The local figure is also less than the national average, which currently sits at 5.6 per cent.

NSW Business Chamber regional manager Kellon Beard said over the last three quarters there has been modest decline, but he encourages businesses and employers to work to continue the trend. 

“By supporting local businesses and encouraging others to do the same we can assist our local businesses to grow and keep this unemployment trend going down,” he said. 

The regional manager has credited the continued growth of the greater Port Macquarie Hastings area as a great sign of business confidence. 

“As the businesses grow they will need additional staff and this will result in more jobs,” he said. 

Port Macquarie has an established building industry, as well as public service and is focused on tourism.  

Building and manufacturing are also sectors which are thriving, as the town is experiences growth through people moving to the area. 

Due to the TAFE and the expansion of Charles Sturt University, Mr Kellon expects a continuation of the creation of jobs within the education sector in the future.

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker said he welcomes the continuation of the trend of Port Macquarie’s unemployment rate as being lower than the national average.

“It’s exciting for Port Macquarie to achieve this as a lifestyle destination,” he said. 

Mr Hartsuyker said he will continue his work within the town to reinforce the Turnbull Government’s focus on jobs and growth.

“Port Macquarie over the long term consistently achieves a lower unemployment rate than the national average and is reflective of the notion that the town is a vibrant regional town and a very attractive place for people to live and work.” he said. 

Mr Hartsuyker said he will continue to work to further lower the unemployment rate through job creation.