Unemployment figures for the Hills Local Government Area were 4.8 per cent in September 2012 - approximately 0.5% lower than both the rates for NSW and Australia demonstrating the local economy is performing better than both the state and national averages.
Also, in 2011/12 The Sydney Hills Gross Regional Product (GRP) was slightly above $8 billion (2008/09 constant prices) and the economy has grown by 32.6% since 2006. New residential building approvals - at 1,560 in the 2011/12 financial year - were up almost 100%.
These results are impressive given the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis. What we're seeing is a strong economy in The Sydney Hills, highlighted by a recovery in the housing market. This is a great result.
With our new housing release areas having land available for around 12,000 new houses and apartments, I expect this trend to continue.
The 2011 Census results indicated strong employment growth in The Sydney Hills, with a focus on growth in the professional and commercial work force.
The Census also tells us the region’s talent pool is considerable, and we have workers who seek more opportunities to find employment, provide for their families and pursue the quality life that makes The Sydney Hills special.
In terms of job creation, the estimated labour force available to the local economy is slightly over 100,000, however many of these workers leave the region to go to work each day.
If companies are considering locating to the area to tap into this highly skilled work force, The Hills Shire Council is committed to providing a welcoming business environment and land use planning to make it possible. The Hills Shire is focussed on delivering a high quality living and working environment for resident and businesses.
Over many years, Council has developed clear strategic plans to accommodate Sydney’s population growth and we are extremely proud of the success our region has had in creating opportunities for residents and businesses.
We are well ahead of our 30-year employment growth objective that will see us add 55,000 more jobs between 2006 and 2036. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and identifying more ways we can grow and diversify our economy.
Our Council continues to support business education and workshops to improve the competitive capacity of local companies.
Council also conducts research on changes and trends in the local economy and provides free of charge a range of valuable resources and statistics for existing and potential companies at www.sydneyhills.com.au. I would also like to announce a new initiative that will support new business start-ups in The Sydney Hills.
Starting a business is a great Australian dream and at Council we want to do out bit to support that dream. The program can provide new business owners with vital marketing research and is designed to help those companies better understand where they can generate local business leads from.
For information about the new business program, the local economy and the 2011 Census, contact Council’s Economic Development team on +61 2 9762 1108 or visit www.sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au
