DUBBO and the wider Orana region has played an important role in strengthening regional NSW's economy to a level that it created more jobs than the entire state of Queensland, according to the chairman of Regional Development Australia Orana.
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Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a total of 59,700 jobs were created in the state's regional areas in the 12 months to March 2016, roughly half of all jobs in NSW.
John Walkom said he was not surprised to hear how well regional NSW was going and said it was more impressive considering the impact the drought and the decline of the mining industry was having in some areas.
"Those figures are reflective of the strong position Dubbo finds itself in. We have 3.2 per cent unemployment and an 8 per cent growth in population. And it's not just Dubbo, the economic activity is happening around the region," Mr Walkom said.
"Let's not lose sight of the areas that aren't doing so well. The north west of the state is still in a serious drought and the impact on farmers and agribusinesses is huge and it's a similar story in Cobar with the downturn of mining. If we can overcome those setbacks, it will only help to strengthen the situation."
Mr Walkom said one of the biggest reasons regional communities like Dubbo had experienced good growth was because they had diversified and embraced innovations. He said that was something that would need to continue.
"This statistics are absolutely brilliant considering the position we were in in 2010-11, compared to now and rolling forward for the next five or six years," he said.
"For example Dubbo has moved forward in aged care, disability support, hospitality and tourism. All are front and centre of the agenda and bring significant investment."
"Both the state and federal governments are really pushing science and innovation and that is important to regional economies. They need to capitalise, especially in areas relating to agriculture and agribusiness."
Ensuring there was enough skilled labour in the region was an important step to continuing the success, Mr Walkom said.
"You have to make sure you aren't a victim of your own success. With a low unemployment rate, the demand for skilled labour can push up wages and in industries like construction, that can impact on the cost of new developments so you have to find ways to avoid that," he said.
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said employment in regional NSW was growing at a rate two and a half times faster than Victoria.
"We have seen amazing results when it comes to jobs growth in NSW and regional NSW is punching well above its weight," Ms Berejiklian said.
Mr Walkom said he did not think job creation would slow down in the foreseeable future, especially within the Orana region.