Location
Loddon Shire’s location, its transport, arterial and freight connections, thriving agriculture industry, natural tourism and economic development opportunities, ensure the Shire’s towns are exceptionally placed for further investment, development and expansion.
Future food opportunities
Loddon Shire’s perfectly placed to capitalise on both Asian and global market demand for protein products – meat and plant-based.
Diverse agricultural potential
Loddon Shire is currently producing sheep, beef, poultry, pigs, cereals, tomatoes, wine grapes, olives, pulses, and some dairy. Rich soils and ideal climate for highly productive agricultural and horticultural industries.
High-quality modernised water system
Recognising that water security plays a major role in the sustainability of agriculture, Loddon’s embracing of new technology to better manage this precious resource.
Geographically diverse, Loddon’s able to support a multitude of agricultural enterprises.
Loddon’s cultural and natural assets – including one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in Australia at Lake Boort – mean tourism also has a bigger role to play in the region’s future.
- 175km northwest of Melbourne, Loddon Shire’s home to 7,718 people on almost 6,700 sq km of land.
- The region supports 2,772 jobs with a gross regional product (GRP) estimate of $666.5 million.
- Loddon’s key towns are: Boort, Bridgewater on Loddon, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.
- Diverse assets support the mix of production, processing, distribution, traditional agriculture, new horticultural investments, and broadacre and intensive farming. Availability of land provides opportunity to operate and expand unhindered.
- Strong support for broadacre farming industries such as grains, legumes and oilseeds; plus sheep, beef and some dairy.
- Space provides Loddon the ability to accommodate intensive animal businesses – large intensive poultry, egg, and pig production facilities are on the rise in the region.
- Potential exists for further development of food and beverage processing, stockfeed processing, distribution and logistics, and renewable energy and biofuel production.
- Part of the larger Victorian Goldfields tourist region with significant Gold Rush Era history; also part of the Bendigo UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.
- Loddon Shire is highly supportive of niche and artisanal producers.
Key infrastructure ready to support investment and innovation
- Loddon Shire Settlement Strategy is a council initiative supporting population growth in Loddon Shire through affordable housing development in suitable localities.
- Sectors requiring serviced industrial land, inclusive of access to major roads and power, are well accommodated.
- Water security is crucial to sustainability of the region’s precious agribusiness sector – the East Loddon Irrigation System upgrade, investment into the South West Loddon Pipeline, and the Mitiamo pipeline opens further opportunities in the region, particularly for poultry, piggeries, horticulture, viticulture and lot feeding.
- Loddon Shire offers general practice, dental and allied health services; two hospitals operate in the region and Bendigo’s leading regional health service further supports Loddon communities.
- Bendigo also offers significant employment opportunities with a sensible commute time.
More Information
- ASQ – supplying quality product and service across three divisions of quarries, garden and landscape and premix concrete
- Bio gro – delivering quality products from organics
- Bridgewater Bakehouse – “Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice”
- Calmo Farms – innovative and environmentally friendly methods of dairy farming
- Cobram Estate Olives Limited – Boort olive grove
- Hay Australia – quality fodder supply
- Hazeldenes – premium quality Australian Chicken
- Laucke Flour Mills – quality flour producers
- Water Wheel Winery– Winery
- Young families are supported with kindergarten and primary schools in each of Loddon Shire’s main towns – Boort, Bridgewater on Loddon, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Wedderburn.
- 4 high schools operate in the region with a progressive and broad variety of curriculum options and well-developed sporting facilities.
- Tertiary institutions – including LaTrobe and Monash University campuses, and Bendigo TAFE – are located in nearby Bendigo.
- The North Central Trade Training Centre (NCTTC) located at Charlton College offers a range of training and addresses skills in local demand including: agriculture, aged care and allied health, and trades (carpenter, cook, engineer, hairdresser, beautician, community services, music, animal studies, and sport and recreation).
- Loddon Shire Council has an economic development arm providing resources for new business and investment interest in the region.
Council’s advocacy priorities are informed by ongoing engagement with the community and partnerships with regional stakeholders, peak bodies and State and Federal Governments. Through this approach, Council seeks to deliver meaningful outcomes that enhance liveability, support economic development and promote the wellbeing of residents.
Rural Childcare in Loddon Shire
Council seeks targeted State Government funding for a sustainable rural funding model to attract long day care providers to Loddon Shire.
Roads and Bridges
Council seeks increased and continued State Government funding to ensure regional road networks remain t-for-purpose across Loddon Shire.
Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement Project
Council seeks $6.1 million in State Government funding to support delivery of the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement Project.
Wedderburn Flood Risk Reduction Upgrade
Council seeks $9.5 million in State Government funding to reconstruct the Skinners Flat Reservoir embankment and spillway to protect the township of Wedderburn.
Pyramid Hill Community Centre Stage 2
Council seeks $2.8 million in State Government funding to support delivery of Stage 2 of the Pyramid Hill Community Centre.
Critical Drainage Upgrade for Pyramid Hill Township
Council seeks $14.2 million in State Government funding to upgrade the stormwater and drainage infrastructure in Pyramid Hill.
Serpentine Township Flood Mitigation Levee Project
Council seeks $335,000 in State Government funding to support to upgrade the Serpentine levee.
Enabling Housing Growth
Council seeks $1.27 million in State Government funding to support delivery of a 19-lot residential subdivision of Reef Street, Wedderburn.
Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund successful funding
Huge-boost-for-Boort-foreshore
Little Lake Boort Foreshore Activity Space $495,000
Boort Lawn Tennis Club lights $161,065
Access the following plans and strategies:
- Loddon Shire Council Plans and Strategies
- Loddon Shire Community Vision 2035 Council Plan 2025-29
- Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
- Invest in Loddon
- Visitor Economy Strategy
Case Studies
Learn more about some of the businesses in our region – why they chose Loddon Mallee, and their vision for the future.
Saluté Oliva – Certified organic produce
“Saluté Oliva is a family owned and operated business specialising in producing premium extra virgin olive oil and table olives for the connoisseur.” – Marlies and Peter Eicher, Owner-operators
Hay Australia – Farmer to farmer
“Hay Australia aims to be a key business partner with oaten hay importers across the North Asian and Middle Eastern Regions, providing high quality fodder to a growing range of customers.” – Geoff Walker, Operations Manager
Gallery
Loddon Shire highlights
Get in touch
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Do you have a question about starting up or scaling up in the Loddon Mallee?
Complete the form and we’ll provide expert local support.
