One of Australia’s key food bowls
A strong agricultural sector and premium local produce drives innovation in food and beverage manufacturing, capitalising on growing international demand.
Highly connected, uniquely positioned
In Victoria, bordering New South Wales and South Australia, Mildura offers a strategic tri-state location for accessing domestic and global markets.
Largest city in north-west Victoria
And growing. Mildura’s size and infrastructure makes it a competitive base for business across industry sectors.
A supportive, high-growth economic environment
Supported by a strong Economic Development Team, Mildura fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
An epicentre of primary industry. An established powerhouse in agribusiness and manufacturing.
With a growing population, expansion in tourism, transport and logistics, retail, health and community services, Mildura’s economic future looks prosperous.
- Home to 57,554 people, Mildura supports 29,363 jobs and has an annual economic output of $8.691 billion (2024). Forecast population growth is 0.7% per annum to reach 62,989 by 2036.
- A warm climate, combined with the Murray River’s unique water infrastructure, and fertile soils, provides ideal conditions for agriculture Irrigated horticulture and dryland cropping drive substantial agricultural output, producing diverse range of high-value citrus, grapes, almonds and grains.
- The abundant sunshine, land availability, supportive infrastructure, forward-thinking council committed to innovation, and expertise in sustainable resource management make it an ideal location for large-scale manufacturing and renewable energy projects, especially solar, wind and green hydrogen technologies.
- The food industry, including agriculture and value-add advanced manufacturing, is vitally important to the region’s economy, contributing significantly to both output and employment. Additionally, premium food and wine offerings are a key attraction for tourists visiting the region.
- Generations of expertise, supported by regional university and TAFE campuses offering tertiary and vocational training opportunities tailored to local industry strengths, have cultivated a uniquely skilled workforce that drives continued industry growth.
Robust key infrastructure ready to support investment and innovation across various sectors:
- Mildura Airport: Strategically vital to the region, it is the busiest regional airport in Victoria for passenger services, with the number of passengers doubling over the last decade.
- Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC): MRIC, headquartered in Mildura, works in partnership with The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and SuniTAFE. It promotes innovation in horticulture and irrigated production through better resource management via VIC Hub Drought & Innovation. MRIC leads the Mallee Hydrogen Technology Cluster, helping unlock Australia’s potential for a globally competitive hydrogen industry. Projections suggest it will add up to $26 billion to Australia’s GDP and thousands of jobs to the national economy by 2050.
- One Basin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC): An industry-led, collaborative partnership established to build a more productive, resilient and sustainable Murray–Darling Basin for current and future generations.
- Tertiary Education: Mildura is home to two university campuses – La Trobe University Mildura and Monash University’s School of Rural Health – providing higher education opportunities, as well as a TAFE campus, providing vocational education and training (VET) courses.
- SuniTAFE SMART Farm Training and Innovation Hub: A unique 30-hectare fully functioning training farm dedicated to developing and teaching innovative next-generation farming practices.
- Mildura Sporting Precinct: This state-of-the-art facility features an AFL-standard oval with a turf cricket wicket and 500-lux lighting, a two-storey indoor stadium with six sports courts, spectator seating, change rooms and function rooms.
More Information
Employers and innovators in Mildura Rural City
- Cann Group – pioneer in Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry
- Golden Grain Mills – grain processing
- Olam Australia – large-scale almond orchards and processing
- Titan Wheels Australia – manufacturer of high-quality tyres, wheels and axels
- GTS Freight Management & Seaway Intermodal– freight transport and logistics
- Mildura Fruit Company – one of Australia’s largest citrus packers and exporters
- Sunbeam Foods – Major processor and supplier of dried fruit, nuts and seeds
- Australian Premium Dried Fruits – leading processor and exporter of dried fruits
- Mildura Houseboats – tourism business offering luxury houseboat rentals
- Mildura Base Hospital – key healthcare provider and tertiary teaching hospital
- Murray River Salt – Australia’s only naturally pink salt
- Qualia Wine Services – one of Australia’s largest providers of specialist wine services
- Australian Garlic – leading garlic farming and processing company
- Karadoc Solar Farm & Kiamal Solar Farm – Victoria’s largest operational solar farms
Schools and childcare centres
- An extensive range of high-quality council, community and privately-operated childcare and after-school services are available across the region, including long daycare, occasional care and family daycare.
- A range of playgroups operate throughout the region.
- A divers range of educational institutions encompassing government, Catholic and independent schools across various levels: 25 primary schools and 13 secondary schools as well as Mildura Specialist School catering for children with intellectual disabilities.
Further industry support
- Mildura Rural City Council works to strengthen economic opportunities in the region, underpinned by the latest tech and research. Key industries include dryland farming, irrigated horticulture, tourism, food and beverage manufacturing, transport and logistics, retail, health and community services. Contact the Economic Development team for support.
Significant projects
- Trail of Lights and Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) – Internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro is creating two awe-inspiring light installations reflecting the unique environment and culture of the region. A unique tourism product, the artwork aims to draw visitors from across the country and world and increase overnight visitation. Tickets for Trail of Lights are now on sale, with FOSO expected to open in late 2025.
- Mildura Riverfront Precinct Redevelopment – Mildura’s riverfront has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending natural beauty with vibrant community spaces. The significant investment revitalised a 1.2km stretch along the Murray River, introducing a water play park, public art installations, Langtree Connection pedestrian link and enhanced amenities. Future upgrades include the upgrade to Jayce Park and installation of an Adventure Playground (pending Government grant funding).
- Powerhouse Precinct – The recently completed Powerhouse Precinct $10.5M redevelopment transformed the historic 1920s building into a dynamic cultural and events hub with a cafe and community facilities and social enterprise hub.
Future Plans
Access Mildura Rural City Council’s Community Vision & Council Plan
Case Studies
Learn more about some of the businesses in our region – why they chose Loddon Mallee, and their vision for the future.
Global Rotomoulding – Moulding the future
“We have a deep knowledge of agriculture and the way that roto-moulding could help and change the agricultural sector. It only made sense for us to start Global in an area that is in the heart of the agricultural area in Victoria.” – Larissa Lloyd-Ward, Director & CFO
Cann Group – Building a future for medical cannabis in Australia
“We actively seek out innovation. It’s allowed us to have one of the most advanced greenhouses in the world, established right here in Mildura.” – Russell McGifford, Operations Manager
Gallery
Mildura Rural City 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 or contact the MRCC Economic Development team directly via edtourism@mildura.vic.gov.au
