An NSW industry network generates jobs,opportunities

The Industry Capability Network was set up in 1984 to match NSW companies with major national projects and supply chains, benefiting local industries and workers.

NSW Minister for State Development Ian Macdonald said 1,793 jobs had been added in regional NSW and 647 in Sydney in the 07/08 financial year.

The network had generated $149 million in business opportunities in regional areas and $54 million for Sydney, he said.

"These results speak for themselves," Macdonald said.

"For an annual state government investment of $1.5 million, this is a great outcome for our economy."

Minister for Regional Development Tony Kelly said the network had supported a number of regional projects including the Benex Technology block production plant at Bathurst, the Orange Metroplaza shopping centre, Wagga Police Station, Cooma Shopping Centre and the Emirates Resort in the Wolgan Valley.

"Major beneficiaries include the manufacturing and construction sectors, with projects involving areas including alternative energy, defence, power generation, coal mining, and building and construction," he said.