Industry profile

A well established dairy and beef cattle industry made up of predominantly small to medium sized holdings which, in the last year or so, are beginning to change due to market forces such as the deregulation of the diary industry. In more recent times, viticulture and the equine industry have played just as important role in the development of the area.

Major viticulture establishments

• Arrowfield Wines
• Two Rivers Wines
• Cruickshank Callatoota Estate
• James Estate Wines
• Bell's Lane Wines
• Horseshoe Vineyard
• Reynolds
• Yarraman
• Barrington Estate
• Inglewood Vineyards

Equine establishments

• Asaro Lodge
• Coolmore
• Primrose
• Baerami Thoroughbreds
• Delhaven Stud
• River Ridge Stud
• Barador Stud
• Ebaneezer Farm
• Baramul Holbrook
• Widden
• Bengalla Stud
• Hollydene
• Byerley Stud
• Lianillo
• Darley Thoroughbreds – Woodlands Stud
• Collingrove Stud
• Melody Park Stud

Much of the Hunter was originally built upon agriculture and this is still reflected in many retail and service businesses supporting these industries. This industry has moderate growth especially in the viticulture and equine areas and employs 10% of the Muswellbrook Shire workforce. Local community events such as the Upper Hunter Agricultural Show are also a demonstration of how important agriculture is within the Shire.

*Figures where extracted from the Hunter Valley Research Foundation's "Upper Hunter Economic Profile", June 1999

Photo courtesy of James Estate

Coal has had a long history in the Hunter and in the Muswellbrook Shire coal mining has been part of its make up since the late 1800's. initially underground mining was the norm in the shire but as technology has increased, more and more open cut mines have been established.

Open cut mines

• Muswellbrook Coal Company
• BHP Bhiliton – Drayton, Bayswater and Mt Arthur mines
• Mangoola Coal
• Drayton Coal
• Bengalla Mining Company

Coal mining has ensured that many residents of the shire have, or are working on the mines. Mining within the Shire of Muswellbrook employs 16.4%* of the total workforce. The coal mines are now looking to outside companies to do many tasks on site that used to be done by mine employees; many people are now working for these companies that support the mines in the entire Upper Hunter and beyond.

*Figures were extracted from the Hunter Valley Research Foundation's Upper Hunter Economic Profile June 1999.

Photo courtesy of (CNA)

Macquarie Generation is a State Owned Corporation established in 1996. Their core business is the production and wholesale of electricity to the National Electricity Market.

Macquarie Generation owns and operates Liddell Power Station and Bayswater Power Station between Singleton and Muswellbrook.

Each year they produce approximately 15% of the electricity needed by people in Eastern Australia from South Australia to Northern Queensland. This is the equivalent of 40% of the electricity needed by the people of New South Wales, making Macquarie Generation Australia's largest electricity generator.

Macquarie Generation is also the largest domestic buyer of Hunter Valley coal and employs just over 600 people, most of who live in the Upper Hunter.

The Corporation is undertaking a range of developments aimed at meeting the increasing need for power, environmental improvements and the exploration of renewable energy options.

For more Information you can access the Macquarie Generation website.

Photo courtesy of Macqaurie Generation

The retail section of the shire has been built upon the success of the Agricultural, Coal and Power Industries. Employing 15.8%* of the workforce, it is second only to the mining industry in number of people employed. The  extension of Muswellbrook Marketplace, was completed in 2002 and now boasts Big W, Woolworth's and 35 specialty shops,  Muswellbrook has the advantage of the shopping centre being in the heart of the existing shopping area.

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The area is well serviced when it comes to travelling to and from the Shire. There is easy movement around Muswellbrook area with train, bus and taxi services.

Muswellbrook is situated on the New England Highway, which is is the major inland route linking Sydney and Brisbane. Denman and Sandy Hollow are situated on the Golden Highway, which links Dubbo with the busy port of Newcastle. Nearly all general freight is moved along the New England Highway form Muswellbrook to the Power Stations and on the Coal Loader in the port of Newcastle. 

Regular rail passenger services connect Muswellbrook with Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane.

Rail access for bulk coal is of an extremely high standard. Consideration is being given to the establishment of an inter-model rail terminal on Macquarie Generation land near the power stations.