CAPITAL REGION

The Capital Region Area Consultative Committee covers the area including the Australian Capital Territory and the five local government areas (LGAs) of Goulburn Mulwaree, Queanbeyan City, Palerang, Upper Lachlan, and Yass Valley. Each LGA and city within the Capital Region is quite unique, with mixed demographics and business and employment profiles.

The Capital Region has the distinction of including the nation’s capital, with its unusual economic and industry profile. Canberra’s economy is dominated by the government/defence sector and a high level of education and research infrastructure, proportionally higher than the rest of the country. This highly educated, highly computer-literate and well-remunerated community is surrounded by five NSW local government authorities where the main income is earned through agriculture and manufacturing.

Population growth in the Capital Region continues with certain Shires continuing their growth from 2001 and 2006, in particular, Yass Valley, Queanbeyan City, Palerang and, to a lesser extent, Goulburn Mulwaree.

Population growth in the Yass Valley, Queanbeyan City and Palerang LGAs can be broadly attributed to the increasing availability and appeal of rural residential blocks and hobby farm developments located within commuting distance for the Canberra / Queanbeyan employment markets. Furthermore, Goulburn Mulwaree is attracting those families priced out of the Southern Highlands market as well as retirees who can still enjoy close proximity to major cities and services (Canberra and Sydney). A similar trend is occurring in the Upper Lachlan LGA.

For more information on the region and individual jurisdictions click on the Regional Profiles page on this website.