Far West
Far West NSW is home to some of the most diverse and striking landscapes Australia has to offer. From spectacular outback settings and wide open spaces to modern infrastructure and facilities. The region dwarfs the big smoke in affordability, liveability, safety and opportunity and the sense of feeling like a local. Covering the pastoral area bordering Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Steeped in heritage, and the nation’s powerhouse of mining with the establishment of BHP over 130 years ago (and continues today). The Far West region incorporates the two Local Government Areas of Broken Hill City and Central Darling Shire, as well as the Unincorporated Area of NSW.
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The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts accepts no responsibility for the content and accuracy of these individual RDA maps. National and State based RDA maps are available from the RDA website.
Population
20,418
Area
146,871 km²
9,863 total jobs with GRP of $2.2B
Source: AEC Group (2022-23)
Top 5 Industries by Employment
Healthcare & Social Assistance
1,673
Retail Trade
852
Mining
851
Education & Training
776
Accommodation & Food
773
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the Far West region of NSW and which towns does it include?
The Far West region covers a vast area of western NSW, bordering South Australia and extending across the state’s remote outback.
The RDA Far West region comprises two local government areas – Broken Hill City and Central Darling Shire – as well as the Unincorporated Area of NSW.
Broken Hill is the region’s major population and service centre, with other communities including Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs, Silverton and Ivanhoe.
A map showing the region’s geographical boundaries is available above.
What are the major industries in Far West NSW?
Far West NSW has established strengths in mining, pastoral agriculture, tourism, the arts and cultural industries.
Mining has shaped the region’s economy for more than a century, particularly around Broken Hill, while sheep grazing, wool production and other pastoral activities remain important.
Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, mining, education and training, and accommodation and food services.
The region’s mineral resources, distinctive landscapes, Aboriginal cultural heritage and artistic traditions also support tourism and opportunities for economic diversification.
What business and investment opportunities exist in Far West NSW?
Far West NSW offers business and investment opportunities in mining and mineral resources, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and related services.
The region’s mineral deposits and solar and wind resources provide potential for further industry development, while its outback landscapes, heritage attractions and arts community support tourism-related enterprises.
Investment in transport, telecommunications, water security and essential services is also important to supporting existing businesses and enabling future growth.
Businesses and investors can contact RDA Far West for local information, industry connections and insights into regional development priorities.
How can I contact RDA Far West for local information and assistance?
Regional Development Australia Far West (RDA Far West) works with businesses, local government, industry and communities to support economic development across the region.
Its work includes strengthening regional partnerships, identifying investment opportunities, supporting workforce development and providing local intelligence to government.
RDA Far West also undertakes regional workforce research and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening businesses and communities.
Businesses, investors and other organisations seeking local expertise can contact RDA Far West directly.
RDA Sydney can also facilitate introductions between metropolitan stakeholders and RDA Far West through its concierge service.
Visit: RDA Far West
