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Lithgowa great place to live, work, invest, enjoy

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contents

introductionOn the western fringe Of the Blue MOuntains, just 2 1/2 hours drive from sydney and gOulBurn and 40 minutes from Bathurst, the lithgOw area is the perfect place tO live, work, invest and enjoy

Lithgow is without question, strategically located with its unrivalled proximity to Sydney in the Central West of NSW.

Lithgow rests at the crossroads of a number of major highways in NSW from north, south, east and west.

CityRail trains travel directly to Sydney’s Central Railway Station, via the scenic Blue Mountains.The new Bathurst Bullet train also stops at Lithgow allowing express travel to Sydney’s CBD in less than 2 1/2 hours.

Front cover image - Blast Furnace Park. Please contact Lithgow City Council for details regarding images in this publication. © Lithgow City Council 2015

• introduction 2 • strategic location 3• economic advantage 4• strength in industry 6• future growth and opportunity 8• primed for development 9• retail and labour catchments 10

• major infrastructure projects 11• supporting business interests 12• infrastructure and essential services 13• a sense of community 14• relaxed lifestyle, city convenience 15• live - work - invest - enjoy 16

lithgOw has an unrivalled lOcatiOn in the central west nsw - perfect fOr all Businesses

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Key

Major roadsSydney electrified rail networkMajor rivers200km radius from Lithgow

Lithgow

Canberra

Sydney

Bathurst

Orange

Lithgow

Cessnock

Newcastle

Dubbo

Penrith

Wollongong

Parramatta

strategic location

TO LITHGOW TRAVEL TIME ROUTE

Sydney City (Central), Sydney Airport 2hrs 20 minutes M4 and Great Western Highway or M2, Windsor and Bells Line of Road

Katoomba 35 minutes Great Western Highway

Penrith 1 hr 30 minutes Great Western Highway

Windsor 1 hr 30 minutes Bells Line of Road

Oberon 45 minutes Tablelands Way

Bathurst 45 minutes Great Western Highway

Mudgee 1 hr 20 minutes Castlereagh Highway

Singleton 3 hrs Comleroy Road and Bells Line of Road

Canberra 3 hrs 15 minutes Tablelands Way via Oberon

RAIL

Sydney Central 6.08 - 8.47 - 2 hrs 39 mins Blue Mountains Line

Sydney Central - Bathurst Bullet 6.57 - 9.27 - 2 hrs 30 mins Blue Mountains Line

Katoomba 50 minutes Blue Mountains Line

Dubbo 4 hrs Country Link – XPT service

Lithgow is strategically located in the Central West of NSW. A 200km radius around Lithgow illustrates its central positioning in relation to Sydney’s CBD, Newcastle, Dubbo, Canberra and Wollongong in the south.

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economic advantageLocal population

The Lithgow LGA had an estimated resident population of 20,161 persons according to the ABS Census in 2011.

Estimated Residential Population figures issued by the ABS dated June 2014 indicate that between 2013 and 2014 the population of Lithgow grew by 0.63% reaching 21,249 persons. This represents an increase of 5.3% since 2011.

Residential growth

In 2013-14 Lithgow recorded residential building approvals of $25.1 million and $11.9 million in non-residential buildings. This was the third highest value rating amongst the other LGAs which form the NSW Central West region.

In the Lithgow LGA there were 96 residential buildings approved in 2013-2014.

Residential sales

Residential sales continue to perform extremely well in the Lithgow LGA. The median price for Lithgow’s residential houses reached $255,000 in June 2014 offering exceptional affordability but also representing an increase in value of 15.1% since June 2013.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2014 20132012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Median dwelling prices ($’000)

$255,000

Median dwelling prices, 2007-2011

$195,000

Source: ABS Census 2011, NIEIR 2014

lithgOw is MOre affOrdaBle than sydney, the Blue MOuntains and Other regiOnal areas and yet Only 2 1/2 hOurs drive frOM sydney’s cBd

Capertee Valley

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The workforceABS 2011 Census data indicates that people living in the Lithgow Local Government Area were more likely than people in NSW and the Central West of NSW as a whole to be employed in the following occupations: technical and trades, machinery operating and driving and labouring.

In 2011, there were 8,061 working residents, 76% of whom worked within the LGA itself. The adjacent LGAs of the Blue Mountains and Bathurst attracted the most workers from outside the Lithgow LGA.

Employment and GRPIn 2011, Mining and Retail Trade were the largest employers in the Lithgow LGA. The Mining and Construction sectors represented the highest market shares of Gross Regional Product for the region in 2014.

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200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Inadequately described/not s

tated

Other Services

Arts and Recreatio

n Services

Health Care and Social A

ssista

nce

Education and Training

Public Administ

ration and Safety

Administrativ

e and Support Services

Professional, S

cienti�c and Technical S

ervices

Rental, Hirin

g and Real Esta

te Services

Financial and In

surance Services

Informatio

n Media and Telecommunicatio

ns

Transport,

Postal a

nd Warehousin

g

Accommodation and Food Services

Retail Trade

Wholesale Trade

Constructio

n

Electricity

, Gas, W

ater and W

aste Services

Manufacturing

Mining

Agricultu

re, Forestry and Fish

ing

Jobs in Lithgow

Jobs (2011) and industry GRP (2014) in Lithgow

Jobs

GRPSource: ABS Census 2011, NIEIR 2014

GRP 2014

0

$100m

$200m

$300m

$400m

$500m

$600m

$700m

$800m

0 300 600 900 1200 1500

Sales Workers

Managers

Labourers

Community and Personal Service Workers

Professionals

Clerical and Administrative Workers

Machinery Operators and Drivers

Technicians and Trades Workers 17.7%

14.2%

13.2%

11.8%

11.5%

9.4%

12.2%

8.3%

Resident workforce

1,423

1,147

1,065

983

955

923

760

672

Occupations of Lithgow’s resident workforce, 2011

Occupation No. of residents

Source: ABS Census 2011, NIEIR 2014

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strength in industry

Mining, Energy and Associated ServicesThe economic base of Lithgow has long been the energy sector and it continues to be a significant employer in the region providing 14.9% of all jobs within the LGA (ABS Census 2011).

Considerable growth has been experienced in the local energy sector particularly with the expansion of a number of mines. This continues to provide a diverse range of opportunities for local support services and the resident workforce.

The result of this is longstanding community support for the energy sector and a highly skilled and loyal resident workforce.

Tourism and RecreationOn Sydney’s doorstep, Lithgow provides many opportunities for tourism development. Best known for its industrial heritage, Lithgow is also an exquisitely beautiful area boasting six national parks and rolling hills

and valleys as well as a diversity of creative industries.

The potential for tourism growth in Lithgow is enormous. Diversification of the tourism experience, strengthening of the existing tourism industry and the development of new tourism products and services are all areas that provide opportunities for investment.

ManufacturingLithgow has an extraordinary history as a centre for innovation and today it boasts a diverse range of manufacturing and associated industries such as confectionery (e.g Ferrero Australia), small arms (weaponry), pyrotechnics and beverages.

A number of specialist firms including transport, plant hire, engineering firms, etc, many of which service the local energy sector and global marketplaces are also located in the Lithgow area.

AgricultureAgriculture is represented by a small number of large hectare pastoral land holdings, as well as by many small hectare, rural lifestyle blocks which contain a wide range of home based primary industries.

Primary agricultural enterprises include cattle, sheep and poultry production. Secondary and tertiary industries such as goat cheese and olive oil are also established in the Lithgow area with products being sold to both local and export markets.

An excellent distribution network, reliable and secure water supply, favourable climate, proximity to markets and an available workforce provide ideal opportunities for rural and nature-based industries.

Health and Aged CareThe variety of health services in Lithgow, including a modern hospital, provide employment opportunities for the working population and accessible, quality health services to all

the lOcal ecOnOMy is diversifying with a nuMBer Of sectOrs Being identified as drivers Of future ecOnOMic grOwth

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residents. Retirement villages such as Treeview Estates and Kirkley Gardens have reported excellent sales and continue to expand.

The Health Care and Social Assistance sector itself is the second highest employer of residents and provides 10.7% of all local jobs (ABS Census 2011).

Education and TrainingLithgow’s growing variety of educational and training establishments provide the entire community and local businesses with opportunities for both educational attainment and self-development.

The Lithgow area is home to a number of well respected public and private schools and training providers including Tafe, the University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School and the newly opened state-of-the-art Western Sydney University The College in Lithgow’s CBD.

Specialist industriesAffordable rents, available workforce, proximity to Sydney,

reliable broadband and agreeable climate make Lithgow an ideal place for specialist industries such as transport intermodal or logistics hubs, knowledge based industries and small/home based businesses.

Specialist industries/businesses such as call centres continue to relocate from major cities to Lithgow, for example, Police Emergency Service and Department of State Debt Recovery.

RetailLithgow, Portland and Wallerawang are the principle activity centres of the Lithgow area offering a range of retailing,business services, bulky goods and convenient parking for shoppers.

Lithgow Central Business DistrictLithgow’s Main Street, with over 200 retail outlets and business service providers, is predominantly anchored by a Woolworths supermarket.

Main Street is a traditional, mostly level, linear shopping

strip providing a wide variety of shops, hotels, professional service suites and eateries. Harvey Norman, Super Cheap Auto and Bunnings are also located along Main Street.

The recently renovated Lithgow Valley Plaza, which is anchored by Coles and Target stores, has 30 specialty shops, and an upgraded RMS office.

Portland and WallerawangThese village activity centres offer quality retail outlets such as supermarkets, bakers, butchers and specialty shops generally for day-to-day shopping.

Creative industriesMany creative people including renowned artists, sculptors, designers and film makers live and work in the Lithgow area benefiting from the relaxed, stunning and inspiring natural environment steeped in history.

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future growth and opportunity

lithgOw presents a nuMBer Of OppOrtunities fOr BOth large scale and sMall Businesses plus peOple siMply lOOking fOr a MOre relaxed and affOrdaBle lifestyle fOr theMselves and their eMplOyees

Small businesses and entrepreneurshipLithgow has an established and active entrepreneurial culture. Micro and small businesses especially new startups, are establishing in home offices as well as low rent offices and shop fronts throughout Lithgow.

People who set up businesses in areas such as retail, cafés, design, trades, marketing, software development, health and consultancy advice are driving this activity.

With low overhead costs, extensive networking opportunities, internet and mobile connectivity, plus support from government and the community, entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing Lithgow as their preferred location of choice.

Niche industriesA variety of niche industries have already discovered the benefits of locating to Lithgow.

Examples include a Christmas tree plantation, saffron producer and an increasing number of small boutique initiatives are developing in the Lithgow area including award winning goat cheese, alpaca and lambs wool, olives and other home grown products.

Alternative energyLithgow has a range of alternative energy businesses including a wind farm and solar energy. Opportunities exist to expand and diversify this industry base in the region. Such initiative is illustrated with the first use of geothermal technology on a NSW Government building at the Lithgow Hospital in 1998.

Lithgow Economic Restructure ProjectPreviously known as the Lithgow CBD Revitalisation Action Plan, this project involves completing a range of capital improvements to Lithgow’s CBD to meet the needs of the community stimulating continued economic growth.

The Lithgow Economic Restructure Project initiative involves upgrades to a number of areas including, but not limited to:

• upgrades to essential services• installation of new pedestrian

pavements and pedestrian crossings

• installation of a performance stage and outdoor gallery frame

• installation of green walls, shade/shelter and public seating

Median hOuse price =

$255,000 (june 2014)

average lithgOw cBd retail rent =$160/sqM

(june 2015)

average cOMMercial land

= $130/sqM

(june 2015)

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primed for developmentBusinesses cOnsidering relOcating Or estaBlishing their Business in regiOnal nsw shOuld lOOk nO further than the lithgOw lga

Confirmed employment lands within the Lithgow LGA

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Retail catchmentLithgow has a growing number of specialty stores, boutique cafés, an active theatre, modern facilities and convenient services which are increasing the attractiveness of the region to shoppers. Tourist numbers are rapidly increasing too as people become more aware of the wealth of attractions and activities in this easily accessible region.

Lithgow also offers the convenience of a predominantly level walking retail strip which attracts those with young families, retirees and people who use mobility aids.

All these factors influence the scope of the region’s retail catchment. If a radius of 45km is taken from the Lithgow CBD it is possible to identify a potential retail catchment of approximately 148,000 persons.

45kmradius

Key

Major roadsSydney electri�ed rail networkMajor rivers200km radius from Lithgow45km radius from Lithgow

Lithgow

Oberon

Katoomba

Canberra

Sydney

Bathurst

Orange Lithgow

Cessnock

Newcastle

Dubbo

Wollongong

retail and labour catchments

Labour catchmentJourney to work data from the ABS indicates that the majority of workers in the Lithgow LGA are residents. However, data also shows that in addition to Lithgow, the workforce comes from as far east as Penrith and the Hawkesbury, to Bathurst and Orange in the west.

Second to Lithgow, most workers come from the Blue Mountains in the east and Bathurst to the west. With this is mind Lithgow’s labour catchment can be conservatively estimated to be approximately 61,000 persons.

Retail catchment based on estimates and consultations taken for the Lithgow Business and Retail Strategy 2010.

Bathurst5.3%

Orange0.2%

Penrith0.2%

Hawkesbury0.5%

Mid Western0.8%

Blue Mountains7.2%

82.1%

Oberon0.7%

Lithgow Retail Catchment

Lithgow Labour Catchment82.1% of the workforce live in Lithgow (2011)

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major infrastructure projects

P completion of the $4 million Clarence Water Transfer Station for water security in the regionP $30 million spent on upgrading the Wallerawang and Lithgow Sewerage Treatment PlantsP proposed $15 million upgrade of Portland Sewerage Treatment PlantP recreational park upgrades including new games and facilitiesP construction of new $3.5 million rail overbridge at Wallerawang (Black Bridge) to improve access and tradeP Western Sydney University The College establishing within Lithgow’s CBD costing over $10 millionP development of the new $6.2 million Lithgow Indoor Pool P $2.6 million upgrade to the 50 metre outdoor pool complex P commencement of the major Lithgow Economic Restructure Project

recently, lithgOw has experienced a surge in MajOr infrastructure prOjects reflecting and suppOrting ecOnOMic grOwth in the regiOn

Western Sydney University The College

Lithgow Economic Restructure Project

Lithgow Indoor Swimming Pool

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supporting business interestsenterprise and innOvatiOn in the lithgOw area are well suppOrted By ecOnOMic develOpMent initiatives and Business suppOrt services

Lithgow City CouncilLithgow City Council is committed to building a strong and diverse economy and offers a variety of services including:

DevelopmentThe Environment and Development Department can provide assistance with a range of topics including Approvals, Contribution Plans, Exempt Development and Major Development Consents.

Businesses are encouraged to contact the Environment and Development Department in the early stages of their project to benefit from pre-development application meetings and advice.

All development approvals in Lithgow are subject to a statutory process which Council endeavours to deliver as promptly as possible. Council’s performance is strong, with figures showing that the average turn around time for a Development Application for

business approval is 26 working days (average between 2011-2015).

Economic Development OfficerLithgow City Council has a progressive approach to attracting and encouraging business development in the area. Council’s Economic Development Officer provides advice tailored to assist investors, developers and enterprises seeking to locate or expand in the Lithgow area and the officer can be contacted in confidence.

Business Support ServicesThere are many local business related associations in the area providing networking and opportunities for social get-togethers.

The Business Enterprise Centre is also accessible to the community with regular training programs available.

Economic Development initiativesThrough its various Economic Development functions, Lithgow City Council plays an active role in enabling business activity across the municipality, and in the wider western region.

Each year, a suite of programs and initiatives are delivered to support local businesses, help them connect with other businesses and assist in growth and sustainability. Past and ongoing initiatives include:• business workshops,

delivered free or at minimal cost to participants

• online Creative Industries business directory

• investment facilitation for businesses looking to relocate to Lithgow

• Council has joined the NSW Government’s Small Business Friendly Program targeted to reduce red tape for small business operators

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Businesses have access tO reliaBle BrOadBand services and an enviaBle lifestyle which Makes lithgOw an ideal place frOM which tO wOrk

infrastructure and essential services

TransportRoad

• There are four principal road access routes into Lithgow: the upgraded Great Western Highway, Bells Line of Road, Jenolan Caves Road and the Castlereagh Highway.

Rail

• The City Rail Blue Mountains passenger line provides a direct electrified train service between Sydney’s Central Station and Lithgow. The Bathurst Bullet train also provides express services from Lithgow to the CBD.

• The Main Western Railway Line for freight services provides access to ports at Sydney, Port Kembla and Newcastle and to major sources of minerals near Orange, Parkes, Cobar and Broken Hill.

Air

• Sydney airport is under three hours drive away.

• Bathurst Regional airport is 40 minutes drive away providing Regional Express flights to and from Sydney.

Buses and Taxis

• School and direct bus services to other major centres including Sydney are available from Lithgow.

• Taxi services are available throughout the Local Government Area with a taxi rank well located in Lithgow’s CBD.

Telecommunications• The range of Telstra

telecommunications services available within the Local Government Area includes phone fixed lines, mobile phone coverage and broadband internet access including ADSL 2 which is on par with Sydney.

UtilitiesWater supply

• Reticulated potable water is supplied to Lithgow, Wallerawang, Portland, Lidsdale, Rydal, Cullen Bullen and Glen Davis. Lithgow’s secure water supply and associated water infrastructure will meet the population growth forecasts.

Electricity supply

• Reliable mains electricity is supplied to all the urban centres within the Local Government Area plus bordering rural areas.

Gas supply

• Mains gas is supplied to Lithgow, Marrangaroo and Wallerawang. Distribution of mains gas continues to grow whilst the remainder of the Local Government Area has access to bottled gas.

Lake Wallace Spillway

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SportLithgow is home to many sporting facilities including: an Olympic sized outdoor pool, indoor heated swimming pool, access to a hydrotherapy pool, a skate park, bowling clubs, showgrounds and playing fields, hockey fields, golf courses, tennis and basketball courts.

MotorsportsPopular motorsports in the area include motocross, go kart and speedways with regular fixtures. Four wheel driving is also popular along with recreational motor bike riding throughout the scenic valleys.

The Rally of Lithgow, a car race around the forests and roads of the Lithgow area, is an annual event.

CyclewaysLithgow City Council is committed to improving and expanding both the local pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Mountain bike riding throughout the area is popular with some downhill competitions taking place on a regular basis.

AdventureBushwalking, rockclimbing, canyoning, orienteering and caving are all carried out in the many forest and national parkwilderness areas.

Water recreationWater recreation activities can be found at Lake Lyell, Thompsons Creek Dam and Lake Wallace. Boating, water skiing, fishing and sailing are all popular activities.

Arts and cultureGalleries, museums, historical attractions including Eskbank House, Blast Furnace Park, Hartley Historic Site and theatres hosting regular productions all offer a variety of attractions and activities for residents and visitors.

National ParksLithgow has six beautiful national parks. Key features include the Glow Worm Tunnel along the Newnes Plateau, and the Newnes Historic Site in the Wollemi National Park.

Capertee Valley is home to the Gardens of Stone National Park and is the widest enclosed canyon in the world.

lithgOw is hOMe tO a thriving and welcOMing cOMMunity that enjOys access tO a range Of recreatiOnal facilities and services – all set within a spectacular envirOnMent

a sense of community

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relaxed lifestyle, city conveniencelithgOw is seeing a grOwing nuMBer Of BOutique shOps and cafés Opening. shOppers frequently visit frOM Other areas tO enjOy the facilities, services and Beautiful envirOnMent here

Festivals and eventsLithgow regularly hosts a range of events and festivals including: Ironfest, Lithglo, Halloween, Lithgow and Rydal Agricultural Shows, Daffodils at Rydal, Portland Spring Fair to name but a few. Motocross, orienteering and triathlon championships are becoming increasingly popular.

ShoppingThere are many retailers in the Lithgow area including majors such as Harvey Norman, Target, Bunnings, Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Dimmeys, Super Cheap Auto and Repco. An increasing number of boutique stores and cafés are opening providing a wonderful range of unique goods and services.

Ample free parking is available throughout the region adding to the convenience of shopping locally.

DiningLithgow offers a range of diningexperiences for both residents and businesses and a number of opportunities also exist to service a growing tourism sector.

EntertainmentMusic in clubs, pubs and theatres, along with live theatre productions are popular. There are a range of clubs, dance and music classes, and folk clubs available locally.

Lake Lyell

16

live - work - invest - enjoy

through both state and private agencies with public infant, primary, and high schools dispersed throughout residential areas of the City.

Catholic and independent education is available as well as technical, tertiary and further education. Training providers and employment groups are well represented and offer a range of courses and programs for businesses and residents.

Childcare servicesLithgow offers both private and public child care services (childcare, playschools, preschools and after school care). Registered carers also provide small-group care in a home environment on a permanent, part-time and casual basis in most suburbs throughout the area.

Other servicesResidents in Lithgow are able to access a range of excellent additional services such as a Medicare Centre, RMS office and a range of financial services.

HousingThe Lithgow Local Government Area offers a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets. This includes both older-style/ heritage houses, many of which have attracted the attention of keen renovators, and brand new houses in urban and rural areas.

Community supportA number of support agencies are located in the Lithgow area including Centrelink, Lithgow Police, counselling and disabilityservices, family and financial support services, Country Women’s Associations, youth clubs and church groups.

Health servicesHealth services/facilities include public hospitals, polyclinics, mental health facilities, community health centres, child and family health centres, aged care facilities and dental clinics.

A number of Private health care services are available including physiotherapy,

occupational therapy, dental, chiropractors, radiography and remedial sports injury facilities.

Other services and facilities include:

• Lithgow Hospital provides 24 hour emergency care and a hydrotherapy pool

• Portland Hospital/Tabulam Health Centre provides aged and primary care services

• Lithgow Community Private Specialist Medical Centre and Day Surgery Centre

• Three Community Health Centres in Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang

• University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical Medical School

• Five aged care and independent living service providers

• dental and doctors surgeries• Radiologists, osteopaths,

physiotherapists and chiropractors

• Westfund dental and eyewear centre

EducationLithgow offers a range of educational opportunities

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The old Courthouse, Historic Hartley

Viaduct and train line, Lithgow

Glow Worm Tunnel, Lithgow

history and pristine environment

Image courtesy of Lia Jennings

Image courtesy of David Hill

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Lithgow...

...has an express

train link tO sydney

...is Only 2 1/2 hours

drive tO sydney’s cBd

...enjOys a Brief spell

Of snow in winter

...Offers tertiary educatiOn

at western sydney university the college

and notre dame rural clinical

school

...hOsts a nuMBer Of unique

events every year

19

...has the largest

enclosed canyon in the wOrld at capertee valley

...has watersports and fishing

availaBle at its three lakes

...Offers a relaxed and affordaBle

lifestyle within easy reach Of

sydney

...has cOMparaBly

lower Business start-up costs

Hassans Walls Lookout, Lithgow

...is a unique, historic region with Beautiful architecture

20

opportunity

affordability

By taking advantage Of lithgOw’s lOcatiOn, Businesses are rewarded with a suppOrtive cOMMunity and lOyal and experienced wOrkfOrce which enjOys direct access tO essential services and MOdern facilities

For further information please contactLithgow City Council ontel: 02 6354 9999email: info@lithgow.nsw.gov.auwww.council.lithgow.com

lifestylelocationheritage

DisclaimerReaders are recommended to make appropriate enquiries and take appropriate advice before acting on any information supplied in this publication. A.P. SHEERE CONSULTING and Lithgow City Council are not liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of acting on or accepting any offer contained in this publication.