which is a big tourist draw-card, bringing plenty of tourism dollars to stimulate the local economy.

Junee has access to all the best amenities and professionals as well as excellent government services, communications and transport infrastructure. Junee Shire Council is progressive and proactive.

Our Industries9

If you have a vision for the future and the skills to achieve it, Junee has the opportunities. Junee presents a superb business location for light industry, home business, consultancies and new local services.

Junee is the ideal central interconnect for businesses reliant on transport infrastructure into major centres. Technology and nearby transport services enable business people to remain in constant contact with city partners and clients. At a local level, unprecedented town growth is presenting new opportunities for local service and retail businesses.

Junee delivers rural investment without the usual rural concerns, it has a thriving local economy built on agriculture and a range of other industries. Not only is Junee ideally located near the Sturt Highway (Sydney to Melbourne), it is also well positioned to service the Canberra, Albury and Wagga Wagga markets, keeping shipping overheads low. Junee real estate and local taxes are also surprisingly affordable, so you can get started for less.

Statistical Data

9 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 22

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Population & Demographics The Junee Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 2,030sq kms and has a population of 5,878 people. The median age of residents in the Junee LGA is 39, with children aged 0-14 years making up 19.3% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 14.5% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Junee LGA is relatively high, making up 6.7%.

 Housing The Junee LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Junee LGA consists of 1,368 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $155. The median weekly household income is $895.

 Education In Junee 39.0% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 20.1% were in primary school, 15.3% in secondary school and 10.4% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Junee has five excellent schools, three nearby TAFE institutes (Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra and Temora) as well as Charles Sturt University a short distance away, providing first-rate education opportunities on your doorstep.

 Employment There were 2,267 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Junee. Of these 62.0% were employed full time, 26.2% were employed part-time and 5.0% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 21.0% of people in Junee LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Junee included Managers 21.4%, Labourers 13.8%, Community and Personal Service Workers 12.9%, Technicians and Trades Workers 12.6% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 11.6%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Junee LGA was $472.

 Industry Of the employed people in Junee, 15.6% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included Public Order and Safety Services 6.2%, School Education 5.0%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 4.4% and Hospitals 3.2%.

Website: www.junee.nsw.gov.au

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Leeton Shire Council

About

As the first town planned for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Leeton was designed by Walter Burley Griffin - like the national capital Canberra. 35 buildings in the town are listed with the Australian Institute of Architects‟ Register of Significant 20th Century Buildings, including the landmark Roxy Theatre, which has been screening movies since the 1930s. Leeton is home to the Australian rice industry and is Australia‟s largest citrus-growing region.

Leeton Shire is the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and encompasses the thriving town of Leeton, and the villages of Yanco, Murrami and Whitton. The region is primarily agricultural and there is an abundance of employment opportunities in a diverse array of industries. The Murrumbidgee River is close by with many places along its banks for camping, fishing and boating activities. Families, children, youth and retirees are all well catered for with quality health, educational, sporting and community facilities.

Leeton is easily accessible by road, air and rail from regional centres and capital cities, located 6 hours from Sydney, 5-6 hours from Melbourne, 4 hours from Canberra, only 40 minutes to Griffith and 1 hour 20 minutes to Wagga Wagga. A daily coach service between Leeton and Wagga connects passengers to the CountryLink XPT train in Wagga. REX also operates daily return flights to Sydney from the Leeton/Narrandera Airport.

The Leeton Shire is serviced by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and offers one hospital and four clinics, a Community Health Service and three Aged Care facilities.

Our Industries

Leeton offers diverse and rewarding careers in agriculture, food processing and related industry across the Shire. In addition there is a wide range of professional, retail and other service vocations in Leeton for new entrants and experienced people alike. Tourism is a growth area across the region, with many career opportunities. Education and training is available for a large number of occupations both locally and through distance learning.

The Leeton Shire is home to a number of major industry groups including: • Climate Technologies • CopRice • Freedom Foods • Lion Dairy and Drinks – „Berri‟ • Murrumbidgee Irrigation • Riverina Beef • SunRice

Statistical Data10

10 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 24

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Population & Demographics The Leeton Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 1,167sq kms and has a population of 11,037 people. The median age of residents in the Leeton LGA is 39, with children aged 0-14 years making up 23.6% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 14.8% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Leeton LGA is 5.9%.

 Housing According to the 2011 Census, the Leeton LGA consists of 4,529 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $160. The median weekly household income is relatively high at $966.

 Education In Leeton 34.8% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 26.6% were in primary school, 33.1% in secondary school and 10.3% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Leeton is considered an educational hub in the Riverina, boasting three secondary education facilities; Yanco Agricultural High School, St Francis De Sales Regional College and Leeton High School, seven primary schools, a special needs school and a NSW TAFE Riverina Institute, Leeton campus.

 Employment There were 4,860 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Leeton. Of these 62.7% were employed full time, 26.5% were employed part-time and 4.3% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 21.9% of people in Leeton LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Leeton included Labourers 18.4%, Managers 16.1%, Technicians and Trades Workers 14.5%, Professionals 13.4% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 12.2%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Leeton LGA was $478.

 Industry Of the employed people in Leeton, 8.5% worked in School Education. Other major industries of employment included Grain Mill and Cereal Product Manufacturing 5.8% (SunRice), Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming 5.0%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 4.2% and Supermarket and Grocery Stores 3.6%.

Website: www.leeton.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/leeton.aspx

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Lockhart Shire Council

About

Lockhart Shire is nestled in the heart of the Riverina and is one of its most productive agricultural and pastoral areas. The Shire offers visitors a relaxed country atmosphere that is steeped in history. Lockhart Shire's main towns and villages include Lockhart, The Rock, Yerong Creek, Pleasant Hills and Milbrulong.

Lockhart covers an area of 2,942.43sq kms and is situated 62kms south-west of Wagga Wagga, 62kms east of Narrandera and 105kms north of Albury. The Rock is on the Olympic Highway 25kms south of Wagga Wagga with Yerong Creek another 15kms down the highway.

The Lockhart Shire is part of Wiradjuri country, one of the largest Aboriginal language groups in Australia. Lockhart Shire district has acknowledged the Indigenous ownership in some settlement names. Urangeline, the name of an original pastoral station and one of the settlements in the Lockhart Shire, is named after an aboriginal elder from the district. The Rock Hill, named Kengal by the Wiradjuri people, is the best known land form in the Riverina. Throughout history it has captured the imagination of indigenous and European cultures.

Renowned for its majestic land form, The Rock Hill has influenced the development of the township and continues its influence today. The Shire was a favourite haunt of bushrangers who were active in the 1860s, including “Mad Dog Morgan” (Dan Morgan) “Blue Cap” (Robert Cotterill) and others who were active in the area.

The Lockhart Shire offers a lifestyle with cultural, social and services, climate suitable for a large number of outdoor activities and a range of quality education and health services. Beautiful streetscapes, parks and gardens and sporting facilities and a choice of affordable housing are available, along with a local government authority that facilitates and stimulates investment. Lockhart Shire has a positive attitude which embraces new technology and ideas and an active business community which supports the residents and visitors to the Shire. It is a progressive community with extensive diversification and community organisations.

Our Industries

Since settlement, Lockhart Shire has relied on agriculture as its main industry; and the development of the industrial park in Lockhart has encouraged additional industry into the Shire creating employment which has stimulated the Shire economy. The establishment of strong heritage based eco-tourism, festivals and events has also contributed to positive growth in recent years.

The Lockhart Shire is strategically placed in between Albury and Wagga, providing a perfect base for manufacturing and retail operations. Development of transportation and distribution industries would be ideal, given the access aided by the rail and road corridors throughout the Shire.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Statistical Data11

 Population & Demographics The Lockhart Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 2,942sq kms and has a population of 2,998 people. The median age of residents in the Lockhart LGA is 44, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.1% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 20.2% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Lockhart LGA is 2.6%.

 Housing The Lockhart LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Lockhart LGA consists of 1,334 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $100. The median weekly household income is $868.

 Education In Lockhart 28.3% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 33.5% were in primary school, 22.6% in secondary school and 14.1% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Lockhart LGA consists of six educational institutions, including two government primary schools, one non-government Catholic schools and two central schools which cater for secondary students.

 Employment There were 1,392 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Junee. Of these 60.1% were employed full time, 29.0% were employed part-time and 4.4% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 35.1% of people in Lockhart LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Lockhart included Managers 34.1%, Technicians and Trades Workers 11.3%, Professionals 11.1%, Clerical and Administrative Workers 10.6% and Labourers 9.0%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Lockhart LGA was $456.

 Industry Of the employed people in Lockhart, 28.6% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included School Education 4.9%, Road Freight Transport 4.5%, Hospitals 3.8% and Local Government Administration 3.6%.

Website: www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/lockhart.aspx

11 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 27

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Murrumbidgee Shire Council

About

Established in 1906, Murrumbidgee Shire covers an area of 3,508sq kms including over 100 kms of natural river frontage to the Murrumbidgee River. The Shire has a population of approximately 2,400 and is currently one of the fastest growing rural local government authorities in New South Wales.

The Murrumbidgee Shire Council consists of the towns of Coleambally- the newest rural town in New South Wales, established in a state pine forest in 1968 - and Darlington Point, a historical river town on the Murrumbidgee River established in 1864.

The Towns of Murrumbidgee

Darlington Point is situated 3km north of the Kidman Way-Sturt Highway intersection and 30km south of Griffith. The Murrumbidgee River district of Darlington Point has much to offer the tourist keen for an enjoyable break with great bush hospitality. Darlington Point was first established as a river crossing town with pastoral leases. Irrigation has enabled the development of intensive fruit, vegetable, grain and rice production. The district is an important part of the MIA food bowl, exporting outstanding produce all over the world.

Paddle steamers once transported produce from as long ago as 1850 with a red gum wharf being built in 1881. Old wharf pylons can still be seen 200 metres upstream from the caravan park, Travellers crossed the river by punt. A singe bascule bridge was later built to accommodate both road and river traffic and remained in use until 1979. The magnificent old bridge was re-assembled at the entrance to the caravan park by engineering students from the University of NSW, supported by historically minded locals.

A planned township with beautiful gardens and streets named after local birds, Coleambally was established to service the Coleambally Irrigation Area and is now a thriving centre supporting over 90 businesses. The Murrumbidgee Shire Community Experimental/Demonstration Farm is located near Coleambally on the Kidman Way, where visitors can see local crops including rice, wheat, soybeans, maize and vineyards.

Our Industries

Agriculture and the processing of agricultural products, especially rice, are key industries in the Murrumbidgee Shire. Row cropping using the "raised bed" furrow irrigation system to produce crops such as maize, sweet corn, faba and soybeans, also make up a prominent part of the local agricultural industry. Substantial quantities of fruit, such as almonds and sugarplums, are also grown and processed in the Shire.

Agriculture is the most prominent employment sector in the Murrumbidgee Shire. Skill shortages vary from trades through to the service and hospitality sectors including cooks, waiters, bar attendants, cleaners and kitchen hands.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Statistical Data12

 Population & Demographics The Murrumbidgee Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 3,508sq kms and has a population of 2,261 people. The median age of residents in the Murrumbidgee LGA is 38, with children aged 0-14 years making up 22.6% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 14.8% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Murrumbidgee LGA is 10.2%.

 Housing The Murrumbidgee LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Murrumbidgee LGA consists of 1,073 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $140. The median weekly household income is $894.

 Education In Murrumbidgee 28.6% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 32.7% were in primary school, 18.6% in secondary school and 10.1% in a tertiary or technical institution.

The Murrumbidgee LGA consists of three educational institutions, including one government primary school, one non-government Catholic school and one central school which caters for secondary students.

 Employment There were 1,110 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Murrumbidgee. Of these 64.3% were employed full time, 22.8% were employed part-time and 4.4% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 24.4% of people in Murrumbidgee LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Murrumbidgee included Managers 27.9%, Labourers 20.3%, Machinery Operators and Drivers 10.7%, Technicians and Trades Workers 9.7% and Community and Personal Service Workers 8.6%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Murrumbidgee LGA was $508.

 Industry Of the employed people in Murrumbidgee, 18.5% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included Poultry Farming 5.8%, Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 5.6%, School Education 5.0% and Residential Care Services 3.8%.

Website: www.murrumbidgee.local-e.nsw.gov.au

12 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 29

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Narrandera Shire Council

About

The Narrandera Shire is centrally located in the Riverina, covering an area of 4,116sq kms and at the gateway to the productive Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. It is 549kms from Sydney, 428kms from Melbourne, 852kms from Adelaide and 341kms from Canberra, providing the perfect thriving meeting hub for regional and city travellers.

Narrandera Shire Council has a population of approximately 6,000 people. The Shire includes the townships of Narrandera, Barellan and Grong Grong as well as a number of smaller rural communities including Binya and Kamarah.

Narrandera is an elegant town, its environment and history offering a unique country town experience. Known for its tree lined streets and parks and gardens, Narrandera is blessed with abundant water and hugs the banks of Lake Talbot and the Murrumbidgee River.

The two main villages in the Narrandera Shire are Grong Grong, which takes its name from the Aboriginal term meaning "bad camping ground", and Barellan. Barellan was proclaimed on the 19th May 1909, one year after the rail link between Temora and Barellan was established. Well known National and International tennis champion Evonne Goolagong (now Evonne Cawley) grew up in Barellan. Evonne spent her early years in Barellan where she began playing tennis.

The first inhabitants of the area now known as Narrandera were the Wiradjuri Aborigines. The name "Narrandera" is said to be derived from the Wiradjuri word "Narrungdera" which mean "place of lizard or goanna".

Our Industries

Employment opportunities are based on the strong rural economy. There are also increasing opportunities in the service areas of health, education, aged care and local government. Advances in information technology, broadband and satellite communication systems are creating a wealth of opportunities for consultancy & other specialist businesses operating from the home office.

The major employers in the Shire are Essential Energy, SWIFT Beef, BioAg, PIC Australia, Coles, Grants Cypress Sawmilling, Narrandera Shire Council and the Manildra Group.

The Shire has adopted a comprehensive Agribusiness Strategic Plan that outlines development opportunities. Developed in consultation with farming groups, landholders, and with various agribusiness leaders, the Strategic Plan is a great tool for potential investors. There are a range of opportunities available across the Shire in areas such as intensive animal industries, horticultural development, and opportunities with value adding in the grain industry.

The Shire is serviced by air, road and rail, sitting on the junction of the Sturt and Newell 30

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Highways and is the gateway to the productive Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The Leeton/Narrandera Airport is located approximately 10km from Narrandera and is serviced by REX which operates daily flights to Sydney.

Statistical Data13

 Population & Demographics The Narrandera Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 4,116sq kms and has a population of 5,902 people. The median age of residents in the Narrandera LGA is 43, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.0% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 19.8% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Narrandera LGA is 10.0%.

 Housing The Narrandera LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Narrandera LGA consists of 2,795 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $140. The median weekly household income is $810.

 Education In Narrandera 29.8% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 25.4% were in primary school, 23.6% in secondary school and 11.5% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Narrandera boasts four early childhood centres, four government primary schools, one non-government primary school, one government central school, one government secondary school, and a tertiary education campus – NSW TAFE Riverina Institute. Some residents also attend secondary school in Yanco and Leeton.

 Employment There were 2,575 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Narrandera. Of these 60.3% were employed full time, 26.9% were employed part-time and 5.2% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 26.1% of people in Narrandera LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Narrandera included Managers 20.9%, Labourers 17.5%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.6%, Professionals 11.1% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 9.8%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Narrandera LGA was $453.

 Industry Of the employed people in Narrandera, 15.0% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included School Education 5.6%, Residential Care Services 3.1%, Road Freight Transport 3.1% and Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 3.0%.

Website: www.narrandera.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/narrandera.aspx

13 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 31

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Temora Shire Council

Location and Routes

Temora is situated approximately 80km north of Wagga Wagga in the South West (Riverina) of New South Wales. Canberra is a two hour drive to the East, with Griffith a 1.5 hour drive to the West. Temora has a huge advantage as it is centrally located between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, as well as being situated within the South West Slopes/Riverina area, making it an ideal base from which to visit the region.

The Goldfields Way starts at West Wyalong where it meets the Newell Hwy, which runs Nth- Sth from Brisbane to Melbourne. The Goldfields Way then goes through Temora, onto Wagga and then to meet the Hume Highway to Melbourne,

The Temora Shire includes the town of Temora and villages of Ariah Park and Springdale; but outreaches to other small communities outside the Shire‟s boundary. With a strong retail trade sector and an active business community, many visitors are surprised at the variety of shopping, health and professional services within the town.

The village of Ariah Park is situated 20 minutes west of Temora at the intersection of the Burley Griffin and Mary Gilmore Ways. The wide peppercorn tree lined streets shade a commercial centre little changed from the peak of the village‟s prosperity in the 1920s.

Our Industries

The diversity and strength of agriculture is the foundation of the local economy. Temora Shire is strategically positioned in the heart of the State's rich sheep-wheat belt. Since the establishment of the Temora Aviation Museum in 1996, Temora has a thriving Aviation- sports industry based on events, tuition and maintenance. Temora is also the national centre for Jet-Boats and a strong water-sports club on Lake Centenary opposite the airport.

Temora is a rural service town with a healthy local economy and a progressive approach to community development. As such, it generates a modest but ongoing demand for employees in its trades and services sectors. Temora's major employers are Woolworths, Temora Shire Council, Narraburra Lodge (nursing home), BFB (grain merchants) and Graincorp (grain merchants). The Shire boasts a strong business group (TBEG). Professional support includes all five Banks, Solicitors, Accountants, Insurance, several Real-Estate and Stock and Station Agents.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Statistical Data14

 Population & Demographics The Temora Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 2,803sq kms and has a population of 6,216 people. The median age of residents in the Temora LGA is 44, with children aged 0-14 years making up 20.3% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 21.6% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Temora LGA is 1.8%.

 Housing The Temora LGA offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. According to the 2011 Census, the Temora LGA consists of 2,746 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $132. The median weekly household income is $779.

 Education In Temora 27.8% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 31.7% were in primary school, 26.2% in secondary school and 13.6% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Temora offers a total of five educational institutions, including two government primary schools and one high school. Also one non-government Catholic school and Ariah Park Central School, both of which cater for secondary students. The NSW TAFE Riverina Institute also has a modern campus in Temora.

 Employment There were 2,488 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Temora. Of these 59.1% were employed full time, 30.5% were employed part-time and 4.7% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 32.8% of people in Temora LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Temora included Managers 22.3%, Technicians and Trades Workers 14.0%, Professionals 13.7%, Labourers 11.4% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 11.0%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Temora LGA was $416.

 Industry Of the employed people in Temora, 17.8% worked in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming. Other major industries of employment included School Education 6.6%, Supermarket and Grocery Stores 4.6%, Local Government Administration 3.4% and Legal and Accounting Services 3.2%.

Website: www.temora.nsw.gov.au

Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/towns/temora.aspx

14 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 33

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Wagga Wagga City Council

About

Wagga Wagga, NSW‟s largest and fastest growing inland city with over 60,000 residents is a thriving, innovative, connected community, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. Wagga Wagga City is located in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales, about 450 kilometres south-west of Sydney and 460 kilometres north of Melbourne.

The name 'Wagga' is derived from the language of the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal nation on whose land the City of Wagga Wagga now grows. It is widely accepted that 'Wagga' means 'crow' and to create the plural, the Wiradjuri people repeat the word. Thus Wagga Wagga translates as 'the place of many crows'.

The city‟s cultural scene is thriving with galleries, theatres and museums featuring collections of works by artists of national and international acclaim. The streets are lined with works of art designed specifically to enhance the urban environment and every weekend provides an opportunity to see and hear the latest exhibitions and productions.

Wagga is an innovative city of learning with Charles Sturt University (CSU), the University of NSW, University of Notre Dame and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute campuses based in the area. Wagga is the centre of aviation training and the home of recruit training for the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force and specialist training for all three armed services.

Wagga Wagga‟s location provides a perfect connection point with the rest of the country and the world. Industry such as manufacturing, agriculture, food production and meat processing are well catered for as well as emerging industries based on environmental sustainability.

Our Industries

Wagga Wagga is the region‟s retail centre for higher order products and services and the key industry and administration centre for the region. As the region‟s major centre, it has a significant property and business sector as well as a diverse range of community and cultural services and infrastructure. The city‟s workforce is centred on the retail, commercial and industrial precincts.

Light industry and service centres are located along major road networks in both the eastern and western areas while the Bomen Business Park, designed to cater for larger industries, has been established to the north.

As part of the city‟s plan, new road networks, such as the Olympic Highway which rings the western edge of the city, have been built to provide speedy access for commuters around the urban area to places of employment.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Key business opportunities in Wagga Wagga exist in the areas of professional and technical services, aviation, transport and storage, manufacturing, medical and dental services, trade and construction and retail.

Statistical Data15

 Population & Demographics The Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) covers an area of 4,825.9sq kms and has a population of 59,458 people. The median age of residents in the Wagga Wagga LGA is 34, with children aged 0-14 years making up 21.1% of the population and people aged 65 years and over making up 13.2% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the Wagga Wagga LGA is 4.6%.

 Housing According to the 2011 Census, the Wagga Wagga LGA consists of 24,682 private dwellings, with the median weekly rental cost of $220. The median weekly household income is the highest in the Riverina, at $1,149.

 Education In Wagga Wagga 32.5% of people were attending an educational institution. Of these 27.4% were in primary school, 20.9% in secondary school and 27.7% in a tertiary or technical institution.

Wagga Wagga is an educational hub, with 13 government primary schools, seven non-government schools, eight secondary schools (three government and five non- government), specialist education facilities and a variety of early education services.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) University of NSW Rural Clinical School, University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School, NSW TAFE Riverina Institute, Riverina Community College, Adult Education School and the Australian Airline Pilot Academy offer a wealth of tertiary education opportunities.

 Employment There were 30,584 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night in Wagga Wagga. Of these 61.7% were employed full time, 27.6% were employed part-time and 5.0% were unemployed. Of people aged 15 years and over, 21.0% of people in Wagga Wagga LGA engaged in voluntary work through an organisation or group during the year before the Census.

The most common occupations in Wagga Wagga included Professionals 19.0%, Technicians and Trades Workers 16.5%, Clerical and Administrative Workers 12.8%, Managers 12.1% and Community and Personal Service Workers 11.2%. The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Wagga Wagga LGA was $586.

 Industry Of the employed people in Wagga Wagga, 5.0% worked in Defence. Other major industries of employment included School Education 4.9%, Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services 4.6%, Tertiary Education 4.5% and Hospitals 3.6%.

Website: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

15 Source: ABS 2011 Census QuickStats 35

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

4. Social and Demographic Profile

Population

Table 4.1 details the population growth of the Local Government Areas included in the RDA- Riverina area from 2001 to 2011 based on the most recent 2011 Census data.

Population growth across the RDA-Riverina region has been steady from 2001 – 2011. According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the RDA-Riverina region is currently 144,459, an increase of 2,068 since 2001.

The most significant population increase during 2001 - 2011 was experienced in Wagga Wagga, with an increase of 5,160 people residing in the city. The largest decline was in the Carrathool Shire, which saw the population decrease by 698 people.

The decade long drought has been a significant contributor to the population decline in many regional shires. This said, the Riverina cities of Griffith and Wagga Wagga have experienced growth during these years and the City of Wagga Wagga has been noted as one of the fastest growing regional cities in NSW.

Table 4.1: Percentage Growth by Shire

2001 2006 2011 2001-2011 Local Government Area Carrathool 3,320 2,977 2,622 -698 Coolamon 3,911 3,916 3,977 66 Cootamundra 7,132 7,142 7,184 52 Griffith 23,805 23,795 24,511 706 Gundagai 3,726 3,740 3,692 -34 Hay 3,574 3,450 3,054 -520 Junee 5,585 5,767 5,757 172 Leeton 11,469 11,212 10,936 -533 Lockhart 3,397 3,106 2,876 -521 Murrumbidgee 2,519 2,422 2,199 -320 Narrandera 6,486 6,044 5,876 -610 Temora 5,972 5,721 5,660 -312 Wagga Wagga 55,056 57,601 60,216 5,160 Bland 6,439 6,273 5,899 -540 RDA –Riverina 142,391 143,166 144,459 2,068 Total NSW 6,371,745 6,585,736 6,958,812 587,067 Source: Census 2011. Resident Population 2011 Census data 2001, 2006 & 2011

The Table 4.1 provides the Estimated Resident Population for the RDA-Riverina region, based on the Local Government Areas (LGAs) included in the region. As of 2012, the population of the RDA-Riverina was recorded as 149,206, an increase of 0.1% from 2011.

The majority of the Riverina‟s population is located in the City of Wagga Wagga, however according to the Estimated Resident Population; the major centre experienced a slight decrease in population of 0.1% from 2011 to 2012, and is currently home to 61,441 people.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The Riverina‟s second largest city, the City of Griffith, experienced a slight population increase of 0.3% from 2011 to 2012 and currently has an Estimated Resident Population of 25,372 people.

Details pertaining to the exact populations (2011 Census) for individual Local Government Areas can be found in the Local Government Area profiles on page XX.

Table 4.2: Estimated Resident Population, Local Government Areas, New South Wales

ERP at 30 June Change 2011pr 2012p 2011pr-2012p Local Government Area no. no. % no.

Bland (A) 6018 6049 0.5 31 Carrathool (A) 2668 2686 0.7 18 Coolamon (A) 4213 4264 1.2 51 Cootamundra (A) 7501 7571 0.9 70 Griffith (C) 25292 25372 0.3 80 Gundagai (A) 3753 3752 0 -1 Hay (A) 3097 3013 -2.7 -84 Junee (A) 6091 6083 -0.1 -8 Leeton (A) 11406 11492 0.8 86 Lockhart (A) 3082 3064 -0.6 -18 Murrumbidgee (A) 2338 2402 2.7 64 Narrandera (A) 6123 6076 -0.8 -47 Temora (A) 5928 5941 0.2 13 Wagga Wagga (C) 61509 61441 -0.1 -68 Total 149019 149206 0.1 187

Source: Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011-12 (cat. no. 3218.0)

For further information regarding the population forecasts for the Riverina region, visit www.id.com.au.

 Riverina Cities*: http://forecast2.id.com.au/Default.aspx?id=384&pg=5000  Wagga Wagga: http://forecast2.id.com.au/Default.aspx?id=304&pg=5000  Griffith: http://forecast2.id.com.au/Default.aspx?id=377&pg=5000

The Riverina Cities population and household forecasts are designed to inform community groups, local government, investors, business, students and the general public. Forecasts are available for each year from 2006 to 2013.

* The Riverina Cities population forecasts include areas of both the RDA-Murray and RDA- Riverina regions. Information has been updated to include 2011 Census data.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia the 2011 Census was recorded as 548,370 people. NSW had the highest count of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (172, 624 people or 32% of the national total).

According to the 2011 Census QuickStats by LGA seen in Graph 4.3, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in the Riverina was 6,536 people. The largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was recorded in the Local Government Areas of Murrumbidgee (10.2%) and Narrandera (10.0%).

Graph 4.3: Proportion of Indigenous Persons in the Riverina Region

Percentage of Indigenous persons in the RDA-Riverina region

12.0%

10.0%

8.0%

6.0%

4.0%

2.0%

0.0%

NSW Hay (A) Australia Junee (A) Leeton (A) Griffith (C) Bland (A) Lockhart (A) Temora (A) Carrathool (A) Coolamon (A)Gundagai (A) Narrandera (A) Tumut Shire (A) Cootamundra (A) Murrumbidgee (A) Wagga Wagga (C)

Source: 2011 Census QuickStats *Includes Tumut LGA

In the Local Government Area of Griffith there is a significantly large percentage of people born overseas comparative to the rest of the RDA-Riverina region. Griffith has historically had a very high migrant population, with a strong Italian culture. In the 2011 Census, 20.8% of the Griffith population identified with Italian ancestry.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 4.4 Proportion of People Born Overseas in the Riverina Region*

Percentage of people born overseas by LGA

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

NSW Hay (A) Australia Griffith (C) Junee (A) Leeton (A) Bland (A) Lockhart (A) Temora (A) Carrathool (A) Coolamon (A) Gundagai (A) Tumut Shire (A) Narrandera (A) Cootamundra (A) Wagga Wagga (C) Murrumbidgee (A)

Source: ABS 2011 Census. *Includes Tumut LGA

Percentage of People Born Overseas

Population Born Overseas % Born Overseas RDA-Riverina 144,174 12,197 8.50% NSW 6,917,658 1,778,550 25.70% Australia 21,507,719 5,294,146 24.60%

(Source: Census 2011 Basic Community Profile)

Regional Migration

RDA-Riverina was authorised as a gazetted Regional Certifying Body (RCB) as of November 2009, appointed by the Minister for Immigration for the purposes of the Migration Act. RDA-Riverina assists skilled migrants relocate to the region through the provision of the following visas:

 The individual Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (Subclass 489) visa (SRS visa)  The Employer Nominated Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visa (RSMS visa).

Graphs 4.5 – 4.7 provide an overview of the country of origin for RSMS visa applicants between 2010 and 2012. Over the three years, there has been an increase in the number of RSMS visa applicants from India which saw 16 applicants in 2010, 23 applicants in 2011 and 83 applicants in 2012. Asia, Europe and South Africa also have strong numbers of RSMS visa holders moving to the region.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 4.5: RSMS Country of origin 2010

RSMS Country of origin 2010

2010

0 India Ireland China Philippines South Africa Korea 2010 16 11 10 10 8 4

Graph 4.6: RSMS Country of origin 2011

RSMS Country of origin 2011

2011

0 India China Philippines France Ireland 2011 23 15 14 4 4

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 4.7 RSMS Country of origin 2012

RSMS Country of origin 2012

2012

0 India United Kingdom South africa China Nepal 2012 83 11 9 8 7

Graphs 4.8 – 4.10 provide an overview of the country of origin for SRS visa applicants between 2010 – 2012. Over the three years, there has been a strong number of SRS visa applicants from India which saw 69 applicants in 2010, 32 applicants in 2011 and 8 in 2012. A large number of SRS visa holders also came from Zimbabwe in 2011. In 2012 there was an overall decrease in SRS visa applicants, primarily due to the introduction of the SkillSelect program through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship which has changed elements of the eligibility criteria.

Graph 4.8: SRS Country of Origin 2010

SRS Country of origin 2010

2010

0 India Sri Lanka Bangladesh China Nepal 2010 69 26 11 4 4

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 4.9: SRS Country of Origin 2011

SRS Country of origin 2011

2011

0 Zimbabwe India Sri Lanka Ireland United Kingdom 2011 70 32 18 4 3

Graph 4.10: SRS Country of Origin 2012

SRS Country of origin 2012

2012

0 India Nepal Ghana 2012 8 3 1

Age Characteristics

According to the RDA-Riverina Regional Profile Data in Table 4.11 the most significant population growth by age group has been experienced in the 65+ age bracket, which has risen from approximately 19,100 in 2001, to 22,700 in 2011. This growth has also been reflected in the NSW and National population data, as seen in Tables 4.12 and 4.13.

The growth in this age bracket indicates that the Riverina is experiencing an increasingly aging population and therefore, long-term planning within the region is required. There may also be a need to plan for infrastructure to accommodate the changing size, composition and distribution of the population, as well as potentially attract skilled migrants to contribute to the labour force.16

16 4102.0 - Australian Social Trends, March 2009 Previous ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/03/2009 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/LookupAttach/4102.0Publication25.03.092/$File/41020_P opulationprojections.pdf 42

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The data also shows that there has been a population decrease in the 0 – 14 age bracket across the Riverina. The largest population in the Riverina is the 15 – 65 age bracket, which has fluctuated between 2001 and 2011, but currently sits at approximately 94,700 people.

For further information on the RDA-Riverina population visit www.myregion.gov.au.

Table 4.11: RDA-Riverina region population by age

Table 4.12: State population by age

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Table 4.13: National population by age

Source: http://myregion.gov.au/profile/riverina/data/population/age Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010 (cat. no. 3235.0)

Population Characteristics and Labour Force

The Population Characteristics and Labour Force 2011 Census data outlined in Table 4.14 shows that the Indigenous population of the Riverina and NSW has increased from 2006 from 4.1% to 4.7%.

The median age of the Riverina population has also increased since 2006, from 36 to 38. This is slightly higher than the Australian median age of 37.

Household incomes across the Riverina region have increased since 2006, with the average individual income rising from $424 to $521 per week. This has been reflected in the average household income which has increased from $864 to $994 per week.

The Riverina‟s unemployment rate of 4.4% is well below the NSW and Australian averages, highlighting that the Riverina region has numerous employment options. This figure has been consistent since 2006. The workplace participation rate in the Riverina for people aged 15 and over is slightly higher than the NSW average, sitting at 64.5%.

Table 4.14: Population characteristics and labour force

Riverina NSW Australia Indigenous Population 4.7 2.5 2.5 Median Age 38 38 37 Average Incomes ($ per week) -Individual 521 561 577 -Household 994 1237 1234 -Family 1263 1477 1481 44

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Participation Rate 64.5 63.4 65.1 (% population aged 15 & over who wish to participate in the labour force)

Unemployment Rate 4.4 5.1 5.4 (% of labour force not able to find a job) Source: 2011 ABS Census data Participation rate & Unemployment rate DEEWR, Small Area Labour Markets Australia

Graph 4.15 provides an overview of the unemployment rates in the individual SLAs located in the RDA-Riverina region. According to the graph, the unemployment rates have fluctuated since 2008, however all SLAs experienced a decline in unemployment rates since December 2010, indicating strong employment in the region over the past two years. According to the graph, Gundagai SLA has the lowest unemployment rate in the RDA-Region, at approximately 2.9%, with Leeton experiencing the highest unemployment rate, sitting at approximately 5.7%.

Graph 4.15: Unemployment Rates per individual SLA from Dec 2008 – Dec 2012*

Unemploymet rate by Statistical Local Area (SLA)

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

Hay (A) Bland (A) Griffith (C) Junee (A) Leeton (A) Lockhart (A) Temora (A) Carrathool (A)Coolamon (A) Gundagai (A) Narrandera (A) Tumut Shire (A) Cootamundra (A) Murrumbidgee (A)

Wagga WaggaWagga (C) - Pt Wagga A (C) - Pt B Dec-08 Dec-10 Dec-12 Source: DEEWR, Small Area Labour Markets Australia, December Quarter 2008-2012. *Includes Tumut SLA.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Housing

According to the 2011 Census Data detailed in Table 4.16, the Riverina (Murrumbidgee SA4) consisted of 62,858 dwellings or 2.2% of the total NSW dwellings. The average household size in the Riverina consists of 2.5 persons, just below the NSW average of 2.6 persons per household.

The 2011 Census indicates that there are a higher proportion of households that were fully owned in the Riverina (36.0%), compared to the NSW total (33.2%). Conversely, there was a smaller proportion of households being purchased and rented in the Riverina compared to the NSW average.

Table 4.16: Dwelling characteristics – Riverina SA4 and NSW

Riverina NSW (Murrumbidgee SA4) (State)

No. % No. % Dwelling characteristics Total dwellings 62,858 - 2,736,637 - Dwelling occupancy 54,839 - 2,471,299 - Unoccupied private dwellings 8,019 - 265,338 - Average household size (person) 2.5 - 2.6 - Tenure type Fully owned 19,735 36.0% 820,006 33.2% Being purchased 17,208 31.4% 824,293 33.4% Rented 15,749 28.7% 743,050 30.1% Other tenure type 463 0.8% 20,418 0.8% Not stated 1,684 3.1% 63,529 2.6% Source: 2011 Census Data http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/1?opendocument &navpos=230

Table 4.17 represents the percentage of family households with an internet connection in the Local Government Areas of the RDA-Riverina region. The data indicates that there has been a surge in the internet‟s popularity and availability since 2006, with each LGA recording an average of at least 60% or more households with an internet connection in 2011. The average number of households with internet connections across NSW is approximately 75%.

The surge in internet connections across the Riverina in 2011, compared to 2006, can be attributed to the availability of high-speed broadband, as well as the increase in individual and family incomes.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Table 4.17: Percentage of Family Households with an Internet Connection 2006 compared to 2011

Percentage Family Households with Internet Connection 2006-2011

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

NSW Hay (A) Australia Bland (A) Griffith (C) Junee (A) Leeton (A) Lockhart (A) Temora (A) Carrathool (A)Coolamon (A) Gundagai (A) Narrandera (A) Tumut Shire (A) Cootamundra (A) Murrumbidgee (A) Wagga Wagga (C) 2006 2011 Source: Census 2011 Basic Community Profile B35. *Includes Tumut LGA.

Table 4.18 provides a snapshot of the percentage of internet connections across Australia, NSW and the RDA-Riverina region from 2006 compared to 2011. The average number of internet connections in NSW (76%) is very similar to the Australian average (77%), however the RDA-Riverina region is not far behind with an average of 68% of households with broadband internet connections. While particular areas of the RDA-Riverina region are considerably isolated, there is a relatively high percentage of households with internet connections. With technology speeds improving at a rapid rate, these percentages are expected to increase in the coming years.

The rollout of the National Broadband Network is eagerly awaited by the Riverina region. It will particularly be welcomed by education and health service providers, who will be able to increase the delivery of health care and improve professional training needs with interchangeable communication modes. This will enable communities and the educational sector to have equal access to key health services and products17.

For further details about the rollout of fibre and for individual LGA‟s please visit the link:-

http://www.nbnco.com.au/content/dam/nbnco/documents/q-s/rollout-summary-3-year- construction-plan-apr-2013.pdf

17 Source: Regional Education, Skills and Job Plan – Riverina 2012 http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/regional_education_skills_and_jobs_plan_new_south_wales_riverin a_2012_2014.pdf 47

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Table 4.18: Percentage of Broadband Internet Connections comparison 2006 to 2011

Percentage of Internet Connections

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Australia NSW Riverina-RDA

2006 2011

Source: Census 2011 Basic Community Profile

Cost of Housing

The median individual weekly income within the Riverina (Murrumbidgee SA4) region is $521, slightly lower than the NSW average of $561 a week. However, the median cost for renting a house within the Riverina is $180, compared to $300 across NSW. All figures indicate that the cost of living within the Riverina is considerably lower compared to the NSW average.

Table 4.19: Income and cost of housing characteristics, Riverina SA4 compared to NSW

Riverina (Murrumbidgee NSW SA4) Median individual 521 561 income ($ per week) Median household 994 1,037 income ($ per week) Median family income 1,263 1,477 ($ per week) Median rent 180 300 ($ per week) Median housing loan repayment ($ per 1,387 1,993 month)

Source: ABS (2011) Census http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/113?opendocume nt&navpos=230

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Crime

The number of crime incidents in the Riverina (Murrumbidgee SD), relative to NSW, for major offences over the period from 2009 to 2012 is summarised in Table 4.20. Whilst the data shows that there has been an overall drop in crime in both the Riverina and NSW, according to the 2012 data, the number of house break-ins has increased since 2009, along with sexual assault incidents.

Table 4.20: Number of recorded criminal incidents for major offences, Murrumbidgee SD & NSW

Riverina Riverina - NSW (Murrumbidgee SD) % share of Major offences NSW in 2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Murder 3 2 2 1 80 75 77 84 1.2% Assault - dom violence related 733 673 774 793 25,964 26,145 26,808 26,936 2.9% Assault - non-dom violence 1,072 1,134 1,015 948 39,985 39,851 37,066 35,355 related 2.7% Sexual assault 114 135 147 166 4,311 4,478 4,309 4,512 3.7% Indecent assault 150 174 189 155 5,240 5,274 5,786 5,534 2.8% Robbery without a weapon 26 21 28 17 3,750 3,520 3,000 2,812 0.6% Robbery with firearm - - 1 - 463 410 361 386 0% Robbery with a weapon not a 7 15 17 16 1,660 1,487 1.493 1,476 firearm 1.1% Break and enter dwelling 1,020 1,133 1,105 1,157 41,410 41,245 39,407 39,700 2.9% Break and enter non-dwelling 758 622 637 548 19,179 17,069 17,032 16,602 3.3% Motor vehicle theft 379 390 318 303 22,322 20,263 19,548 18,713 1.6% Steal from motor vehicle 1,001 1,104 1,251 1,085 46,961 44,783 48,159 47,768 2.3% Steal from retail store 382 435 456 411 20,514 20,511 20,685 21,212 1.9% Steal from dwelling 804 849 814 801 21,225 20,904 20,813 21,479 3.7% Steal from person 79 64 84 69 9,838 8,757 8,504 8,326 0.8% Fraud 415 366 424 410 34,694 36,266 36,421 39,972 1.0% 3.0% Malicious damage to property 2,995 2,658 2,567 2,540 101,236 91,569 86,852 83,855

Source: Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (2012)

To view an interactive map showing crime data for NSW (including individual LGA‟s) go to

http://crimetool.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/bocsar/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

5. Geographical Profile

Land

Located in the southern central area of NSW, the Riverina extends from the rolling foothills of the south-west slopes to the outback. The land size of the Riverina region (Murrumbidgee SA4) accounts for approximately 7.1% of total land area in NSW, or 56,987 km2 (see Table 13).

Table 5.1: Land area km2 (2011)

Riverina (Murrumbidgee NSW SA4) Land Area (km2) 56,987 800,809

Source: Census 2011 http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/113?opendocume nt&navpos=230

Water Use

Water in Australia is a valuable resource, required for almost every industry, particularly agriculture, as well as drinking water and household use. Table 4.22 provides a breakdown of water use on Australian Farms from 2010 – 2011 in the Riverina (Murrumbidgee SA4) area.

As the agricultural industry is the major employer in the Riverina, water use is an important consideration in maintaining the economic base of the region. In this context, the data indicates 159,010 hectares of land was watered during this period which accounts for 23.5% of the NSW total. A significant amount of water - 761,238ML - was used to water this land, accounting for 27.7% of the total amount of water used in NSW. The Riverina is also Australia‟s largest rice growing region and a significant amount of water is allocated to the production of this valuable commodity.

Table 5.2: Water use on Australian Farms (2010-11)

Number of Number of Riverina agricultural agricultural (Murrumbidgee NSW businesses businesses SA4) Riverina NSW

Area of Holding(ha '000) 4,420 58,326 4,623 43,541

Total area watered and used – 159,010 674,064 1,602 10,389 Area watered (ha )

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Number of Number of Riverina agricultural agricultural (Murrumbidgee NSW businesses businesses SA4) Riverina NSW

Total area watered and used - Volume applied 761,238 2,745,896 excl. other agricultural water (ML) Total area watered and used - Application Rate 4.8 4.1 (ML/ha)

For further information on water usage by specific agricultural industry follow the link below:

Source: ABS 2011 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/05949E8A2BA47826CA257ADA000E4860/$File/46180 do002_201011.xls#Table_1!A2

Climate

Based on the information in Table 4.23, the Riverina Bioregion is dominated by a dry semi- arid climate, characterised by hot summers and cool winters with a mean annual temperature ranging from 15 – 18°C. Seasonal temperatures vary little across the bioregion, although in the north, both summer and winter temperatures tend to be higher.

The highest rainfall in the region occurs in May and September and drought periods are not unusual. The average annual rainfall varies between 238-617mm, with more consistent rainfall occurring during the winter months.

Table 5.3: Riverina Bioregion – Climate Variable Information

Riverina Bioregion - climate variable information

Mean annual temperature 15-18°C

Minimum average monthly temperature 2.2-4.6°C

Maximum average monthly temperature 30.6-33.7°C

Mean annual rainfall 238-617mm

Minimum average monthly rainfall 13-36mm

Maximum average monthly rainfall 26-70mm

Source: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bioregions/Riverina-Climate.htm

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Unique Features

Rivers

The RDA-Riverina region is part of the Murray-Darling Basin and is home to the Murrumbidgee River which stretches 1,690 km, flowing east to west through the region. Water is a significant asset for the region, particularly with the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas which heavily rely on the water source year round.

Roads

The Riverina region is dissected by four Federal Highways including the Hume Highway (north to south), Sturt Highway (east to west), Newell Highway (north to south), Mid-Western Highway (south to north east), Cobb Highway (north to south). Other major highways include the Burley Griffin Way and Kidman Way.

The Newell Highway is a premier tourist and freight route connecting Victoria, NSW and Queensland. The Sturt Highway is part of the main highway route between Sydney and Adelaide.

Rail

The north-south rail line from Melbourne to Sydney is the major rail connection for the Riverina region to the major cities. The CountryLink XPT services the Riverina region, offering rail transport to between the major cities. A network of feeder lines is also spread across the region which specialise in freight transport.

Air Infrastructure

The Riverina region has three major airports in Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton/Narrandera that are accessed for commercial passenger services to either Sydney or Melbourne.

Wagga Wagga is serviced daily by Regional Express (REX) Airlines and QantasLink. QantasLink operate flights seven days a week between Sydney and Wagga Wagga, and REX operates regular daily services to both Sydney and Melbourne from the city. Griffith and Leeton/Narrandera is also serviced daily by REX Airlines. Airfreight needs in and out of the region are catered to by Air Express, TNT and Toll Priority.

Non-commercial airports are also located at the towns of Cootamundra, Temora, Hay, Coleambally, Hillston, Lockhart and West Wyalong.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

6. Economic Profile

National Economic Indicators for Local Government Areas 2011/2012 - RDA Riverina region

Worker productivity1 Gross Regional Product (GRP)1 (GRP/worker) Local State Government $m $ % Area Griffith 1,257 d 0.28% u 94,986 d Leeton 443 d 0.10% u 86,596 u Narrandera 198 d 0.04% u 79,205 d Murrumbidgee 90 u 0.02% u 86,291 d Carrathool 123 d 0.02% u 90,481 d Hay 112 d 0.02% u 77,462 d Bland 399 u 0.09% u 130,714 u Temora 210 d 0.04% u 85,754 u Coolamon 113 u 0.02% u 86,496 u Wagga Wagga 3,030 u 0.69% u 94,766 u Lockhart 98 u 0.02% u 93,497 u Junee 180 d 0.04% u 92,339 u Cootamundra 264 u 0.06% u 88,567 u Gundagai 135 u 0.03% u 79,751 u

Tumut Shire 505 d 0.11% u 94,797 u U = UP D = DOWN Source: http://economic -indicators.id.com.au/

Building Approvals Source: Regional Australia Institute http://insight.regionalaustralia.org.au/

LGA Building Approvals National Ranking Value of building approvals per capita („000) Bland $0.26 447 Carrathool $0.45 352 Coolamon $0.22 461 Cootamundra $0.66 265 Griffith $0.69 248 Gundagai $0.68 253 Hay $0.13 483 Junee $0.47 339 Leeton $0.48 333 Lockhart $2.66 32 Murrumbidgee $0.18 473 Narrandera $0.17 476 Temora $0.46 347 Tumut $0.28 437 Wagga Wagga $1.00 152 RDA Riverina $0.05 44

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

The Labour Market

Table 6.1 details the employment trends across the Riverina region from 2006 to 2011. Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the largest employer in the Riverina region according to 2011 Census data, with 8,427 people employed in the sector, an increase of 5.8% since 2006. The retail sector closely follows agriculture, with 7,838 people employed in the category which also saw an increase of 5.8% from 2006. Health care and social assistance is the third largest employer in the region, employing 7,703 people.

The number of people employed across the Riverina region has increased by 11.8% according to 2011 Census data, indicating that the Riverina has strong employment opportunities.

Table 6.1: Industry of employment trends 2006-2011

NUMBER % OF TOTAL NUMBER % of Total Industry 2006 2006 2011 2011

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 7,935 13 8,427 11.9 Mining 87 0.1 431 0.6 Manufacturing 6,752 10.8 7,354 10.4 Electricity, gas, water and waste services 776 1.2 1,052 1.5 Construction 3,762 6 4,680 6.6 Wholesale trade 2,362 3.8 2,462 3.5 Retail trade 7,377 11.8 7,838 11.1 Accommodation and food services 3,835 6.2 4,516 6.4 Transport, postal and warehousing 2,910 4.7 3,316 4.7 Information media and telecommunications 613 1 499 0.7 Financial and insurance services 1,127 1.8 1,236 1.7 Rental, hiring and real estate services 669 1.1 701 1 Professional, scientific and technical services 2,055 3.3 2,285 3.2 Administrative and support services 1,455 2.3 1,557 2.2 Public administration and safety 5,075 8.1 5,623 7.9 Education and training 5,327 8.5 6,244 8.8 Health care and social assistance 6,023 9.7 7,703 10.9 Arts and recreation services 435 0.7 497 0.7 Other services 2,276 3.7 2,594 3.7 Inadequately described/Not stated 1,456 2.3 1,633 2.3

Total 62,307 100 70,648 Source: Census 2011

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.2 depicts the most common occupations within the Riverina, which shows that the Riverina has a higher proportion of Managers (16.8%), compared to the NSW and Australian average, followed by Technicians and Workers (14.9%), Professionals (14.9%), Labourers (13.9%) and Clerical and Administrative Workers (11.8%). The Riverina also has a significantly larger number of Labourers within the region, compared to the NSW and Australian average of 8.7% and 9.4% respectively.

Graph 6.2: Most Common Occupation in Riverina, NSW

Source: 2011 Census Quickstats

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.3 compares the unemployment rates of the Riverina, NSW and Australia between 2008 and 2012. According to the graph, the unemployment rate for the Riverina in 2012 was 5.58%, slightly higher than the National average of 5.28%. The unemployment rate in the Riverina has been consistently higher than the National average since 2010.

Graph 6.3: Unemployment Rate RDA-Riverina 2008 - 2012

Source: http://myregion.gov.au/profile/riverina

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.4 shows a comparison of the Average Individual Weekly Income for the LGA‟s located in the RDA-Riverina region. This is broken into personal, family and household income. The total personal income for all LGA‟s in the Riverina region fluctuates between $416 and $586/week whilst the NSW median total personal income is $561/week. The Riverina‟s largest LGA‟s of Wagga Wagga and Griffith have the highest incomes in the RDA- Riverina region.

Graph 6.4: Average Individual Weekly Income for the Riverina-RDA

Income by RDA-Riverina LGA's

$1,600

$1,400

$1,200

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

Hay Bland Griffith Junee Leeton Tumut Lockhart Temora Coolamon Gundagai Carrathool Narrandera Cootamundra Murrumbidgee Wagga Wagga New South Wales Median total personal income ($/weekly) Median total family income ($/weekly) Median total household income ($/weekly) Source: 2011 Census QuickStats. *Includes Tumut Shire

Average Wage and Salary Income by LGA

LGA Wage/labour costs National Ranking Average wage and salary income Bland $36,022 378 Carrathool $33,721 475 Coolamon $36,545 363 Cootamundra $37,462 332 Griffith $36,792 356 Gundagai $36,983 352 Hay $33,741 474 Junee $38,651 297 Leeton $37,336 338 Lockhart $36,502 365 Narrandera $33,823 471 Murrumbidgee $35,542 407 Temora $34,511 445 Tumut $41,350 235 Wagga Wagga $41,325 238 RDA Riverina $38,614 41 Source: Region Australia Institute http://insight.regionalaustralia.org.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Employment Growth

The range of employment options across the RDA-Riverina region is changing in line with overall trends in the national economy. This has seen growth in tertiary and higher order service sector industries and a decline in primary production due to drought, lower water allocations, the high Australian dollar, commodity prices, farm mechanisation and holdings becoming larger.

As seen in Graph 6.5, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing remains the largest employer in the Riverina region; however it has experienced a significant decline since 2001. The other major employers in the region are Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance and Manufacturing.

Graph 6.5: Employment by Industry RDA Riverina Region

Employment by Industry for RDA Riverina March 2013

12,000

2001 10,000 2006 2011 8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

Mining

Retail trade Construction Manufacturing Other services Wholesale trade Education & training

Arts & recreation services Agriculture, forestry & fishing Financial & insurance services Public administration & safety AccommodationTransport, & food postal services & warehousing Health care & social assistance Administrative & support services Inadequately described/Not stated Rental, hiring & real estate services Electricity, gas, water & waste services Information media & telecommunications Professional, scientific & technical services

Source: ABS 2011 Census of Population and Housing (Basic Community Profile)

Graph 6.6 demonstrates the DEEWR Industry Projections to November 2017 by industry, based on ABS employment data for November 2012 and the Australian Government‟s forecasts and projections. Across Australia, employment is projected to grow in 18 of the 19 broad ANZSIC industries over the next five years; however Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is projected to record a decline (as seen in Graph 6.6).

Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth, with factors contributing to this including the impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Australia‟s aging population and increasing demand for childcare, community and home based care services. Retail Trade, Construction and Accommodation and Food Services are the other major areas of employment growth in the next five years.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is not projected to grow over the five years to November 2017. This reflects a continuation of the industry‟s long-term decline in employment share, as well as the impact of a relatively high Australian dollar and its effect on export prices, and continued investment by the industry in labour-saving plant and equipment.

Graph 6.6: Summary Table - DEEWR Industry Projections to November 2017 (5 year change)18

Projected employment growth to November 2017 Industry 5 years to Nov-17 (%) 5 years to Nov-17 ('000)

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing -4.2 -13.5 Mining 4.3 11.5 Manufacturing 1.5 14.2 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 2.2 3.3 Construction 10.1 100.2 Wholesale Trade 3.7 15.5 Retail Trade 8.9 109.1 Accommodation and Food Services 8.5 66.8 Transport, Postal and Warehousing 7.1 41.6 Information Media and Telecommunications 4.2 9.6 Financial and Insurance Services 3.8 16.1 Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 5.6 11.1 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 6.9 62.8 Administrative and Support Services 6.6 26.1 Public Administration and Safety 6.3 43.2 Education and Training 7.2 64.5 Health Care and Social Assistance 13.0 177.8 Arts and Recreation Services 10.0 21.8 Other Services 8.5 38.5 All Industries 7.1 820.1 Source: DEEWR Industry Employment Projections 2013 Report

Skill Shortages

According to the DEEWR Regional Education, Skills and Jobs Plan, Riverina 2012 – 201419, skills shortages have been identified in several industries across the Riverina region including health, trades, aged care, education, engineering, accounting and managers.

DEEWR are developing strategies to meet the emerging skills and labour shortages and maximise the productive use of human capital in the Riverina. These include promoting a

18 ‘Other’ consists of 'Other Services', 'Administrative and Support Services', 'Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services', ‘Information Media and Telecommunications’, and ‘Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services’. Agriculture is excluded from the chart as it is not projected to grow over the five years to November 2017. 19 Source: http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/regional_education_skills_and_jobs_plan_new_south_wales_riverin a_2012_2014.pdf

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

whole of government response to skills shortages, working with local industry and education providers as well as attracting skilled migrants to the region.

Figure 6.7: Map of Sturt and South Eastern Employment Service Areas

Source: DEEWR, Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences in the Sturt and South Eastern Employment Services Area in 2011 and again in 2012

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Tables 6.8 and 6.9 outline the occupations which have been identified as being the most difficult to recruit employees across both the Sturt and South Eastern Employment Service Areas in 2011 and 2012. The data for both Tables was gathered through a survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences conducted by DEEWR in 2011 and 2012. Occupations which have been most difficult to fill in both 2011 and 2012 have included skilled trade workers, such as Motor Mechanics, Early Childhood Teachers and Registered Nurses. Other occupations including Truck Drivers and Sales Assistants have also experienced difficulty recruiting employees in both Employment Service Areas. This information reflects trends identified by DEEWR in the Regional Education, Skills and Jobs Plan, Riverina 2012 – 201420.

Table 6.8: Sturt and South Eastern Employment Service Area Occupations most difficult to fill 2011

Table 6.9: Sturt and South Eastern Employment Service Area Occupations most difficult to fill 2012 Bachelor Degree or Higher VET Qualifications Motor Mechanics Panel Beaters Registered Nurses Chefs Electronic Trades Workers Early Childhood Teachers Child Carers Accountants Structural Steel & Welding Trades Workers Other Occupations Sales Assistant (General) Housekeepers Bar Attendants and Baristas Truck Drivers Store Persons Waiters Automobile Drivers

20 Source: http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/regional_education_skills_and_jobs_plan_new_south_wales_riverin a_2012_2014.pdf

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Source: DEEWR, Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences South Eastern Region & Sturt, August 2012

Tables 6.10 and 6.11 provide an overview of the occupations with the largest employment growth over the last five years in both the South Eastern and Sturt Employment Service Areas according to a 2012 DEEWR Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences. DEEWR has used these survey results to determine future recruitment expectations in both regions over the coming 12 months. While Table 6.10 and 6.11 provide an overview of the more popular occupations over the past five years.

Projections for the next 12 months for the Sturt Region is for strong recruitment activity in Healthcare and Social Assistance while in the South Eastern Region strong recruitment is expected in Retail Trade and Accommodation and Food Service industries. (Source: DEEWR, Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences South Eastern Region & Sturt , August 2012)

According to the 2012 DEEWR survey results, the South Eastern Employment Service Area is anticipating strong recruitment in Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Service industries. Recruitment activity in the Sturt Employment Service Areas is in stark contrast to the South Eastern region, with strong recruitment anticipated in Health Care and Social Assistance.

Table 6.10: Occupations with largest employment growth over past 5 years - South Eastern Employment Service Area

Bachelor Degree or Higher VET Qualifications

Registered Nurses Electricians Crop Farmers Officer Managers Other Occupations Aged and Disabled Carers Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers General Clerks Nursing Support and Personal Care Workers Source: DEEWR, Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences South Eastern Region, August 2012, ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2011

Table 6.11: Occupations with largest employment growth over past 5 years - Sturt Employment Service Area

Bachelor Degree or Higher VET Qualifications

Child Carers Electricians Gardeners Welfare Support Workers Other Occupations Aged and Disabled Carers Sales Assistants (General Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers Other Sales Assistants and Salespersons Education Aides Bookkeepers Café Workers Forklift Drivers Source: DEEWR, Survey of Employers‟ Recruitment Experiences Sturt, August 2012, ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2006 & 2011

For further information relating to skills shortages, visit:  Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: http://deewr.gov.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Skilled Migration

Graph 6.12 demonstrates the number of skilled visa applications processed by RDA- Riverina from 2010 – 2012. RDA-Riverina was authorised as a gazetted Regional Certifying Body (RCB) as of November 2009, appointed by the Minister for Immigration for the purposes of the Migration Act. Skilled migrants can enjoy the lifestyle of regional Australia by applying for sponsorship to live and work in the Riverina region under either of the following visas:

 The individual Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (Subclass 489) visa (SRS visa)  The Employer Nominated Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visa (RSMS visa).

The RSMS visa enables regional employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers and employ them to work in skilled vacant positions which cannot be filled using the local labour market. There is a particular focus on employing skilled migrants in occupations that are experiencing skill shortages.

Under the SRS visa, the RCB assists overseas skilled workers wishing to migrate to Australian through the NSW State Regional sponsorship. Under the RSMS visa, the RCB assists employers to permanently employ overseas skilled workers by assessing the Employer Nomination applications which are submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

For further information on skilled migration please visit:

 Department of Immigration and Citizenship: http://www.immi.gov.au/

According to Graph 4.35, RDA-Riverina processed 163 RSMS visas in 2012, a large increase of 53% from 2011. The number of SRS visa applications dropped significantly, with only nine processed compared to 70 in 2011, primarily due to the introduction of the SkillSelect program by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship which has changed elements of the eligibility criteria. Overall, the total number of visa applications has declined since 2010, with 238 visas processed in 2010, compared to only 158 in 2011 and 172 in 2012.

Graph 6.12: RDA-Riverina Processed Skilled Visa Applications (2010 – 2012)

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

RDA-Riverina Processed Skilled Visa Applications

250

200

150

100

0 2010 2011 2012 SIR/SRS 152 70 9 RSMS 86 88 163

RSMS SIR/SRS

Source: RDA Riverina Skilled Migration Figures

Graphs 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 provide an overview of the top eight occupations which SRS and RSMS visa holders were employed as between 2010 – 2012. Skilled migrants moving to the Riverina are working in a range of occupations, all of which have varied significantly over the three year period. In 2010 there was a strong surge of SRS visa holders moving to the RDA- Riverina region to work as Welfare Workers. In 2011 and 2012, Registered Nurse was the most popular occupation for SRS visa holders.

RSMS visa holders experienced the most varied range of occupations from 2010 – 2012. Notably, Cooks were the most popular occupation during this period, and other common occupations included Registered Nurse, Farmer, Farm Manager, Chef, Hairdresser and Welder. There is a trend in the number of RSMS visa holders who have taken up skilled trade occupations which reflects the need to address the identified skill shortage areas in the region.

Please Note: The data stated in this profile is not a true indication of the amount of people who have moved to the region and their occupations, as not all skilled workers who are granted visas advise RDA-Riverina of their specific circumstances.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.13: Occupations in demand for RDA-Riverina 2010 - SRS & RSMS

Occupations in demand for RDA Riverina 2010

SRS RSMS

0 Welfare Registered Production Mechanical Farm Cook Electrician Carpenter Worker Nurse Manager Engineer Manager RSMS 15 12 3 9 5 SRS 26 5 18 17 8

Source: RDA Riverina Skilled Migration Figures

Graph 6.14: Occupations in demand for RDA-Riverina 2011 - SRS & RSMS

Occupations in demand for RDA Riverina 2011

SRS RSMS

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Registered Farm Civil Cook Fitter Baker Chef Welder Nurse Manager Engineer RSMS 7 18 10 3 6 6 SRS 12 10 4 5

* Farm manager includes Fruit Grower/ Nursery

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.15: Occupations in demand for RDA-Riverina 2012 - SRS & RSMS

Occupations in demand for RDA Riverina 2012

SRS RSMS

0 Registered Motor Project Cook Farmer Chef Hairdresser Accountant Nurse Mechanic Administrator RSMS 37 13 17 7 7 6 5 5 SRS 12

Source: RDA Riverina Skilled Migration Figures 2012

Graph 6.16 provides an overview of the Top 5 Occupations by Industry 2010 – 2012 for RSMS visa applicants. The graph indicates the Trade industry has attracted a consistent number of employees from 2010 – 2012. The Hospitality and Business/Administration industry also experienced a surge in RSMS visa employees in 2012.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Graph 6.16: Top 5 Occupations by Industry 2010 – 2012 RSMS Visa Applications

Top 5 Occupations by Industry 2010-2012 RSMS Visa Applications 50 46 45

35 32 30 28 26 27 24 25 23 21 22 20 14 14 15 11 10 6 6 4 5

0 Business/Admin Agriculture/Farming Trade Hospitality Health 2010 2011 2012

Source: RDA Riverina Skilled Migration Figures 2010-2012

7. Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is the Riverina region‟s largest employer and in 2010-2011, the gross value of agricultural production (GVAP) in the Riverina region was $1.8 billion, which was 16% of the total gross value of agricultural production in NSW ($11.7 billion) for 2010-2011.

According to the 2013 ABARES21 report, the total land held by farm businesses in the Riverina was estimated to be 4.4 million hectares in 2010-2011. Agricultural land in the region is mainly used for grazing (2.5 million hectares) and cropping (1.6 million hectares). In addition, 169,863 hectares of land held by farm businesses were set aside for conservation (ABS 2012).

The Riverina region has a diverse and important agricultural sector. In 2010–11, the Riverina region accounted for a variety of horticultural crops, including:

 77% of the total value of NSW fresh potatoes  73% of the total value of almonds  70% of the total value of oranges  54% of the total value of apple production  52% of the total value of NSW rice production  22% of the total value of wheat

The most important commodity in the region, based on agricultural output value, is wheat, as demonstrated in Figure 4.40. In 2010-2011, wheat contributed 30% ($548 million) to the total

21 Agriculture and Forestry in the Riverina region of New South Wales, 2013 67

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

gross value of agricultural production in the Riverina region. Fruit was the second largest contributor, accounting for 8% or $150 million to the total gross value of agricultural production in the region.

Figure 7.1: Value of agricultural production, Riverina region, New South Wales, 2010– 11

Wheat Fruit excl. wine grapes Cattle and calves Oilseeds Wool Barley Vegetables Rice Sheep and lambs Wine grapes Cotton Hay Poultry Milk Other

$m 0 100 200 300 400 500 600

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Other major agricultural products in the Riverina include food processing and manufacturing.

Food processing and manufacturing accounts for 20% of the Riverina‟s Gross Regional Product, this includes:  Food research  Production of vegetable  Meat and fruit products  Fibre processing  Winemaking

Wine and Grape Industry: The Riverina area is the largest wine producer in NSW, with wineries and vineyards covering an area of over 15,000 hectares. De Bortoli Wines and Casella Wines, based in Griffith, are two of Australia‟s largest wine exporters. Wine Cellar doors are located right throughout the region including in Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Leeton, Griffith and Hay. Charles Sturt University is also home to a wine school and research centre based in Wagga Wagga.

Rice Industry: 90% of Australia‟s rice crops are grown in the Murray-Riverina region and milled, packed and branded in the Riverina by SunRice; the sole exporter of Australian rice products to world markets. SunRice is anchored in the town of Leeton and is a major employer in the region.

Feedlots and Livestock: The region has a number of major feedlots and processing facilities located at:

 Yanco (Riverina, JBS Australia): integrated beef cattle feedlot, feed mill, meatworks and farming business. Capacity 53,000 cattle and 95 employees.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Stockinbingal (Jindalee Feedlot, Cargill Beef Australia): beef cattle feedlot, capacity 17,000 cattle.  Wagga Wagga (Processing Plant, Cargill Beef Australia): Integrated beef processing plant, processes 1,250 cattle per day and employs more than 800 people.

Chicken Processing: Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd (formerly Bartter Enterprises) operates one of their eight processing plants at Hanwood (near Griffith). The facility processes 100,000 birds a day, five days a week.

Citrus Industry: The Riverina is the largest citrus growing region in Australia, comprising of over 500 citrus properties, supplying 45 citrus packing sheds and 8 citrus juice processors throughout Australia. The Riverina is responsible for approximately 30% of Australia‟s citrus production, average total production of 180,000 tonnes and citrus plantings equating to approximately 8,500 hectares.

Horticulture Industry: The largest concentration of vegetable production in NSW is in the Riverina. There are about 7,200 hectares of vegetables grown in the Riverina, valued at more than $90 million at the farm gate. Potatoes are a major vegetable crop, with large areas of cucurbits, onions, carrots, processing tomatoes and lettuce.

Fruit and Tree Nut Industry: Walnuts Australia Pty Ltd operates two of its three main orchards in Tabbita and Leeton in the Riverina which are also home to walnut processing facilities.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

8. Tourism

Tourism is a significant contributor to the economic prosperity of the RDA-Riverina region. The below data provides a snapshot of visitor statistics to the Riverina region for the year ending December 201122:

 The Riverina received 824,000 domestic overnight visitors – up by 2.0% on year ending December 2011.  Visitors to the Riverina spent over 1.8 million nights in the region – down by 8.4% on year ending December 2011.  The Riverina region received 4.7% of visitors and 3.0% of nights in regional NSW.  „Visiting friends and relatives‟ (36.0%) was the largest purpose for visitors to the region, followed by „holiday or leisure‟ (31.3%). Compared to 2011, visitors who travelled for „holiday or leisure‟ grew by 7.1%.  „Eat out at restaurants‟ (47.0%) was the most popular activity undertaken by visitors to the region, followed by „visit friends and relatives‟ (39.2%) and „pubs, clubs, discos etc.‟  Domestic overnight visitors spend $302 million in the region, down by 16.6% on year ending December 2011.

Regional NSW (39.6%) was the largest source of visitors to the region, followed by Sydney (22.5%) and Victoria (19.1%). Compared to year ending December the regional NSW source market grew by 7.2% while Sydney decreased by 17.0%. This presents an opportunity for the Riverina to capitalise on its tourist destinations to increase the number of visitors to the region and their length of stay. Food and wine is a predominant reason for visitors to come, presenting opportunities for Riverina Regional Tourism to increase the availability and variety of these experiences.

Tourist Attractions

The RDA-Riverina region boasts a number of iconic tourist attractions:

 Wine cellar doors; located throughout the region including Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Leeton, Griffith and Hay.  Fine dining restaurants  Griffith‟s Italian heritage; Griffith Italian Museum, cafes and restaurants, wineries, mixed horticulture and viticulture farms.  Major events and festivals; The Wagga Wagga Gold Cup, La Festa Faces of Australia, Griffith, Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival, Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival, Booligal Sheep Races  Art galleries; Wagga Wagga and Griffith Regional Art Galleries and the National Art Glass Gallery, Wagga Wagga  Museums; Temora Aviation Museum, RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre  Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory  The Roxy Theatre, Leeton  Shear Outback The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, Hay  Monte Cristo Historic Homestead, Junee  The Murrumbidgee River; used for recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, fishing, canoeing, boating, beaches and camping.  Internationally recognised Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands, Lake Cowal and Willandra National Park; well known for bird watching and walking trails  Touring routes; the Long Paddock Touring Route (Cobb Highway) and Kidman Way.

22 Travel to Riverina, Year ended December 2012. http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/185069/Riverina-YE-Dec-12.pdf 70

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Riverina Regional Tourism plays an active role in marketing the Riverina tourism products and destinations. The areas of eco-tourism and travelling routes are burgeoning tourism opportunities in the Riverina, along with agricultural tours, however this market has experienced a decline in recent years.

The NSW tourism governing body Destination NSW has a marketing program in place to assist in the promotion of regional NSW. The key areas of focus across the state‟s eight diverse holiday zones are Nature and National Parks, Beaches and Surf, Food and Wine, Arts, Heritage and Culture and Regional Events and Festivals.

For more information regarding tourism in the Riverina, visit:

 Riverina Regional Tourism: http://www.riverinatourism.com.au/  Visit NSW (Destination NSW): http://www.visitnsw.com/  Country Change: http://www.countrychange.com.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

9. Gas and Electricity

Natural Gas Networks in NSW

A combined total of over 25,000km of gas network piping exists within NSW; a map of the major gas network locations is seen in Figure 9.1. In 2011/12 the length of the natural gas network grew by 1%, reaching 27,553km, delivering about 2.8 billion standard cubic metres of gas to customers in NSW.

The principal reticular of natural gas in NSW is Jemena Gas Networks (operated for and on behalf of Jemena Gas Networks by Jemena Asset Management). The Jemena Gas Network in NSW is divided into five large natural gas distribution networks, one of which is Jemena (Country) Network, covering a large area in central NSW and servicing the Southern Highlands, Central Tablelands, Central West, Riverina and South-West Slopes Regions.

Jemena Gas Networks also owns natural gas transmission assets in NSW.

Envestra Ltd* Envestra Ltd holds two Natural Gas Reticulator Authorisations in NSW, one for The Albury Gas Company Ltd and one for Envestra (NSW) Pty Ltd, formerly Country Energy Gas. Envestra contracts the management, operation and maintenance of its network assets to APA Group.

The Envestra (NSW) network supplies Wagga Wagga, Culcairn, Tamara, Walla Walla, Cooma, Tumut, Henty, Bombala and Gundagai.

*Country Energy Gas was sold to Envestra Ltd In late 2010. However there has been no impact on services to former Country Energy customers. Country Energy Gas was a NSW state-owned corporation established by the Energy Services Corporation Act 1985.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Figure 9.1: Natural Gas Networks, NSW

Source: 2011 – 2012 NSW Gas Networks Performance Report http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/458356/2012-Gas-Networks-Performance-Report.pdf

Electricity

Electricity in NSW is generated from a wide range of fuel sources, including black coal, natural gas, coal seam methane gas and renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, biomass and solar.

Essential Energy is the major provider of electricity in the RDA-Riverina region. Essential Energy is a NSW Government-owned corporation, with responsibility for building, operating and maintaining Australia‟s largest electricity network. It delivers essential network services to more than 800,000 homes and businesses across 95% of NSW. A map of the NSW Distribution Network Service Provider‟s Distribution Districts is seen in Figure 9.2.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Figure 9.2: NSW Distribution Service Provider’s Distribution Districts

Source: NSW Distribution Network Service Provider‟s Distribution Districts http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/312637/NSW_DNSP_Distribution-Districts-map.pdf

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

10. Environment Profile

Cultural Heritage

Australia is home to many different Indigenous or Aboriginal clans, also known as Aboriginal nations or tribes. The RDA-Riverina region forms part of the Wiradjuri nation – the largest Aboriginal group in NSW. The Wiradjuri occupy a large area in central NSW, from the Blue Mountains in the east, to Hay in the west, north to Nyngan and south to Albury.

The Wiradjuri tribal area has been described as the land of the three rivers, the Wambool later known as the Macquarie, the Kalare later known as the Lachlan and the Murrumbidgee (Murrumbidjeri). The Murray River forms the Wiradjuri's southern boundary, the change from woodland to open grassland form their eastern boundary.

Occupation of the land by the Wiradjuri can be seen by carved trees and campsite remainders. Carved trees are more commonly found around the Macquarie and Lachlan rivers in the north rather than the Murrumbidgee in the south. Campsites, which indicate regular seasonal occupation by small groups, have been found on river flats, open land and by rivers.

The Wiradjuri are identified as a coherent group as they maintained a cycle of ceremonies that moved in a ring around the whole tribal area. This cycle led to tribal coherence despite the large occupied area.

The Wiradjuri diet included yabbies and fish such as Murray cod from the rivers. In dry seasons, they ate kangaroos, emus and food gathered from the land, including fruit, nuts, yam daisies (Microseris lanceolata), wattle seeds, and orchid tubers. The Wiradjuri travelled into Alpine areas in the summer to feast on Bogong moths. The Wiradjuri were also known for their handsome cloaks stitched together from possum furs.

The name of the RDA-Riverina‟s major city of Wagga Wagga comes from the Wiradjuri word Wagga meaning crow, and to create the plural, the Wiradjuri repeat the word. Thus the name translates as "the place of many crows”.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Murray-Darling Basin

The entire RDA-Riverina region is part of the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's most iconic - and largest - river system (or 'catchment'). It is also one of the largest river systems in the world and one of the driest. It is divided into the northern Basin (Darling system) and the southern Basin (Murray system). The Basin is ecologically diverse, supporting a wide range of nationally and internationally significant plants, animals and ecosystems.

The Murray-Darling Basin covers over 1 million sq kms and plays an important role in supporting biodiversity for a vast array of plants and animals and ecosystems including many threatened species.

Figure 10.1: Murray-Darling Basin Map

Source: Murray-Darling Basin http://www.mdba.gov.au/about-basin/basin-environment/georgraphy/geology-and- size

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

For further information regarding the Murray-Darling Basin visit:

 Murray-Darling Basin Authority: http://www.mdba.gov.au/

Murrumbidgee River

The Murrumbidgee River is the second largest river in the Murray-Darling Basin and spans the length of the RDA-Riverina region, from Gundagai in the east, to Hay in the west. The Murrumbidgee River is a regulated system and has 14 dams and eight large weirs. The large dams include Burrinjuck Dam near Yass, with a capacity of 1.026 million megalitres, and Blowering Dam near Tumut, holding 1.628 million megalitres. Water is used for urban, agricultural, environmental and recreational purposes throughout the region. Situated in the Lower-Murrumbidgee Catchment are the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and the Coleambally Irrigation Area with more than 10,000 kilometres of irrigation channels supplied by the two storages.

The Murrumbidgee Catchment is home to sites of international ecological significance including the Ramsar listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps and the Lowbidgee Wetlands. National sites of significance include the Mid-Murrumbidgee Wetlands - located from Wagga Wagga to Carrathool.

Figure 10.2: Murrumbidgee River Map

Source: http://www.mdba.gov.au/about-basin/how-river-runs/murrumbidgee-catchment

Irrigation

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) is one of the most diverse and productive regions in Australia. The MIA, which forms part of the Murray-Darling Basin, covers an area of 660,000 hectares of which an average of 120,000 hectares is irrigated. The MIA is home to over 50,000 people with the majority of jobs tied to the water supplied to farms and industry.

Established in 1912 following the commissioning of Burrinjuck Dam in the Snowy Mountains, the MIA was conceived by the government of the day as a purpose-built scheme, designed to feed and provide employment opportunities for a growing nation. The original vision for the MIA is as important today as it was 100 years ago. In 1999 the NSW Government relinquished ownership of the MIA (and Districts) and the water is now controlled by Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd is one of the largest private irrigation companies in Australia serving over 3,200 landholding owned by over 2,500 customers. The core business is water management and related services. Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd provides irrigation water, drainage and environmental services to the MIA.

NSW State Water controls water released from Burrunjuck and Blowering Dams into the Murrumbidgee River. Murrumbidgee Irrigation is licensed by the NSW Government to divert water from the river system and deliver it to customers. There are two main off takes within the system of which the Main Canal diverts 6,600 ML/day and the Sturt Canal 2,200 ML/day.

Coleambally Irrigation Area

The Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) is located in the Riverina, south of Griffith and between Darlington Point and Jerilderie. The district encompasses 491 irrigation farms which are typically 200 hectares in size. These farms employ very sophisticated layouts and recycling systems to ensure a high level of water efficiency. The major crops produced are rice, wheat, corn, cotton, barley, soy beans and canola. A variety of fruit and vegetables are also grown.

Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative Limited (CICL) is wholly owned by its farmer members and is Australia‟s fourth largest irrigation company. CICL delivers irrigation water across an area of approximately 400,000 hectares of which only 79,000 hectares is intensively irrigated. The Co-operative‟s irrigation delivery system relies solely on gravity across 518kms of supply channels and 734kms of drainage.

Figure 10.3: Irrigation Area Map

Source: http://www.mirrigation.com.au/About-Us/Company-Overview/Company-Overview

For more information regarding the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas visit:  Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd: http://www.mirrigation.com.au/  Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative Ltd: http://new.colyirr.com.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Riverina Local Land Services

The RDA-Riverina region is currently part of the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) areas. The CMAs were established in 2004 to ensure local people could have their say on natural resource management (NRM). The CMA‟s and their partners are ensuring the protection and sustainable development of the environment through on-ground projects relating to biodiversity, culture, land and water.

In 2012 the NSW Government announced it would improve service delivery and reduce duplication of services pertaining to agricultural advisory and extension services and form Local Land Services.

The RDA-Riverina region is part of the Riverina Local Land Services region which formally takes effect from January 2014. Local Land Services will bring together the services of NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) and Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) into a new grass roots model for regional service delivery. Local Land Services will be managed by local people on local boards, working closely with farmers, land managers and communities to deliver services that are relevant to their local needs.

From January 2014, Local Land Services will comprise:

 11 regions  Seven member-based local boards – four government appointments and three ratepayer elected positions  One Board of Chairs with an independent Chair

Local Land Services will deliver the following services:

 Agricultural advice  Plant and animal pest control and biosecurity  Natural resource management  Emergency management

Landowners are still able to access existing services from DPI, LHPAs and CMAs in the interim.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Figure 10.4: Local Land Services Regions 2013

For further information regarding Local Land Services and interim services visit:

 Local Land Services: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices  NSW Department of Primary Industries: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/  Livestock Health and Pest Authorities: http://www.lhpa.org.au/  Catchment Management Authorities: http://www.cma.nsw.gov.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

National Parks

The RDA-Riverina region is home to a number of significant national parks and wetland areas.

 The World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes Region includes parts of Mungo National Park and is heritage listed for its natural and cultural values – outstanding examples of evolutionary history, ongoing geological processes and an exceptional testimony to a past civilisation. This includes the uncovering of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man dated human habitation to more than 40,000 years – believed to be the world‟s oldest site of ritual ceremony.

 Cocoparra National Park is located near Griffith and is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, Aboriginal cultural heritage, bird watching and varied habitats.

 Murrumbidgee Valley National Park is located near Narrandera and was only created in 2010. This national park protects part of what is now the largest continuous tract of river red gum forest in the world. Cycling and hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, picnicking and bird watching are popular activities in this national park.

For more information regarding national parks visit:

 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Lakes and Wetlands

There are more than 20,000 wetlands across NSW and they are found in all of the state‟s major geographical regions. Wetlands cover about 4.5 million hectares of NSW (about 6% of the state) and most of that wetland area (96%) is located in the Murray-Darling Basin. 187 NSW wetlands are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (DIWA)23.

 Fivebough and Tuckerbil swamps were listed in 2002 as Ramsar sites. The Ramsar Convention aims to promote and protect wetlands throughout the world and both Fivebough and Tuckerbil were listed as they contained endangered species, including the Australasian Bittern. A total of 83 species of water birds have been identified at Fivebough Swamp and 69 species at Tuckerbil Swamp.

The swamps are located on Crown Land, near Leeton in the Riverina region of NSW. Fivebough Swamp is a permanent, but fluctuating, fresh-brackish, shallow wetland. Tuckerbil Swamp is a seasonal, shallow, brackish-saline wetland.

The Fivebough wetland also hosts the internationally recognised Australian Bird Fair held annually in September. The wetlands have five kilometres of walking trails and three kilometres of all-weather trails with viewing mounds and a bird hide placed along the trails to provide ease of observation for bird watchers. The wetlands contain a habitat of exceptional quality for water birds, particularly waders.

 The man-made Narrandera Wetlands recycle storm water from the town. The aim of the Narrandera Wetlands is to receive the town's stormwater and through various physical and biological treatment processes, improve the quality of the water entering

23 NSW Office of Environment and Heritage http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/wetlands/WhereAreWetlands.htm 81

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the Murrumbidgee River, whilst providing a haven for waterbirds and associated flora and fauna.

 Lake Cowal is the largest natural lake in New South Wales. It is a dedicated bird and wildlife sanctuary where a diverse species of waterbirds make their home. The Lake is listed on the Register of the National Estate for the diversity and the number of species that inhibit the lake. It can be accessed from a public reserve off Clear Ridge Road West Wyalong. The birdlife on the lake is amazing; over 180 different species have been identified ranging from seagulls and pelicans to ibis. Many of the species are either rare or endangered. The lake is popular for photography and bird and nature watching.

For further information regarding lakes and wetlands in NSW, visit:

 NSW Office of Environment and Heritage: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

11. Education Profile

Number of Schools

The RDA-Riverina is a regional education hub, with a total of 190 NSW Government educational facilities, or 8.5% of the NSW total located in the region according to the NSW Department of Education data detailed in Table 11.1. NSW Government Primary Schools make up the majority of the total, with 139 schools located across the region.

The Riverina has 16 Central/Community Schools located in the region. Central and Community Schools provide comprehensive education for children from Kindergarten to Year 12, with Central Schools providing rural and isolated communities with comprehensive education and Community Schools located in metropolitan areas. The number of Central/Community Schools located in the Riverina makes up 23.9% of the NSW total. This is significantly high due to the number of rural communities located in the region.

Table 11.1: Distribution of NSW Government Schools, Riverina and NSW (mid-year 2011)

Schools Central/ for Environmental Primary Secondary Region Community Specific Education Total Schools Schools Schools Purposes Centres (EECs) (SSPs) Riverina 139 16 26 8 1 190 State Total 1,630 67 398 113 23 2,234 Riverina - % of 8.5% 23.9% 6.5% 7.1% 4.3% 8.5% State Total

Source: NSW Department of Education and Training (2011), Statistical Bulletin – School Students in NSW.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Primary and Secondary School Enrolments

The total number of Primary and Secondary School enrolments in the Riverina has decreased significantly between 2007 and 2011 compared to the NSW total, as seen in Table 11.2. In 2011, 18,236 students were enrolled in Primary School, or 4.2% of the state total, however this represents a decline of 9.5% since 2007. A total of 32,177 students were enrolled in Secondary School in 2011, or 4.3% of the state total; however this also represented a decline of 4.6% since 2007.

The decline in Primary and Secondary School enrolments in the Riverina may be attributed to the closure of small government schools located in rural areas and also the increase in enrolments at private and/or Catholic schools across the region.

Table 11.2: Primary and Secondary School Enrolments, Riverina and NSW (2007 – 2011)

% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 change Primary School Riverina 19,113 18,866 18,623 18,406 18,236 -9.5% State Total 429,900 428,331 429,000 430,177 433,873 1% Riverina - % of State 4.4% 4.4% 4.3% 4.3% 4.2% Total Secondary School Riverina 33,653 33,040 32,607 32,506 32,177 -4.6% State Total 738,636 735,778 736,647 742,141 745,540 1% Riverina - % of State 4.6% 4.4% 4.4% 4.4 4.3% Total

Source: NSW Department of Education and Training (2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007), Statistical Bulletin – School Students in NSW.

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga is divided into four major regional centres: Wagga, Griffith/MIA, Finley/South-West and Albury. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga are located within the Riverina and South Western districts of New South Wales.

The small rural diocese was established in 1918 and is administered through 30 parishes. 27 primary schools and five high schools are located in the region, as seen in Figure 11.3

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Figure 11.3: Catholic Schools Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Source: http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/Schools/Findaschool/tabid/106/Default.aspx

Higher Education

There are opportunities to increase higher education qualification levels within the Riverina, and the options to live and study in the region are growing. The Riverina offers high quality tertiary options for school leavers, people seeking to advance their education and people wishing to retrain. The Riverina is serviced by the following institutions24:

 Charles Sturt University (CSU), Wagga Wagga Campus: http://www.csu.edu.au/  University of NSW Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga Campus: http://rcs.med.unsw.edu.au/  The University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga Campus: http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/schools/medicine/clinical-schools  Deakin University (Melbourne/ Geelong, Regional VIC/NSW) www.deakin.edu.au  TAFE NSW Riverina Institute NSW; Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Cootamundra and Hay campuses: http://www.rit.tafensw.edu.au/  Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre, Yanco: http://www.mrsc.nsw.edu.au/  Riverina Community College; Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Leeton, Narrandera and Temora: http://www.riverinacc.edu.au/  Western Riverina Community College; Griffith: http://www.wrcc.nsw.edu.au/  Riverina Business Enterprise Centre, Wagga Wagga: http://www.becaustralia.org.au/  Western Riverina Business Enterprise Centre, Griffith: http://www.griffithbec.org.au/  Australian Airline Pilot Academy, Wagga Wagga: http://www.aapa.net.au/about- location.html

The Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport found that rural and regional students are often faced with complex barriers to entering higher

24 Source: Regional Education, Skills and jobs Plan – Riverina 2012 http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/regional_education_skills_and_jobs_plan_new_south_wales_riverin a_2012_2014.pdf 84

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education. Often, young people are required to move away from home, either to a metropolitan area or to another regional area in order to access desired higher education opportunities. Barriers such as course availability within the region, lack of aspirations for further learning and substantial costs (for students and their families) in accessing educational opportunities all have a great impact on rural students.

There are opportunities to address these issues within the Riverina and a number of the institutions are implementing measures to overcome these concerns.

Post-School Qualifications

Table 11.4 provides a breakdown of the percentage of people within the Riverina (SA4) region who have obtained post-school qualifications. The total of people with post-school qualifications in the Riverina (SA4) region is 40%, which is below the NSW average of 46.2% according to 2011 ABS Census data. The greatest percentage of people with post-school qualifications in the Riverina (SA4) region held Certificates - 16.6%, which is above the NSW average of 14.2%. These figures correlate with the high number of TAFE colleges, community education centres and registered private training providers located within the Riverina.

Table 11.4: Percentage of post-school qualification

Type of qualification Riverina Statistical area NSW Level 4 (SA4) Postgraduate Degree 1.1% 3.4% Graduate Diploma and Graduate 0.8% 1.2% Certificate Bachelor Degree 6.6% 11.4% Advanced Diploma and Diploma 4.5% 6.7% Certificate 16.6% 14.2% Inadequately Described/Not 9.4% 9.2% Stated Total with qualifications 40% 46.2% Source: ABS (2011) Census BCP b40b

Table 11.5 provides detail on the percentage of people employed in the Riverina SA4 region by occupation compared to NSW and the Australian totals. The most common occupations in Riverina SA4 area included Managers 16.7%, Professionals 15.0%, Technicians and Trades Workers 14.9%, Labourers 13.7%, and Clerical and Administrative Workers 11.8%. The table highlights that the Riverina has a significantly larger number of people employed as managers, compared to the NSW and national total.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Table 11.5: Percentage of employed persons by occupation – Riverina SA4

New South Riverina % % Australia % Occupation Wales

Employed people aged 15 years and over Managers 11,406 16.7 418,333 13.3 1,293,970 12.9 Professionals 10,268 15 713,548 22.7 2,145,442 21.3 Technicians and Trades Workers 10,149 14.9 414,668 13.2 1,425,146 14.2 Labourers 9,353 13.7 273,129 8.7 947,608 9.4 Clerical and Administrative Workers 8,077 11.8 473,141 15.1 1,483,558 14.7 Community and Personal Service Workers 6,707 9.8 297,667 9.5 971,897 9.7 Sales Workers 6,286 9.2 290,496 9.3 942,140 9.4 Machinery Operators And Drivers 4,958 7.3 199,438 6.4 659,551 6.6

Source: ABS Census 2011

Job Services Australia

Job Services Australia provides job seekers with flexible and tailored support to help them find a job. Employers are able to use Job Services Australia to find staff to meet their recruitment needs. Job Services Australia is delivered by a network of organisations, funded by the Australian Government, to provide employment services to job seekers and employers.

Job Services Australia providers are a mix of large, medium and small, for-profit and not-for- profit organisations that are experienced in delivering services and support for job seekers and employers. The providers offer personalised support to help job seekers to find a job. They also connect job seekers with a range of government initiatives, including training programs, which help them gain the skills to obtain and keep a job.

Table 11.6: Job Services Australia providers in the Riverina region

Provider Name Service Location Advanced Personnel Disability Employment Services - Disability West Wyalong, Wagga Management Management Services – All Client Types Wagga, Narrandera, Cootamundra, Temora, Lockhart, Hay, Leeton, Griffith CRS Australia Disability Employment Services - Disability Wagga Wagga, Griffith Management Services – All Client Types

Eworks Employment Disability Employment Services – Leeton, Hay, Griffith Solutions Inc Employment Support Service – All Client Types

Ganambarra Ltd Job Services Australia-Indigenous Wagga Wagga Australians

Job Centre Australia Disability Employment Services - Disability Wagga Wagga, Temora, Management Service - Employment Cootamundra Support Service

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Kurrajong Waratah Disability Employment Services - Wagga Wagga, Leeton, Employment Support Service Narrandera, Temora, West Wyalong

LETS Job Services Australia – All Client Types West Wyalong

OCTEC West Disability Employment Services – West Wyalong Wyalong Employment Support Service – All Client Employment Service types

Ostara Australia Disability Employment Services - Disability Wagga Wagga & Temora Limited Management Service – Mental Health

RCC Employment & Job Services Australia - All Client Types, Temora, Gundagai, Training Youth at Risk Ardlethan, Barellan, Narrandera, Cootamundra, Junee, Wagga Wagga

Summit Employment Job Services Australia - All Client Types, Griffith, Hay, & Training Harvest Labour Services Cootamundra, Temora, Junee, Hillston, Narrandera, Leeton, Gundagai,

Verto Job Services Australia - All Client Types West Wyalong

The Personnel Disability Employment Services - Wagga Wagga, Group Employment Support Service - All Client Cootamundra, Types Narrandera, Leeton, Hillston, Hay, Gundagai, Griffith

Sureway Job Services Australia - All Client Types, Temora, Hillston, Hay, Employment and Disability Employment Services, Mental Gundagai, West Wyalong, Training Health, Youth at Risk, Indigenous Wagga Wagga, Australians Narrandera, Leeton, Griffith, Cootamundra Source: http://jobsearch.gov.au/default.aspx

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

12. Health Profile

Murrumbidgee Local Health District

The RDA-Riverina region is serviced by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. There are 15 Local Health Districts in NSW.

The key functions of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District are:

Clinical Governance  Clinical governance and patient safety management

 Clinical risk management

 Clinical incident investigation and reporting

 Patient complaints management

Operational Performance  Negotiation of the LHD's annual service agreement with Management the State  Operational performance management

 Performance reporting

 Emergency Department access, Predictable Surgery Program and patient-flow management

Clinical Services  Clinical services development and networking with the Development and LHD Coordination  Disaster response

 Designated supra LHD clinical roles (e.g. transfers to higher level care, trauma centre, ICU retrieval)  Designated state-wide clinical services

Financial Management  Budget allocation within the LHD

 Finance and budget management

 Revenue generation and management

 Cash and liquidity management

 LHD financial management reporting

 Salary packaging marketing

 Clinical product procurement advice

Workforce  Recruitment

 Staff performance and discipline

 Grievance management

 Employee Assistance Program management

 Payroll monitoring and compliance

 Occupational health and safety

 Workers compensation claims management and return- to-work

Nursing and Midwifery  Nursing services management and deployment

Corporate Governance  Local Health District Board secretariat services and Administration  Corporate governance

 Risk management

 Policy and standards management

 Ministerial services

 Records management

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

 Internal audit (contract services from CSC)

 Site and engineering services

 Fleet management

Communications  Community engagement

 Internal communications and publications

 Media and public relations

Planning  Clinical services planning for LHD 

 Corporate planning for LHD

Information Technology  Allocation of functions between LHDs, Clinical Support  Division and Health Support Services to be finalised

Figure 12.1: Murrumbidgee Local Health Network Map

Source: http://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/copy2_of_MLHD.bmp

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Board Members:

Membership, Role and Function

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District Board is chaired by Ms Gayle Murphy and includes nine Board Members who bring a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the management of our LHD:

 Ms Gayle Murphy (Chair)  Ms Narelle Fitzgerald  Dr Louis Baggio  Mr John Harding  Mr Michael (Paul) Braybrooks  Ms Andrea Jordan  Mr Carl Cooper  Ms Amanda Shand  Ms Betty Cragg  Mr David Evans  Dr Thomas Douch

The Health District Board and Chief Executive are responsible for:

 Improving local patient outcomes and responding to issues that arise throughout our Local Health District  Monitoring the performance of our Local Health District against performance measures in the LHD Service Agreement  Delivering services and performance standards within an agreed budget, based on annual strategic and operating plans. This forms the basis of our Local Health District Service Agreement  Ensuring services are provided efficiently and accountably. Production of Annual Reports that are subject to state financial accountability and audit frameworks  Maintaining effective communication with local and state public health stakeholders

For further information regarding the Murrumbidgee Local Health District visit:

 Murrumbidgee Local Health District: http://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

Murrumbidgee Medicare Local

The Murrumbidgee Medicare Local (MML), one of the first 19 Medicare Locals to be established, is located in south-west of NSW and has evolved from the merger of the former Riverina Division of General Practice & Primary Health Ltd and the Murrumbidgee General Practice Network Ltd. One of the main roles of MML is to promote integration and coordination of primary health care delivery and tackle local health care needs and service gaps. MML will have a key role in driving improvement in primary health care and in ensuring services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities within our defined geographic area.

The geographic area of the Murrumbidgee Medicare Local (MML) includes the Statistical Local Areas(SLAs) of: Bland; Boorowa; Carrathool; Coolamon; Cootamundra; Griffith; Gundagai; Harden; Hay; Junee; Lachlan; Leeton; Lockhart; Murrumbidgee; Narrandera; Temora; Tumbarumba; Tumut; Wagga Wagga and Young.

Towns within the MML geographic area include those within the above SLAs as well as Lake Cargelligo, Hillston and Khancoban, The MML covers some 99,300 square kilometres and has a population of 178,538.

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Figure 12.2 Murrumbidgee Medicare Local Map

Source: http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/content/MediLocProfile_Murrumbidgee

Population projections show that by 2020 the MML area will have higher proportions of males and females above 65 years and lower proportions of males and females less than 54 years, indicating that preventative health and aged care will remain a focus of the MML over time to support an ageing population.

The MML is quite consistent with the NSW average in all areas of employment, income support and unemployment benefit. There are an estimated 65% of people living in MML who participate in the workforce; however 25% of people hold health care card concessions. The western area of the MML has a high proportion of residents born overseas from non- English speaking countries that have been in Australia for more than five years and less than five years, and have poor proficiency in English.

MML has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resident population of 4.1% compared to the national average of 2.5%. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health will remain a health priority under the MML with an aim to work collaboratively with stakeholders to increase services, access and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The region has higher percentages than NSW and Australia figures of physical inactivity, obese males and females, and people who have at least one of the following four risk factors of chronic disease; smoking, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and obesity. The MML will have a key role in decreasing the rates of chronic disease, treatable and preventable mortality by expanding current preventative health and chronic disease services and programs.

Access to services and models of coordinated care is mixed across the region, with barriers to access typically increasing with remoteness to service centres and socioeconomic status. Workforce issues compound problems associated with availability and access. Various SLA areas have limited access to services – particularly allied health services such as

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

audiometrist, dentist and optometrist. Addressing equity and access to primary health care will be a high priority for the MML.

For further information regarding Murrumbidgee Medicare Local visit:  Murrumbidgee Medicare Local: http://www.mmll.org.au/index.php/about-us/your- medicare-local

Health Institutions

Based on data sourced from My Hospital and Murrumbidgee Local Health District, the Riverina region is serviced by 11 public hospitals, one private hospital in Wagga Wagga, two Multi-Purpose Centres, nine community health centres, 10 oral health clinics and an extensive number of aged care facilities. Table 7.3 summarises the names of each of the facilities by type and location within the Riverina region.

Table 12.3: Health Services in the Riverina

Health Service Location Public Hospitals Health Services  Cootamundra Hospital  Griffith Base Hospital  Gundagai District Hospital  Hay District Hospital  Hillston District Hospital  Leeton District Hospital  Lockhart & District Hospital  Narrandera District Hospital  Temora Hospital  Wagga Wagga Base Hospital  West Wyalong Hospital

Multi-Purpose Service  Coolamon Multi-Purpose Service  Junee Multi-Purpose Service

Private Hospitals  Calvary Health Care Riverina, Wagga Wagga

Community Health  Ardlethan Centres  Barellan  Barmedman  Coolamon – Ganmain Health Service  Coleambally  Darlington Point  The Rock  Ungarie

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 Weethalle

Oral Health Clinics  Cootamundra  Griffith  Hay  Hillston  Junee  Leeton  Narrandera  Temora  Wagga Wagga  West Wyalong

Aged Care  Allawah Lodge Aged Persons Hostel, Coolamon  BCS Kookora Village, Griffith  BCS Caloola Centre, Wagga Wagga  Bupa, Griffith  Carramar Aged Care Facility, Leeton  Cooinda Court Aged Hostel  Coolamon Residential Aged Care  Cootamundra Nursing Home  Cypress View Lodge, Coleambally  Haydays Hostel, Hay  Hay Residential Aged Care  Loreto Home of Compassion, Wagga Wagga  Narraburra Lodge Nursing Home, Temora  Pioneers Lodge, Griffith  Principal Narrandera  RFBI Leeton Masonic Village, Leeton  RSL LifeCare Remembrance Village, Wagga Wagga  Scalabrini Village, Griffith  Southern Cross Assumption Villa, Leeton  Teloca House Hostel for the Aged, Narrandera  The Haven Community, Wagga Wagga  The Mary Potter Nursing Home, Wagga Wagga  The Whiddon Group, Temora  Uralba Hostel, Gundagai  Waratah Village, West Wyalong  Woodhaven Aged Care Hostel, Lockhart

Source: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publications/Publications/annual_report12/10_HealthAR_2012_Health_Orgs.pdf and http://www.myhospitals.gov.au/browse/nsw/murrumbidgee

For more information regarding health services and statistics in the Riverina visit:

 My Hospitals: http://www.myhospitals.gov.au/  Health Statistics NSW: http://www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au/

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

13. References

2011 Census QuickStats. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/0

4102.0 - Australian Social Trends, March 2009 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/LookupAttach/4102.0Publication25.0 3.092/$File/41020_Populationprojections.pdf

Australian Airline Pilot Academy, Wagga Wagga, http://www.aapa.net.au/about-location.html

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), http://www.abs.gov.au/

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Statistical Geographical Standard (ASGS), http://betaworks.abs.gov.au/betaworks/betaworks.nsf/projects/ASGSBoundariesOnline/fram e.htm

Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Regional Profile 2007 – 2011, http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/nrpmaps.nsf/NEW+GmapPages/national+regional+ profile

Australian Government, Australian JobSearch, http://jobsearch.gov.au/default.aspx

Bland Shire Council www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (2012), http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/

Carrathool Shire Council www.carrathool.nsw.gov.au

Catchment Management Authorities, http://www.cma.nsw.gov.au/

Catholic Schools Office, http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/Schools/Findaschool/tabid/106/Default.aspx

Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative Ltd, http://new.colyirr.com.au/

Coolamon Shire Council www.coolamon.nsw.gov.au

Cootamundra Shire Council www.cootamundra.nsw.gov.au

Country Change, http://www.countrychange.com.au/

DEEWR, Small Area Labour Markets Australia, December Quarter 2008-2012, http://deewr.gov.au/

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, DEEWR Industry Employment Projections 2013 Report, http://deewr.gov.au/

Destination NSW, http://archive.tourism.nsw.gov.au/Riverina_p920.aspx

Griffith City Council, www.griffith.nsw.gov.au

Gundagai Shire Council, www.gundagai.nsw.gov.au

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

Hay Shire Council, www.hay.nsw.gov.au

Health Statistics NSW, http://www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au/

ID Forecasting, www.id.com.au.

Junee Shire Council, www.junee.nsw.gov.au

Leeton Shire Council, www.leeton.nsw.gov.au

Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, http://www.lhpa.org.au/

Local Land Services, http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices

Lockhart Shire Council, www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au

Murray-Darling Basin Authority, http://www.mdba.gov.au/

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd, http://www.mirrigation.com.au/

Murrumbidgee Local Health District, http://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

Murrumbidgee Medicare Local, http://www.mmll.org.au/index.php/about-us/your-medicare- local

Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre, Yanco, http://www.mrsc.nsw.edu.au/

Murrumbidgee Shire Council, www.murrumbidgee.local-e.nsw.gov.au

My Hospitals, http://www.myhospitals.gov.au/

My Region, http://myregion.gov.au/profile/riverina

My School. http://www.myschool.edu.au/

Narrandera Shire Council, www.narrandera.nsw.gov.au

NSW Department of Education and Training (2011), Statistical Bulletin – School Students in NSW, http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Department of Primary Industries, http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage, http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bioregions/Riverina-Climate.htm

NSW Government Trade and Investment, http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/invest-in- nsw/regional-nsw/nsw-regions/riverina

NSW Government Trade and Investment, Resources and Energy, 2011 – 2012 NSW Gas Networks Performance Report, http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/458356/2012-Gas-Networks- Performance-Report.pdf

RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014

NSW Government Trade and Investment, Resources and Energy, NSW Distribution Network Service Provider‟s Distribution Districts, http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/312637/NSW_DNSP_Distribution -Districts-map.pdf

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Riverina Business Enterprise Centre, http://www.becaustralia.org.au/

Riverina Community College, http://www.riverinacc.edu.au/

Riverina Regional Tourism, http://www.riverinatourism.com.au/

TAFE NSW Riverina Institute NSW, http://www.rit.tafensw.edu.au/

Temora Shire Council, www.temora.nsw.gov.au

The University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga Campus, http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/schools/medicine/clinical-schools

University of NSW Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga Campus, http://rcs.med.unsw.edu.au/

Visit NSW (Destination NSW), http://www.visitnsw.com/ Wagga Wagga City Council www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Western Riverina Business Enterprise Centre, http://www.griffithbec.org.au/

Western Riverina Community College, http://www.wrcc.nsw.edu.au/