A DELEGATION of regional business leaders have toured the Nambucca Valley, gaining a firsthand look at the area’s expanding industrial capability, strong manufacturing sector and growing tourism appeal.
The visit, held on Friday 8 May, was coordinated by Business NSW Mid North Coast as part of its Regional Leaders Program, with the group touring the Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA) Stage One, Macksville-based Swale Industries and the iconic Pub with no Beer.
Business NSW Mid North Coast Regional Director Rod Barnaby said the Valley stood out as a region with strong and diverse industries.
“We’re really lucky on the Mid North Coast to have leading business in so many industry sectors and several of these great manufacturing and advanced manufacturing businesses are right here in the Nambucca Valley, which is why we chose to have the May Regional Leaders Advisory Board meeting and tour here this month,” he said.
“Seeing the Valla Urban Growth Area was exciting.
“With its 13 large-size industrial lots, some with Pacific Motorway frontage, it clearly has the potential to supercharge industry and create a brand new industrial hub, half-way between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, Brisbane and Sydney.”
During the visit, Nambucca Valley Council Director Engineering Services David Moloney outlined the scale of works already completed at VUGA.
“Here at VUGA, we’ve moved about 130,000 cubic metres of material, with two scrapers and three bulldozers to create the new industrial precinct,” he told the group.
“We’ve put in about 1.5 kilometres of stormwater drainage here, all of the footpaths are installed, the road is asphalted and all of the industrial lots are fully serviced, with reticulated water, sewer and fibre to the premises NBN connection.”
Mr Moloney detailed that reaching this stage of construction completion on the western side of the Pacific Motorway, with just the sewer pump station and some pipe laying to go on the eastern side, means new industrial land is nearing its release in 2026.
The group then visited Swale Industries in Macksville, where owner Matthew Taylor showcased the capabilities of his business.
“Here at Swale, our dedicated team can engineer complete mechanical, electrical and fabrication solutions, all in-house in our modern workshops,” he said.
“With our set up of CNC lathes and milling machines, laser cutting, bending equipment and professional welding facilities, we are able to design, manufacture or modify custom steel components to suit any business’ need.”
The tour concluded at the historic Pub with no Beer, where the group experienced the venue’s hospitality and local flavour.
New licensee Mel Train said she is focused on building the pub’s reputation as a destination for both locals and visitors.
Ms Train said she has enjoyed taking the reins of the pub and working with the new head chef to bring amazing food, live entertainment and country hospitality to the venue.
She added that she is keen to bring in more local and regional visitors and encouraged the regional leaders to return with their families and friends.
By Mick BIRTLES
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