A central focus for the department is enhancing the liveability of regional and rural communities by strengthening local workforces and attracting key workers, boosting housing, and empowering the diversification of local economies.

[1] The department is a central agency and advises across government on issues affecting the state’s regions, which are home to about one-third of the NSW population.

Key responsibilities of the department also include building stronger primary industries, driving local investment and economic development, brokering solutions to strengthen social cohesion, overseeing productive and sustainable land use and natural resources, and delivering local infrastructure and grant programs.

[2] The department went onto support additional crises including floods and COVID-19, becoming a key voice advocating for local communities within government.

[9] In June 2020, it was announced that the department will have four offices, located at Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.