News

Council flaunts regional growth amid challenges

By Ryan Bellingham

Nov 13, 2025

Regional Development Victoria's Loddon Mallee regional director Leanne Rosewall and chief executive Xavier Csar joined Gannawarra Shire Council's chief executive Geoff Rollinson and manager economic development Scott Wishart on a tour recently. Photo by Supplied

Gannawarra Shire Council flaunted its economic development and tourism opportunities during a recent state government visit.

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Representatives from Regional Development Victoria were led on a five-hour tour by council chief executive Geoff Rollinson and manager of economic development Scott Wishart.

The visit highlighted major projects in the area, including VHM’s Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands project and ECS Botanics’ medicinal cannabis facility.

Renewable energy projects and agricultural developments were also given a spotlight, which Mr Rollinson said showed the council’s resilience.

“Despite external factors, such as water scarcity and changes to our climate, council has been proactive in attracting projects to the municipality that will diversify our agricultural sector and promote job growth,” he said.

“Projects like VHM’s Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, ECS’s headquarters, free-range poultry developments and renewable energy developments (will) increase employment numbers.”

The council also took the opportunity to focus on projects that would require government advocacy, including residential development, expansion of industrial estates and economic support from water buybacks.

Balancing the proposed jobs boom and subsequent demand for housing while supporting communities reliant on agriculture was a key item of discussion.

Mr Rollinson said the council thanked the RDV representatives and looked forward to continued collaboration with the department.