Narrabri Shire is located in the north-west of New South Wales, in the Namoi Valley, with a current population of approximately 14,000 residents. Covering an area of approximately 13,000km2, the Shire includes the key towns of Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa and the villages of Baan Baa, Bellata, Edgeroi, Gwabegar and Pilliga. Agriculture and the resource sector are key industries within Narrabri Shire, providing significant value to the economy as well as being major employers. Agricultural production incorporates a variety of crops including cotton, wheat, barley, oilseeds, grapes and peanuts with livestock production comprising of sheep, cattle and pigs. Narrabri Shire is within one of the largest coal reserves in NSW. This new industry has already resulted in a wealth of opportunity for both employment and anciliary business. These sectors will continue to play a key role in the economy in the future though the reliance on these sections underscores the importance of future diversification.