The Hills. Economy grows about 32 per cent

The Sydney Hills’ economy has grown by about $1,589 billion in real terms since 2000 – or around 32 per cent, according to recent figures produced by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR). The gross regional product (GRP) is valued at $6.5 billion a year in real terms. The top four productive sectors adding value to the local economy for the year ended June 2010 were finance and insurance, contributing $941 million; construction with $758 million; manufacturing at $645 million, and professional, scientific and technical adding $626 million. The report also outlined that retail trade, at $467 million, was an important contributor to the economy contributing over 11,728 jobs, representing by far the biggest employment sector at 22 per cent.