Affordable, suitably-zoned land
Large tracts of zoned industrial land, and an inviting environment for start- ups and scale-ups.
Location, location, location
150 km north-west of Melbourne; 65 km north of Ballarat; 70 km south-west of Bendigo.
Innovative agribusiness and food manufacturing
Space plus sun. Central Goldfields is perfectly placed to help meet the growing global demand for food and fibre.
Fourth in Victoria for business growth
The number of businesses in the region increased by 4% from 2018/2019 – 2019/2020 making it the 4th fastest region for economic growth in the state.
An annual economic output of $1.212B to which the manufacturing sector makes the largest contribution of $278.9M.
Fast becoming known for premier agribusiness and food production, bolstered by a strategic location connected to domestic and global markets.
- Home to just over 13,000 people. Maryborough (population 8,000) is the Shire’s major business, health and retail centre for surrounding towns. Other key towns include: Dunolly, Talbot and Carisbrook.
- Proximity to Bendigo and Ballarat is strategically important. Diverse opportunities exist to leverage off the high growth being experienced by these regional cities in terms of population, business and visitor attraction.
- Agricultural industries are spread across the region and include sheep and cattle grazing, broiler farming, and grain production.
- There’s significant opportunities to expand intensive agriculture to meet growing demand for food domestically and internationally.
- Home to major manufacturing, infrastructure, agricultural, freight, printing and food production companies.
- Part of the Goldfields Tourism Region. Attractions include historic buildings and townships dating back to the 1850’s gold rush era.
- A Mediterranean climate with long periods of sunshine across the year make the shire conducive to alternative energy.
- Health care and social assistance is the largest employment sector, supporting 748 jobs (2022). It’s projected to continue to grow alongside population growth and an ageing population.
Key infrastructure ready to support investment and innovation
- The Shire’s overall capital works budget tripled from 2021 to 2022 to meet the growing economic and social demands of the burgeoning Central Goldfields communities and businesses in terms of infrastructure and services.
- The iconic Maryborough railway station will use almost $2M in state government investment in 2022 to transform it into a bustling business hub and entry point for tourists. It will include a co-working hub providing affordable office space for startups, micro-businesses, and SMEs.
- Globally connected to capital cities and ports via high quality road and rail links.
- The Shire supports Australia’s largest STEM event – Energy Breakthrough – bringing 23,000 visitors to the region for the annual event.
- Maryborough Hospital commences a $100M expansion in 2022 to provide greater services to the region.
- The Central Goldfields Art Gallery has received $2M in state and local funding for revitalisation works, which will include an adjacent Indigenous Interpretive Garden. Designed in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC), the garden aims to encourage greater respect and understanding of authentic Dja Dja Wurrung culture.
More Information
Employers and innovators in Central Goldfields Shire
- Sonac – producing sustainable ingredients for the pet food and feed industries from raw materials of animal origin.
- True Foods – specialist manufacturer of flat bread products
- McPherson’s Printing Group – pre-press services, printing, binding, embellishments, and mailing/warehouse distribution.
- Maryborough District Health Service – undergoing a $100M hospital expansion that will add both new services and jobs.
Schools and childcare centres
- The Central Goldfields Shire offers 5 kindergartens, 6 primary schools, and 2 high schools.
- Central Goldfields Council coordinates a Family Day Care service, offering quality childcare – including long day care – from birth to 12 years, licensed by the Department of Education and Training.
- Bendigo also offers 5 independent and Catholic schools through to Year 12 level.
- Tertiary institutions – including LaTrobe and Monash University campuses, and Bendigo TAFE – are located in nearby Bendigo.
- Ballarat Federation University in Ballarat is also under an hour from the region.
Further industry support
- Central Goldfields Shire Council has an economic development arm providing resources for new business and investment interest in the region.
- The Committee for Maryborough is dedicated to representing local business, promoting positive change and advocacy within the community.
Significant projects under construction
- Central Goldfields Art Gallery revitalisation – Victorian Government funded. Designed in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) the adjacent Indigenous garden celebrates and promotes Dja Dja Wurrung culture.
- Maryborough Railway Station upgrade and activation – $1.8M Victorian Government Regional Infrastructure Fund. Transforming the railway station complex into a visitor and activity hub accommodating tourism, commercial transport and community uses.
- Central Goldfields Shire Transport Strategy – bringing greater transport choice to the region, enhancing the viability of lower-cost options such as public transport options, and creating paths and tracks to encourage walking and bicycle riding.
Future projects and opportunities
For a comprehensive overview of the Central Goldfields Shire’s projects in planning view their investment prospectus.
- Industrial Employment Precinct – The development and construction of a small-lot industrial precinct between Maryborough and Carisbrook will be complete by 2025, subject to funding from the Victorian Government. The 18-hectare site will feature industrial 1 zoned land to support supply chains in goods, maintenance and other services integral to the local economic ecosystem.
- Central Maryborough Development – Significant public sector investment is revitalising key civic anchor sites around central Maryborough. Integrating this precinct through public realm improvements will facilitate a sense of place and stimulate private sector investment in the retail, tourism, hospitality and services sectors.
- Castlemaine – Maryborough Trail – Central Goldfields Shire Council has partnered with Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc. and Mount Alexander Shire Council to conduct a feasibility study for a Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail – a 55km shared-use trail on the disused rail corridor between Maryborough and Castlemaine.
Future Plans
Access the Central Goldfields Priority Projects Plan.
Case Studies
Learn more about some of the businesses in our region – why they chose Loddon Mallee, and their vision for the future.
Sonac – Best practise for best results
“Sonac has engaged a local university to challenge what we do. We look forward to sharing the findings as well as leveraging best practises from our sister companies.” – Simon Cox, Managing Director
True Foods – Expanding opportunities in Australian food manufacturing
“We see a future where multiple food businesses operate from our Maryborough site.” – Mark Thurlow, Managing Director
Gallery
Central Goldfields highlights
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