Riding the agriculture wave
Agriculture, horticulture and viticulture are important industries in Swan Hill Rural City, with the region producing more than 40 commercially-grown products from dryland and irrigated farms.
Swan Hill Rural City is Australia’s largest producer of table grapes, pistachios and olives, responsible for one quarter of all carrots nationwide, a top contributor to the stone fruit industry and accounts for approximately 70 per cent of Australia’s almonds and olive oil production.
The people of Swan Hill Rural City are friendly and culturally diverse, with the community inclusive of more than 40 nationalities that call the area home. There are abundant employment opportunities and a booming economy, primarily built on agriculture production and service industries.
This region is home to fantastic natural attractions including the Murray River, an extensive lake system, riverine forests, unique Mallee landscapes and a splendid climate.
Fast facts about Swan Hill Rural City
MAJOR TOWNS INCLUDE
Swan Hill, Robinvale, Lake Boga, Nyah, Nyah West and Piangil
HOME TO AROUND
21,000 people
SUPPORTS OVER
9,100 jobs
ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT OF MORE THAN
$3 billion
Innovative engineering and manufacturing sector, and a renewable energy hub
with goals to become the solar capital of Australia
Robust transport and logistics infrastructure
with access to capital cities including Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and major shipping ports.
Strengths
PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT
- 33°C average maximum summer temperature
- 15°C average maximum winter temperature
- 280mm average annual rainfall
INDUSTRY SERVICES
Investment in residential development, such as the $1.9 million Swan Hill Worker Housing project, provides accommodation to a growing population and attracts more workers to the region, including seasonal workers.
COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE
The Swan Hill region has access to SuniTAFE, a tertiary facility offering varying diplomas and certificates in the agricultural field.
PLANNING SUPPORT
The region has excellent opportunities for growth and investment in horticulture, agriculture and manufacturing. Swam Hill Rural City Council facilitates an economic development team and the Robinvale Euston Business Association which supports business development in the region.
“The greater Swan Hill region has seen a huge growth in horticulture… driven by the security of water.”
Dean Morpeth
MORE INFORMATION
- Contact Swan Hill Rural City’s Economic Development Unit on 03 5032 3033 or ecodev@swanhill.vic.gov.au
- Visit the Swan Hill Rural City Council website
- Visit the Invest Loddon Mallee – Swan Hill Rural City website
- Find out about the Swan Hill Worker Housing project
- Robinvale Euston Business Association
SUCCESS STORIES
Kilter Rural
Kilter Rural is an Australian company, founded in 2004 to service a $200 million institutional investment in regenerative farming, biodiversity rehabilitation and climate change mitigation. The business regenerates underutilised agricultural farmland, transforming it to deliver technically advanced and environmentally sustainable irrigated and dryland production systems. Since its inception, 12,000
Sharp Fruit
Two fourth-generation stone fruit growers from the Woorinen district joined forces to expand their businesses and modernise their packing facilities. The end result is Sharp Fruit, which works with local growers to supply nectarines, peaches and plums around Australia and internationally.