Up to 100 new full-time jobs will be coming to the region in the next few months with Armidale today revealed as one of four locations for the home of the recently-created Department of Regional NSW.
An elated Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall made the announcement this morning and said it was another “huge coup” for the region.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Mr Marshall said. “This news will be a massive shot in the arm for Armidale and the entire Northern Tablelands and couldn’t come at a better time.
“Another 100 high value pay checks in the community and the multiplier effect of those will be an enormous boost for the local economy and help us recover from the drought, bushfire and COVID-19 woes.
“Armidale is the ideal location to live, work and invest and today’s decision is another vote of confidence in our region and our ability to be home to significant public and private sector organisations.
“Three years ago, the TAFE NSW Digital headquarters was secured for Armidale, bringing with it 52 full-time jobs, and that success has paved the way for another department to come here, this time larger and with even more jobs.
“After a really tough 12 months for the region, I think this marks a real turning point for our economy, with the potential to deliver more than 100 new pay cheques through a mix of new and relocated jobs.
“Some employees will relocate with their families to Armidale which means new children in our schools, new members for sporting clubs and potentially a boost to the housing market.
“We have already seen the benefits establishing a new Department can deliver with the hugely successful TAFE Digital headquarters creating more than 50, high-end technical jobs to the city.
“Armidale’s business community should also take confidence from this announcement that the State Government sees Armidale as a viable place to conduct business.
“Now this announcement has been made work will start to scope out potential office space in the city.”
Mr Marshall said the decision would also put the region at the forefront of government decision making.
“We will have staff here who understand the issues affecting towns like Armidale and know the local challenges and benefits of regional life and they will be in a position to help deliver the support, infrastructure and programs that communities like ours need,” he said.
Armidale will be one of four new offices for the Department, with offices also to be established in Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said this is great news for regional NSW and for Armidale locals, with new job opportunities set to become available.
“We want more jobs and opportunities in the regions, and what better way than to have a regionally focused NSW Government Department located in the very regions we serve.
“Our regions are filled with talented, innovative, resilient and accomplished people and I am confident the people of Armidale will work alongside their communities for the benefit of all of regional NSW.”
Source: Adam Marshall
