Opportunities

A good business sense involves seeing the opportunities and capitalising on them.

In regional areas of NSW, the Government runs projects aimed at getting the best return for all involved. That will often mean maintaining a balance between economic benefits and the impact on the environment. These projects need to meet broader requirements and provide positive flow-on opportunities for jobs.

Government departments that work specifically on the economic development of NSW are the

• Department of State and Regional Development
• Department of Planning
• Deparment of Natural Resources
• Department of Commerce
  • NSW Procurement
  • NSW Government Chief Information Office

Each bring technical expertise and experience for doing better business with industry.

Aquaculture in Port Stephens

Aquaculture in Port Stephens is an example of a program that demonstrates both an environmental and economic benefit. Aquaculture is an industry involving the breeding and harvesting of aquatic resources. Pearl oyster cultivation in the Port Stephens Estuary is showing significant promise. Early trials appear to have commercial viability with significant job opportunities.

Mining in the Riverina

In the Riverina, the Government and Australian Inland Energy and Water are working in partnership to develop opportunities for mineral sand mining and processing in the Murray Basin. There is potential for the development of a $1.8 billion industry in South West NSW based on the mining and processing of heavy mineral sand. Work is currently underway to develop a tri-state strategic plan for the mineral sand industry, using Commonwealth minerals program funding.