It is an industry that now holds the top spot in its contribution to the gross regional product (GRP) for the Manning Valley; ahead of manufacturing, retail trade, education and training, financial and insurance services and construction. At 11.2 per cent of the GRP it contributes almost three times that of the construction industry (4.16 per cent) as at June 2015.

Manning Valley Business Chamber and Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast NSW recently focused on key economic and social indicators for the Manning Valley in its economic update. 

The update revealed the GRP Manning Valley is estimated at $2.17 billion; an increase of $180 million on the previous year. The region also contributed 17.3 per cent towards the GRP of the Mid North Coast – a region that refers to the former combined local government areas of Greater Taree, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Shire, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour. The Mid North Coast contributing $12.66 billion to the NSW gross State product of $513.30 billion.

Arts and recreation services led the decline in GRP for the Manning Valley between June 2012 and June 2015 with a compound annual decline of 1.04 per cent.