Mr Murphy predicts retailers who have become comfortable with contractors’ business, particularly in the rental, hospitality, and accommodation industry, will feel the effects.

“If they’ve [contractors] been in there for a while then retailers have had the chance to get used to them,” he said.

“It will be a shock to Orange’s economy, and it will cause the economy to slow there is no question about that.”

The $2 billion Cadia East project that kicked off in early 2010 has created around 1300 jobs during peak construction periods.

There will be a silver lining to a cloud that is expected to hover over retailers when the contractors leave, however.

“It will be a bit of a respite for retailers who have been under pressure.

“There will be a little bit of a wind back but it will ease the pressure and give them the opportunity to get people looking at things they weren’t able to do before.”

Orange’s strong economy is expected to remain secure when the contractors leave, particularly with a booming health sector.

The Central Western Daily was unable to contact Cadia Valley Operations to confirm the number of contractors expected to leave in April.

erin.somerville@ruralpress.com