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Great Lakes - Opportunities
As the Great Lakes economy continues to diversify and grow, this presents a wide range of opportunities for your business and your skills. Traditional agricultural industries of dairy farming, beef cattle and forestry are now supplemented by extensive service, healthcare and tourism sectors as well as growing boutique retail and creative industry sectors. The area has a wide range of home based businesses - ranging in size, scale and reach. This is supplemented and supported by an active home based business network.
 Retail - the retail sector in the towns and villages of the Great Lakes are thriving and this is set to continue as the population continues to increase and diversify. Whether you are looking to develop or expand a small boutique retail business or a major national franchise, the Great Lakes has a retail option to meet your needs. For example, the Forster Stockland Shopping Centre is currently experiencing significant growth with a $33 million expansion and face lift due to be completed in 2007 - this signifies a major opportunity for retailers to access premium retail space in the Great Lakes' major shopping precinct. Recent years has also seen a significant increase in the development of specialty and boutique retail outlets in the area with several popular and high profile arts, crafts and gourmet food outlets.
Tourism - tourism is an important part of the economy. Visitors spend almost $250 million on tourism in the Great Lakes area each year. Along with its natural attractions, the area offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors. In addition to traditional tourism operations, the Great Lakes is also develop niche markets in areas such as arts and crafts, ecotourism and adventure-style holidays. For more information about the demographic breakdown of visitors to the area, please contact Great Lakes Tourism and Marketing Manager.
Aged Care - the Great Lakes area has the highest proportion of population aged 65 and over in NSW - this represents a major opportunity for providers of aged care and associated services. A new Aged Care Traineeship initiative developed in conjunction with local employers, high schools and TAFE is providing young people with quality training in this growth industry and will ensure that skilled labour will be available to service this increasingly important sector. Click here for more information about this program.
Health and Lifestyle - With a population dominated by older residents and young families, the Great Lakes offers an abundance of business opportunities in the Health and Lifestyle sectors. Whether you are a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or alternative practitioner, the area has something for you.
Agriculture and agribusiness - the economy of the Great Lakes has a solid, yet diverse, agricultural base including dairy, beef cattle, fruit, aquaculture and wineries. Emerging industries include organic production, hydroponic vegetables and cut flowers. Produce from the region, including fresh oysters and seafood is exported nationally and internationally. Fresh and processed local produce is offered for sale at the many growers markets throughout the region. Great Lakes Council has produced a handy touring guide which includes maps of local products, produce, wineries, restaurants and markets. Contact Great Lakes Tourism for your free copy.
Construction and Manufacturing - manufacturing activity is largely related to processing timber and primary produce with value adding to primary produce being an increasingly important sector. The construction industry in the area continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy with several major residential developments in the pipeline to meet the demands of a growing population.
Creative Industries - the towns and villages of the Great Lakes are home to an increasing number of creative industries and this sector represents a key opportunity for the region due to excellent support in the form of the Great Lakes Arts Network (GLAN). Opportunities also exist in the film and television industries with location and support services being provided by 'Film Hunter' - a free services providing assistance to find locations and guide film makers through film permit procedures.
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