Council update

Agriculture

Council’s economic development team is actively marketing and chasing new agricultural projects to diversify the local economy. Staff use industry contacts, cold call and target certain industries to attract new developments. The strategy is to target developments that can create jobs and add value to the local economy without the reliance on water. 

• Poultry group looking at land along Kerang–Koondrook Road. One of three projects we are facilitating.
• Poultry project along Kerang–Cohuna Road in the contract stage. It’s an Australia company.
• A 6,000 acre new irrigation project is well underway at Beauchamp near Mystic Park. Will comprise 40 centre pivots and a 1,000 acre vineyard. Andrew Peace wines.
• A corporate company looking at dairy aggregation around Cohuna.
• Several shedded dairy projects underway.
• New piggery project at Kerang East.
• Kilter are still investing in new projects in Kerang lakes area. 
• Staff are facilitating a new $40M medicinal cannabis facility that will include a 5 MW solar farm and battery to power the plant 24/7. It’s not over the line but the feasibility of the processing plant and solar farm is well under way. The project will create 40 jobs and again diversify the Ag. sector. 

Energy

Energy is a key part of our strategy to diversify. It is mostly new technology that attracts investment, jobs and significant funds for Council. If all of the solar projects develop, Council can recoup around $1.8M per annum – money to be spent in the communuty. 

• Council is advocating to AEMO and the State Government for the Victoria – NSW interconnector project (KerangLink). This is a new transmission line that will connect Victoria, NSW and SA and allow power to move with greater flexibility. If the interconnector comes via Kerang it will open up the area for significant investment in new solar and possibly wind. Again it’s about creating the diversity in the landscape that strengthens the local economy and grows local towns. Strategic work of this nature is long term and unfortunately takes time to evolve. 
• Staff are still getting enquiries for new energy projects in all configurations from 5 MW to 500 MW. We have also had an enquiry to develop a wind farm in the area and for several 5 MW solar farms.
• Staff are still working with a company proposing a micro grid in Kerang. A micro grid will generate power locally to supply local retail customers and will certainly provide cheaper power options for residents and industry. Swinburne University is involved in the micro grid and they are hoping to develop a training facility as part of the project.

VHM mineral sands mining

This project is still working strongly behind the scenes and is hoping to commence in 2021. The economic development unit has been working closely with VHM on infrastructure issues such as roads, rail, power supply and water supply. A study was completed that considered a range of options for both water and power and this work has allowed VHM to consider a range of supply options from developing an on-site solar farm for power supply to several water supply options. With 250 jobs to be created this project is extremely important to the local economy and is sure to drive further business opportunities in the local area.

Infrastructure 

Council’s economic development team is responsible for much of the direction with infrastructure that drives commercial developments in agriculture, tourism and industrial as well as infrastructure that encourages liveability and relocation.

The waterfront masterplans were developed for the 3 main waterfront areas of Kerang Lakes, Koondrook and Cohuna. All of these waterfronts have a high level of commercial investment attached. Kerang Lakes host three caravan parks, a hotel, service station and holds potential for further residential development as projects such as the VHM project grow. The lakes support a strong events program with watersports and boat racing and are some of the main recreational lakes in Victoria. 

Work is underway to transform the waterfront in Cohuna again as it hosts a variety of commercial activity and liveability attractions. Caravan park, residential, RV camping along with a variety of recreational activities. The waterfront is also part of the Cohuna CBD and new linkages of the waterfront and CBD are sure to drive a variety of new business activity in the town centre. Several new accommodation options are also in the early stages. 

The Koondrook waterfront is similar in that it hosts significant commercial businesses including a motel and caravan park along with a variety of local businesses that link to the waterfront. There is also significant local investment that is driving growth in Koondrook. Koondrook retreat is the glamping hub and council has been working with a consultant to manage an expression of interest for the management of the site. It is hoped to commence in early December. 

Industrial

A new industrial estate expansion is proposed in Tate Drive Kerang. Commencing in late 2020 early 2021 the work will provide an additional 12 lots. Already there are buyers waiting and the potential for significant new jobs – great news for the economy of Kerang. 

A new site is being considered for Koondrook. Industrial land in Koondrook is limited and the proposal will look at acquiring a small portion of crown land for future growth needs.

In Cohuna, plans are underway to expand Keely Estate. There is demand for the remaining land in stage one with the new stage creating around 14 new allotments. 

Industrial estates in the Gannawarra have created around 200 jobs and $25M in local investment.

Retail

COVID-19 hasn’t been kind to many of the retail and hospitality business and to assist the Economic Development team has stayed in regular contact with businesses either via email, website updates or by direct calling. Any retailers or hospitality businesses are encouraged to contact Council if they need assistance with any of the Government support initiatives.

Outdoor dining has taken on a new role with COVID-19 and many of the local eateries are expanding their outdoor dining. Council’s team is working directly with the hospitality businesses to develop new dining options. 

A new retail strategy has been developed and many of the strategy actions are already underway including the facilitation of pop up shops in vacant premises and the facilitation of new retail options. Its great to see new retail businesses opening in Kerang.

Marketing

A strong marketing program is continuing with Television, radio, newspapers and magazines the key areas for advertising right across the region.

We should have the sign trailers out next week and these will focus on buy local, tourism and relocation.

A marketing report will be forwarded in the coming weeks.