Strategic Partnership Powers a Bold Vision for Gunnedah’s Economic Future

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce x Allied Partnerships Australia

In a landmark move to future-proof the local economy, the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce officially launched a strategic partnership with Allied Partnerships Australia on 20th March 2025. This collaboration follows the successful awarding of a competitive tender, tasking Allied Partnerships Australia with crafting the roadmap and governance framework for the region’s Gunnedah Towards 2050 Strategy.

Backed by nationally recognised governance expertise and deep regional development experience, Allied Partnerships Australia brings a unique ability to translate community ambition into clear, measurable action. Through this partnership, the Chamber has taken bold strides from vision to implementation — ensuring that Gunnedah’s long-term economic strategy is grounded in data, inclusivity, and resilience.

Delivering a Comprehensive Transition Strategy

We’re pleased to share the first instalment in a four-part reporting series developed as part of our broader engagement to support Gunnedah’s regional transition planning.

REPORT DELIVERED - Current-State Economic Analysis for Gunnedah ShireThis foundational report delivers a clear and data-driven picture of the region’s economic position, drawing on modelled data from NIEIR, the ABS, and peer regions like Narrabri and Muswellbrook. It highlights key strengths, vulnerabilities, and early signals of structural change — setting the baseline for evidence-informed planning.

What’s Coming Next in the Series:

Three Current-State Trend Reports:

Economic – A Report Delivered this Week to the Chair and Vice President of the Strategy 2050 Project
Social – Demographic, wellbeing, and workforce participation patterns
Infrastructure – Assets, access, and service coverage

Comparative Benchmarking & Opportunity/Risk Assessment ReportThis final report will examine transition strategies in similar regions, providing a tailored opportunity and risk profile to help inform Gunnedah’s locally owned strategic roadmap.

Industry analytics and stakeholder research are already well underway as part of Phase One, with insights continuing to emerge in real time over the coming weeks.

A Strategy Built on Evidence

The Current-State Economic Analysis offers a compelling snapshot of where Gunnedah stands today.

Key Findings Include:

Population & Demographics: Gunnedah’s population is stable, though ageing, with a significant share of working-age residents lacking formal qualifications — a challenge and opportunity for local workforce development.
Industry & Employment: While mining, agriculture, and healthcare dominate employment, over-reliance on these sectors presents long-term vulnerability. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain areas of concern.
Income & Education: Median incomes are lower than the NSW average, and education levels lag behind state benchmarks, impacting future workforce capability.
Business Activity: Small businesses form the backbone of the economy but often face limitations in scale and digital readiness. A push toward diversification and innovation is needed.
Social Indicators: Housing stress, access to mental health services, and transport connectivity continue to challenge socio-economic inclusion across the Shire.

A Partnership with Purpose

From the outset, the partnership between the Chamber and Allied Partnerships Australia has been community-focused and grounded in collaboration. Key stakeholders — including local government, business leaders, educators, and residents are actively shaping a shared vision for Gunnedah’s economic future.

Tangible outputs of this partnership include:

Establishment of a governance framework, including a Steering Committee and industry-led working groups.
Development of a performance monitoring structure for transparent accountability.
Clear, actionable recommendations to guide economic transition beyond reliance on mining and agriculture.

Looking Ahead: Gunnedah Towards 2050

With Allied Partnerships Australia’s support, the Chamber is positioning Gunnedah not just to adapt to economic change, but to lead it. Together, they are ensuring Gunnedah Towards 2050 is not just a strategy on paper, but a bold, lived commitment to:

Economic diversity
Inclusive workforce development
Local empowerment
Long-term resilience

As this journey continues, we look forward to sharing further reports and engaging the wider community in shaping a future-ready Gunnedah.

The report will be published alongside the reports to be delivered in Phase One of this engagement. Please watch out for the announcements of these publications.