Southern NSW & ACT
The Southern NSW & ACT region is uniquely located between the two largest population centres and domestic economies in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne, with Australia’s Capital positioned in the centre. With abundant land, exceptional transport routes, multiple industrial hubs and capital cities proximity, the region is the most desirable place in NSW to invest, work, live and play. The Southern NSW & ACT region encompasses nine NSW local government areas, including Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan, Hilltops, Yass Valley, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla, and Bega Valley, plus the Australian Capital Territory, making it an incredibly diverse area.
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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
752,721
Area
56,827 km²
Source: AEC Group (2022-23)
Top 5 Industries by Employment
Public Administration & Safety
94,090
Healthcare & Social Assistance
46,688
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
36,232
Education & Training
35,340
Construction
32,319
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the Southern NSW & ACT region and which towns does it include?
The Southern NSW & ACT region extends across south-eastern NSW, encompassing the Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and South Coast, as well as the Australian Capital Territory.
The RDA Southern NSW & ACT region comprises nine NSW local government areas: Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan, Hilltops, Yass Valley, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, together with the ACT.
Major centres include Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Bowral, Yass, Cooma, Batemans Bay, Bega and Merimbula.
A map showing the region’s geographical boundaries is available above.
What are the major industries in Southern NSW & ACT?
Southern NSW & ACT has a diverse economy, combining Canberra’s government, professional services, education and research sectors with agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism and renewable energy across southern NSW.
Major employment sectors include public administration and safety, healthcare and social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services, education and training, and construction.
Agriculture, food production, defence-related industries and tourism also contribute to the region’s economy, supported by its proximity to Canberra and transport links connecting Sydney and Melbourne.
What business and investment opportunities exist in Southern NSW & ACT?
Southern NSW & ACT offers business and investment opportunities in professional services, defence-related industries, agribusiness, renewable energy, tourism, manufacturing and technology.
Canberra provides access to government agencies, research institutions and professional networks, while southern NSW offers opportunities in agricultural production, food processing, tourism and regional services.
The region’s strategic location between Sydney and Melbourne, together with its road and rail connections, supports business development and regional supply chains.
Businesses and investors can contact RDA Southern NSW & ACT for local information, industry connections and insights into regional development priorities.
How can I contact RDA Southern NSW & ACT for local information and assistance?
Regional Development Australia Southern NSW & ACT works with government, businesses, industry and communities to support economic development across southern NSW and the ACT.
Its activities include facilitating investment and regional projects, workforce development, business support, infrastructure advocacy and regional economic research.
Businesses, investors and other organisations seeking local expertise can contact RDA Southern NSW & ACT directly.
RDA Sydney can also facilitate introductions between metropolitan stakeholders and RDA Southern NSW & ACT through its concierge service.
Visit: RDA Southern NSW & ACT
