Community & Economic Profile

The Community and Economic Profile provides valuable insights into the Warrumbungle Shire’s people, economy, and regional strengths. With detailed data sourced from REMPLAN and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), these resources help residents, businesses, and investors make informed decisions about living, working, and investing in the region.

The Community Profile explores key demographic information for the Shire’s towns and villages, including:

  • Population
  • Labour force
  • Qualifications
  • Employment
  • Home ownership
  • Dwellings

REMPLAN Community Profile

The Economic Profile offers a deeper look into the region’s economy and performance, featuring:

  • Population and employment trends
  • Employment by industry and location
  • Regional exports and imports
  • Gross Regional Product and value added
  • Tourism output and employment
  • Economic trends

REMPLAN Economic Profile 

Whether you’re a resident, local business, or prospective investor, these profiles provide a comprehensive understanding of the Warrumbungle Shire’s opportunities and dynamics.

Economic and Tourism Strategies

The Economic and Tourism Strategy outlines a clear vision for the growth and development of the Warrumbungle Shire. Focused on strengthening the local economy, supporting businesses, and enhancing tourism opportunities, the strategy identifies key priorities to attract investment, create jobs, and showcase the region’s unique natural, cultural, and economic assets. It provides a roadmap for sustainable growth, ensuring the Warrumbungle Shire remains a vibrant and thriving destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Warrumbungle Shire Economic Development & Tourism Strategy

Warrumbungle Shire: A Growing and Resilient Region

Warrumbungle Shire is located in the heart of Central West New South Wales and is recognised for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant rural communities, and diverse economic base. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, supported by a growing tourism sector that leverages the Shire’s unique assets, including Warrumbungle National Park, the Pilliga Forest, Siding Spring Observatory, and Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park.

The performance of the agricultural sector has traditionally shaped the local economy, influencing business confidence, employment, and community wellbeing. While the region continues to adapt to challenges such as climate variability, prolonged droughts, and changes to water allocation, it is also embracing opportunities for innovation and diversification.

Recent investment in tourism infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the aged care sector is helping to drive economic resilience and attract new business opportunities. Improved connectivity, advances in agricultural technologies, and strategic projects such as the Inland Rail position the Shire for future growth. Generational change and the expansion of the digital economy also offer new avenues for local businesses to thrive in a competitive environment.

The Warrumbungle Shire Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2025–2030 provides a roadmap to build on these strengths. It focuses on supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, enhancing liveability, and promoting tourism experiences that showcase the Shire’s unique identity. Through this Strategy, Council aims to foster a sustainable and diverse economy that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

 

Warrumbungle Shire EDTS Background Volume

2025 - 2030 Warrumbungle Shire Economic Development and Tourism Strategy(PDF, 4MB)

Warrumbungle Shire EDTS Background Volume

2025 - 2030 Warrumbungle Shire Economic Development and Tourism Strategy Background Volume: Research, Consultation and Analysis(PDF, 4MB)

Real Country Destination Strategic Plan

The Real Country Destination Strategic Plan (2024) is a collaborative initiative of Coonamble, Gilgandra, and Warrumbungle Shire Councils, designed to position the region as a leading tourism destination in Central West NSW. The strategy celebrates the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strong community spirit, while driving sustainable economic growth through tourism.

At the heart of the plan is the Castlereagh River, identified as a key feature to connect towns and villages through recreation, cultural storytelling, and nature-based tourism. The strategy outlines catalyst infrastructure projects, including riverfront activations, walking and cycling trails, and improved visitor facilities across all three shires. It also proposes destination marketing initiatives, focusing on an enhanced digital presence, improved signage and wayfinding, and signature events to strengthen the Real Country brand.

Key objectives include celebrating First Nations culture, promoting agri-tourism, improving regional connectivity, and creating an authentic visitor experience that supports local businesses and communities. This long-term vision is supported by strong governance and partnerships to ensure the delivery of meaningful outcomes for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Real Country plan provides a roadmap for sustainable tourism development that enhances community life, protects the environment, and showcases the unique character of Central West NSW.

Learn more at: www.visitrealcountry.com.au

Real Country Destination Strategic Plan.PNG

Real Country Destination Strategic Plan(PDF, 24MB)

 

Back to top