The Mildura Economic Development Strategy (Strategy) will be an important strategic document for Council, having recently taken over economic development and tourism functions from Mildura Regional Development. As such, the Strategy, and accompanying five-year Action Plan, will provide important guidance for a clear direction to achieve economic development outcomes that supports Council’s vision to be “the most liveable, people-friendly municipality in Australia.”

The Strategy will:

• Consolidate and align Council’s economic development efforts across departments,
• Guide advocacy and investment attraction activities, and
• Establish clear, measurable goals and priorities to enhance economic outcomes across the region.

To ensure the Strategy aligns with the needs and aspirations of industry and community across the entire Mildura LGA, we are seeking insights from local businesses, industry representatives and residents. Your input will help us understand what economic development means to you, what role Council should play and how our Economic Development unit can best support growth, innovation and resilience in our region.

Economic Development is the process of improving the economic wellbeing and quality of life for a community and its residents, through creating local jobs, supporting businesses to grow, attracting investment and fostering innovation. It involves strategic efforts by governments, businesses and communities. A strong local economy helps fund public services, maintain infrastructure and supports a resilient and thriving community.

Following Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) taking on the economic development and tourism functions from Mildura Regional Development, a new strategy is required. This will ensure it reflects today’s economic conditions, local priorities, alignment with State and Federal priorities and emerging opportunities. The new Strategy will guide Council’s role in supporting business, industry and workforce development over the next five years. The accompanying action plan will set clear objectives and tasks to support sustainable growth and ensure our local economy thrives into the future.

The strategy will influence how Council supports local businesses, job creation, infrastructure and services. It also recognises the vital role of community groups and sporting clubs in driving social connection, health and wellbeing, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive local economy that benefits everyone. Whether you are a resident, business owner or investor, community input will help ensure that the strategy reflects the needs of our community.

The Strategy will be developed by Council’s Economic Development team in collaboration with Urben Enterprise, an experienced consultancy, successfully appointed through a competitive procurement process. This collaboration will combine local knowledge and lived experience with specialist expertise, ensuring the best possible result.

We acknowledge that tourism and events are key drivers of economic activity for our region, therefore they are being addressed through a dedicated Tourism Strategy, which is being developed simultaneously. This Strategy will encompass visitor servicing, events and tourism activities and allows us to give these essential drivers the focussed attention they deserve, whilst ensuring both strategies align and complement each other to support broader economic benefits.

Council is a facilitator of economic development by creating a supportive environment for economic activity, for example through planning, infrastructure, business support programs, policy development and partnerships. Council also works to ensure economic growth aligns with community values and sustainability goals.

At times Council’s role is limited to advocacy – working with other levels of government or stakeholders to influence outcomes or obtain funding through grant programs, or to a supporting role – enabling industry and community groups to lead initiatives.

Council also promotes the region, supports tourism and works to attract new investment.

The Economic Development Strategy will align with the Council Plan, Council’s Community Vision 2021 - 2040 and other key strategies such as the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS), Tourism Strategy, Asset Plan 2025 – 2034 and many more. Together, these plans ensure a co-ordinated approach to growth, infrastructure and community wellbeing.

We will consult a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, local businesses, industry groups, educational providers and government representatives. A range of engagement methods are used, such as survey, community and industry workshops, targeted industry interviews and stakeholder meetings.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the preparation of the draft strategy. Key themes and priorities raised by industry and community will help shape the vision, goals and actions of the draft document.