Invest in West Wimmera

A relaxed and informal lifestyle, Mediterranean climate and spectacular scenery are key features of the West Wimmera region. There is no commuter rush and any drive is framed by beautiful, natural vistas.

The major townships anchor businesses and communities across the region including:

  • Apsley
  • Edenhope
  • Goroke
  • Kaniva
  • Harrow

The proximity to Horsham as a major regional city positions West Wimmera Shire well for economic and logistic opportunity as well as lifestyle amenity.

Primary production has significantly driven growth in the region with producers in the area equalling some of the most efficient in Australia, if not the world. Farming practices in the region are dominated by broad acre dry land cropping systems based on wheat rotated with other cereals, oilseeds and legumes.

At a glance

West Wimmera Shire's economy is driven by agricultural and horticultural industries as well as diverse tourism opportunity linked to cultural and natural assets.

  • Estimated resident population: 3,862
  • Land area: 9200 square kilometres
  • Census population density (persons/km2): 0.424
  • Total economic output: $493.641 million
  • Key employment industries: agriculture (52.5%), healthcare (11.7%), education (7.64%), administration (6.2%), construction (4.8%) and retail (4.1%).
  • Common occupations: managers (38.3%), labourers (14.9%), professionals (12.1%), technicians and trades workers (8.5%), community and personal service workers (8.2%)
  • Agriculture productivity: in excess of $290 million p.a.
  • Average rainfall:
    • Kaniva 448.7mm
    • Edenhope 576.5mm
    • Goroke 512.2mm
    • Harrow 579.6mm

Living in West Wimmera

Lifestyle

The community feel and support for small businesses in the area is the incentive for many investors to relocate their families for the opportunity to grow in this part of regional Victoria. Many residents of the West Wimmera Shire have been attracted by a combination of affordability and rural lifestyle.

Care

Allied health, aged care and disability services are available within our region via West Wimmera Health Service, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Harrow Bush Nursing Centre and Goroke Community Health Centre. State of the art hospital care and treatment facilities, including oncology, are available through Wimmera Health Care Group, based in Horsham.

Education

The public and Catholic schools across the region offer a progressive and high-quality education from prep to year 12. A broad variety of curriculum options are available for students to allow them to access pathways to employment and higher education all within the region.

Schools located in the shire:

Apsley Primary School

Edenhope College

Goroke College

Kaniva College

St Malachy's School

Education pathways

Wimmera Trade Training Centre: Students in  West Wimmera Shire have access to Wimmera Trade Training Centre, located at Horsham College to undertake the delivery of VET certificates. These certificates cover a broad range of areas and address skills shortages in agriculture, in occupations in local demand in aged care and allied health, and in the trades of carpenter, cook, engineer, hairdresser, beautician, community services, music, animal studies and sport and recreation.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network: Careers, pathways and partnerships are key in West Wimmera. The Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN is a not-for-profit charitable organisation working across the western Victorian region supporting residents from all walks of life. A key part of the LLEN’s role is a comprehensive set of Careers and Pathways programs.

There is a range of LLEN partnership programs that support young people in West Wimmera Shire, including the Structured Workplace Learning program (includes School Based Apprenticeships), MATES mentoring programs, vocational education and training, and the Let's Read program. For more information, click here.

Tertiary education:

West Wimmera Shire Council is in close proximity to Federation University's Wimmera campus, located in Horsham.

The institution includes specialised training facilities include a fully functional hairdressing salon, along with industry standard plumbing, automotive, building and construction workshops. The campus also houses art and design, nursing and computer training rooms, TAFE training is conducted in business, further education, automotive, electro-technology, community services, individual support, nursing and hairdressing.

 

Projects and investment opportunities

West Wimmera is perfectly positioned for a number of investment opportunities in key industries, which would provide return on investment while enjoying an idyllic lifestyle. Opportunities include:

  • Agriculture or agribusiness services including export
  • Biodiversity management and associated services
  • Engineering and manufacturing
  • Food processing or niche product development
  • Health retreat or day spa
  • Retail – including bakeries, eco-accommodation
  • Stock feed manufacturing
  • Tourism – including adventure activities, tour operators (Little Desert National Park; farm gate)

Industrial precincts

Suitable for a range of industrial and distribution centres, the region offers competitive industrial land both large and small.

The Kaniva Industrial Estate is currently the prime industrial area within the shire, and is attracting various industries to the region. The site caters for both light and heavy industrial operations.

Kaniva industrial estate

Kaniva Industrial Estate is situated on Farmers Street, 400 meters directly off the Western Highway. Kaniva is located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Opportunities exist for potential business in:

  • Agricultural equipment, sales and service
  • Car wash
  • Electrical, engineering, plumbing and other light trade
  • Food processing
  • Storage
  • Warehousing and logistics

Agriculture

West Wimmera has a strong foundation in the agricultural sector, providing a significant opportunity for further investment that complements the industry. The region is well positioned to attract investment in agriculture production and value-add incorporating food and fibre products, and advanced food processing.

Tourism

West Wimmera region is ripe for a range of tourism infrastructure and attractions. Opportunities exist to tap into the tourist market and day visitors that are drawn to the region for its many natural, rural and historic charms. Situated on national highways, the townships of West Wimmera experience large numbers of drive through traffic.

 

Statistics and population information

Reports on West Wimmera Shire’s economic profile can be found by visiting the Council’s REMPLAN website. Business, industry, and government can create impact reports across industries to support grant applications, construction projects and submissions.  To find out more information, click here.

To uncover open data insights for your business in Victoria, click here for Business Victoria’s - My Victoria. 

For further population statistics, visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

Connect for support

If you would like to understand more about West Wimmera Shire or to discuss a project you would like modelled, contact Council’s Economic Development Team on 13 WWSC (13 99 72) or email ecodev@westwimmera.vic.gov.au