Murray Now

The State of the Region Dinner featured the much-awaited release of the Murray Now Regional Profile, an investment attraction document that show-cases the strength and diversity of the Murray Region.

Included in the profile is the latest statistical data and research about industry and employment trends across 21 Local Government Areas that call the Murray Region home.

Tom Murphy from the Western Research Institute outlined a summary of his team's findings during the State of the Region Dinner.

Among the highlights was an increase in employment growth in the Murray Region by a net 11,346 jobs or 9%. The strongest growth was recorded by the government and administration sector, followed by construction and transport and storage.

The Murray Region has proven to be a particularly good place for growth in construction, retail trade, manufacturing and agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Local factors such as the competitive nature of local industry, an attractive economic environment and access to resources and infrastructure are considered to be among the factors producing positive growth in these sectors.

The Murray Now Regional Profile is considered an essential tool in attracting industry and investment into the Murray Region. It gives readers a snap-shot of statistical data, information on a range of Local Government Areas and profiles on a range of areas such as health, education, retail, manufacturing, business and industry success stories. It reinforces the role of Murray Now in helping to match the needs of potential investors with our local expertise to expand opportunities.

NSW Water Minister Phillip Costa says the research and stories contained in the Regional Profile is a positive reflection of the Murray Region's commitment to diversity and sustainability.

"There are some very good innovations and a variety of activity in this region," he said.

"Of course the agriculture and forestry is very important, but what we're now experiencing particularly in centres like Albury Wodonga is a variety of activity. We're spreading the economic base so you don't become dependent upon one industry.

"You need to build your economy and community around a variety of options and those options then deliver prosperity into the long term future because those options give you sustainability. All credit to the community here, they've really done well indeed."