Lithgow primed for reinvention as tourist hotspot

Lithgow is ready for new hotel and attraction builds, and tourism operators are eager to meet newcomers and service providers keen to talk business and operations.

Interested investors can find out how to be part of the revolution at Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo in May.

The Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce event will be a chance for hotel developers, restauranteurs and attractions operators to scope Lithgow for future business.

Lithgow Chamber vice-president Steve Ring said the area needed to attract new industries and young families to plug the gap created by the outgoing coal mining and thermal power generation within the next 20 years.

“Lithgow is known as the cradle of industrial Australia, with a long history of coal mining, cement, iron and more, but that era is coming to a close and we need to reinvent ourselves and be ready for a vibrant new future,” VP, Lithgow Chamber, Steve Ring, said.

“Part of that future is in tourism.’’

As well as significantly lower house and land prices compared to Greater Sydney and neighbouring areas, Lithgow has numerous business and employment opportunities, services and facilities.

Upgrades to the Great Western Highway have cut road travel time to Lithgow from Sydney CBD to less than 2.5 hours. Further upgrades to the highway and the Bells Line of Road, along with other road infrastructure, are planned, while trains run direct from Central.

“Then there’s the $30 billion Western Sydney International Airport that will bring Lithgow even closer to Australia’s newest global gateway and reduce transport costs further,’’ Ring said.

Several major projects will further help revitalise the Lithgow economy including the $50 million-dollar National Parks & Wildlife Service Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area project and The Portland Foundations heritage reactivation and subdivision of the former cement factory.

There are significant plans being prepared to repurpose the former Wallerawang thermal power station by Greenspot.

Business owners and young families are encouraged to attend the Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo on May 6 and 7 to explore the varied opportunities available before deciding where to relocate to.

The expo of about 100 stalls showcasing Lithgow existing businesses, services and attractions will be held at The Foundations Portland, with an art exhibition in The Annexe within the heritage precinct of the former Portland Cement Works.

“Relocating a business or packing up a home and shifting your partner, children and pets to an unknown area is a huge upheaval.

“So come and visit first. Meet people; check out the hospital and doctors, schools, shops and government services; and experience the leisure and nature activities.

“Soak up the serenity. Breathe the fresh air. See for yourself how much space there is here.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Greater Western Highway Lithgow Lithgow Business and lifestyle expo Steve Ring