Armidale - the "capital" of the New England region of northern New South Wales - is undergoing a revival as a regional economic force. Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, Armidale is a cosmopolitan city that is home to the University of New England and many other fine educational institutions. Armidale has been acknowledged as one of only 20 cities in Australia with an abundant, long-term water supply, and its cool mountain climate is regarded as a major environmental asset against a backdrop of climate-change issues.
Armidale differs from most regional centres because it has a long established university, transforming it from a rural town to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city. Through the University, TAFE, private and public schools the city has become a significant centre of education, creating a wider range of jobs and business opportunities than usually found in the regions. It has a well educated and diverse population who stimulate change and demand a high standard of living.
Armidale's strengths lie in its educational, agricultural, retail and professional services, and it is these industry sectors that provide vital employment for a significant portion of the local labour force. This positions Armidale as a knowledge-based regional service centre with significant economic potential which has achieved a sustainable average annual growth rate of about 1 per cent in each of the past five years.
To fast-track new developments Armidale Dumaresq
Council has established a Rapid Response Unit to provide
advice and assistance on significant or employment
generating development proposals. Council will be happy
to discuss a flexible range of economic incentives for
industries and projects with a potential for significant
growth in the region.
The food and wine tourism sector as well as the fast
growing professional business sector is considered
of major importance. Armidale has attracted more
professionals to the city over the last few years than at
any time in its history.