Economy

Wagga’s projected business boom remains a hot topic over the barbecue and in the boardroom - but are we prepared for the upcoming wave of opportunities? This is one of the critical questions to be addressed at this Thursday’s Wagga Wagga Business Summit 2022, hosted by the Committee4Wagga. Rather than another well-intentioned talkfest, the interactive format will provide a chance...

Ten years after the wave attenuator was proposed for the Port of Eden the arrival of huge barges and cranes has signalled stage one of its construction. Transport for NSW said Eden's port is occasionally exposed to wind and wave conditions that can affect safety at the port and increase the risk of damage to vessels. To make the area...

Over the past two years the South Coast abalone industry has endured a "perfect storm" of setbacks that has bruised local divers, including a slash by half in the price of the prized seafood since late 2019. Abalone Association of NSW secretary and Far South Coast diver John Smythe said while there was still a lot of the industry's quota...

Proposed modifications to the Eden Cruise Wharf could see vessels up to 370 m long and carrying almost 7000 passengers permitted to berth in the port overnight, seven days a week. As the first cruise ships in two years make their way back to Australian shores, consultation will commence this week to transform the Port of Eden into a destination...

Eurobodalla Shire Council is preparing to call for expressions of interest to develop the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club site which sits on a central location in the town, before councillors ultimately decide its future. "This is a key site and we want to see developers come up with something special. We want visionary stuff," Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said....

Eurobodalla Shire Council has renewed its focus on revitalising the region's night-time economy, however business leaders are warning it won't be easy. Two of the region's business chambers say unavoidable factors have prevented growth in this space in recent history and addressing those issues will be vital. The council is supporting the early evening 6 pm to 9 pm timeslot,...

What a year for wheat 2021 was, especially for Greenethorpe wheat growers Rob and Mandy Taylor who have been confirmed as state champions in a prestigious annual wheat competition. Taking out the farming excellence award as well, Rob, a mixed farmer, is quite embarrassed by the attention. “It’s a little bit humbling – we certainly weren’t expecting it, it was...

A forestry hub has been launched on the Far South Coast which aims to support growth and innovation in forest industries in the region. The $1.1 million South East NSW Forestry Hub in Eden, funded by the Morrison Government, is the 11th such hub in the country, with Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam saying they were about...

A new training program launched in Batemans Bay will help grow Eurobodalla’s local food supply and provide jobs for young people. The Eurobodalla EcoCrews program, funded by the NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, provides paid internships with accredited training to local people so they can learn how to run a successful commercial market garden. Training will include planning, preparation,...

Rents across the Southern Tablelands have risen by up to 20 per cent in some towns, according to the Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, making it hard for people to make ends meet. She said housing affordability had become increasingly difficult in recent years, particularly for families, students, pensioners and young people who rent their homes. "While rent has skyrocketed across most...

Farmers in the NSW South West Slopes are finding themselves knee deep in mud surrounded by a full armoury of chains and 500-plus horsepower heavy machinery as they heave their way through the first weeks of the 2021 harvest. The year of good rain that produced lavish crops overshot the rain gauge too late in a mild spring to allow...

Is the NSW Far South Coast one of the best food and wine producing regions in Australia? Well, with the help of a new website you can find out for yourself. The Gourmet Coast Trail aims to help visitors find local flavours and people who are passionate about food that provide exceptional culinary experiences in the region. The marketing collaboration covers...

The draft Yass Valley Housing Issues paper has been released and its findings shine a disturbing light on several major housing challenges facing the region in the coming years. The report details a lack of housing diversity, a shortage of short-term accommodation and the rising cost of housing as central issues in the Yass Valley. Secure water supply for Yass and...