It is a startling trend that Tamworth mayor Col Murray largely puts down to the rise of technology. 

The latest annual State of the Regions report has revealed unemployment for 15 to 24-year-olds has skyrocketed from 12.9 per cent in 2011 to 16.4 per cent across NSW Northern Inland, comprising the New England, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes.

We see the advancements in technology every day – from self-service checkouts at local supermarkets, to drones being sent on water runs on farms. 

And while proponents welcome the rapid rise as a means of efficiency, it can often come at the cost of local jobs. 

Instead of being asked how our day is by enthusiastic – and admittedly sometimes apathetic – teens who are packing shopping bags as part of their first part-time job, we’re being spoken to by machines.

And it doesn’t end there. 

Family farms that once employed three people are now run by one person, due to innovation in agriculture. 

Cr Murray admits technology and efficiencies have had a “massive impact” on employment at a local level, but assures us that the council is working to “get a better slice of the infrastructure spend to try to help generate some jobs”.

He argues technology isn’t all to blame, though, pointing the finger at our region’s “quite poor” tertiary educational achievements.

While he maintains a lack of education sets us up for poor employment numbers, there is no shying away from the simple fact that jobs are becoming more and more redundant as technology evolves. 

While the report paints a much less startling picture of our region in other aspects, it’s important we understand the implications technology is having on our everyday lives and our community. 

So think twice next time you opt to self-serve on your grocery run.