The data indicates 1207 people were unemployed in September 2016, bringing Dubbo’s unemployment rate to 4.7 per cent. The figures also indicate an increase of 51 jobs since September 2015 which raises the city’s labour force to 25,467.

The most significant rise in employment fell between September and December 2015 when a 0.9 per cent increase occurred following the appointment of 233 jobs. However it was downhill from there as the city endured the closure of a number of major outlets.

“There were some pretty significant numbers that ceased employment over that period including Dick Smith and Sam’s Warehouse which would have had a pretty significant impact on those figures,” Dubbo Chamber president, Matt Wright, said.

“Toward the end of 2016 the figures would have at least captured the closure of those shops so I don’t think it’s reflective of Dubbo as a whole, those closures would have dragged up those figures into the high fours.”

He said while the current unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent might seem high, it’s well below the national, state and regional averages.

“The country’s sitting at 5.6 per cent, certainly at 4.7 per cent we’re a lot lower than the national average and that’s something to be proud of,” he said.

“Far West and Orana shows as 6.2 per cent as of November 2016, just above regional average, and the state average is 5.2.”

Mr Wright said under employment is the real issue the city faces, but he’s positive construction will drive the economy.

Regional Development Australia Orana Division chairman, John Walkom, said the recent figures indicate Dubbo is matching the game.

“We’re punching well and I think that’s reflective of the economic activities taking place,” he said. 

“The hurdle now is how do we engage those unemployed to become employed.”

Mr Walkom said the focus now switches to creating employment opportunities.

“We are looking at what training’s offered to make sure the unemployed are trained to meet the job requirements available,” he said. “We’re discussing with training institutes and organisations on what the skill gap is and what the training requirements are to meet that skill gap within Dubbo and particularly across the region.” 

Dubbo sits above its neighboring cities with Bathurst recording an unemployment rate of four per cent – the lowest since before December 2010 – and Orange marginally lower with 4.5 per cent at 1018.