The ‘Manufacturing Across the Region’ workshop involved 19 businesses representing more than 3500 local jobs and was hosted jointly by the three councils, Committee for Echuca Moama and Committee for Greater Shepparton.
The region’s status as Victoria’s key regional manufacturing hub was confirmed, underpinned by strong agricultural supply chains, reliable irrigation, strategic freight links and a skilled, committed workforce.
Manufacturers from across Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira local government areas set a clear list of priorities.
C4GS chief executive Linda Nieuwenhuizen said the feedback from the workshop helped shape clear priorities for investment and advocacy.
“Our industry participants represent more than 3500 local jobs; industry leaders want to see tangible collaboration between councils and business,” Ms Nieuwenhuizen said.
The five priority focus areas identified were housing and liveability, energy reliability and cost, workforce and skills, transport and freight access, and digital connectivity.
These themes will guide joint advocacy and project development by the three LGAs, C4EM and C4GS, and are already informing discussions with government, network providers, education partners and investors.
Immediate follow‑up actions include targeted work with energy partners on grid reliability and large‑user tariffs, and collaboration with education and training providers on specialised manufacturing skills pathways.
Other follow-up actions will include integration of freight and bridge priorities into regional transport strategies.
Further work with councils and investors will focus on land use, housing diversity and enabling infrastructure to support both workforce attraction and industrial expansion.
In 2026, the councils’ working group will continue to leverage existing formal and informal networks.
This is to maintain current understanding of shared and localised issues to steer the ongoing manufacturing agenda and keep actions grounded in real business experience.
Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Fiona Le Gassick said the sector contributed over $5.5 billion annually, employing more than 6000 locals.
“By working together across councils and industry, we’re building a strategic platform to secure growth, innovation and resilience for decades to come,” she said.
The summary report, Manufacturing Across the Region – Regional Manufacturing Workshop Summary, October 2025, will be made available on participating council and committee websites in the new year.
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