Swan Hill Rural City Council
Discover the Opportunities in The Heart of the Murray.
Discover the range of exciting business opportunities that exist within the Swan Hill Rural City Council area. Swan Hill is a thriving, modern city. Swan Hill and its irrigated and dry land areas are home to over 20,000 people. An economic catchment of 40,000 people stretching along the Murray Valley into the Mallee in Victoria and the Western Riverina in New South Wales use Swan Hill as their service centre.
Local community and government organisations are eager for businesses to recognise the potential of the area, and are committed to promoting and facilitating sustained development. The region’s competitive advantages include;
• Large tracts of relatively cheap land for large-scale agricultural production, urban and industrial expansion
• Abundant land and ability to grow a variety of agricultural products, both dryland and irrigation
• Quality transport infrastructure that includes road, rail and air.
• Significant investment in water and electricity infrastructure.
• A central location within the Murray Basin ‘foodbowl’ and easy access to major capital cities and seaports.
• The support and commitment of the local community and government
• A full range of business and community services expected of a large regional centre
• A warm, dry climate allowing an appreciation of a wide variety of lifestyles.
Solar
Prime location for a large-scale and small solar power station as it has;
• Availability of an abundant solar resource
• Access to connect to the electricity grid
• Availability of appropriate land
• Support from the Swan Hill Rural City Council
A number of potential sites have already been identified characterised by easy access to the power network and major access roads.
Bio-energy
Abundant supply of biomass that could be used as fuel for the production of energy including;
• Almond shell & husks
• Olive Waste
• Winery waste
• Grains and cereals
• Municipal green waste
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is a newly emerging regional development opportunity for open water farming of Murray Cod and potentially other freshwater species. Open water Murray cod aquaculture is an outstanding prospect for developing sustainable diversification ventures in Northern Victoria. Copies of the Victorian Open Water Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry Development Plan can be obtained by contacting the Economic Development Unit.
Tourism
Tourism in the Swan Hill region has always been strong because of its location on the Murray River and warm climate. Visitor numbers have increased over the last few years due to a stronger marketing presence thanks to the use of marketing funds raised through a Special Marketing Rate introduced in 2002. Opportunities exist in;
• Expanding the accommodation base and diversity
• Indigenous tourism
• Food and wine tourism
Food Manufacturing
A major attribute of the region is the ability to grow a variety of agricultural products – both dryland and irrigation. There are major opportunities to value-add to commodities before they leave the region, including
• Grapes
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Olives
• Vegetables
• Stone fruit
• Meat
• Grains
For further information and support contact Economic Development Unit. P: (03) 5032 3033 E: ecodev@swanhill.vic.gov.au Visit: www.swanhillonline.com or www.swanhill.vic.gov.au
