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Hindmarsh Shire Council Hindmarsh Shire Investment Prospectus INVEST WORK LIVE

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Page 1: Hindmarsh Shire Investment Prospectus INVEST WORK LIVE we... · 2018-10-23 · Melbourne and Adelaide, with easy access to major highways. ... medical and aged care facilities in

HindmarshShire Council

Hindmarsh Shire Investment Prospectus

INVEST WORK LIVE

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If a move to regional Victoria is on your agenda, then consider the Hindmarsh Shire in the Wimmera Mallee.

It’s the place for productive, passionate people who want to balance a successful business or career with all the benefits of a rural lifestyle.

From a small, family run venture to a grand scale operation, there are many business locations to choose from and vibrant towns to settle in.

Supported by an innovative local government, active communities and busy tourist trade, your tree change to North West Victoria could just be the best investment of your life.

Peaceful lifestyle, diverse economy

SIMON MIBUS- WIMMERA ELECTRICALSimon Mibus believes Dimboola offers the perfect position for his electrical business.

It’s close enough to Horsham to be able to see wholesalers in person and pick up anything he needs. Close enough to Jeparit that he is often the first electrician people from the community call when they need a job done.

“It’s a good middle ground, I can get into Horsham quickly if I need to but I am in the right position to service people in Jeparit and Dimboola,” Simon said.

Mr Mibus said servicing the two smaller communities of Dimboola and Jeparit meant he had a steady flow of work with understanding clients.

“The small town attitude is great to work with, people are really understanding if I am a bit busy and can’t get to them right away. They want to support the local guy,” he said.

Simon set up his business two years ago and said being in a small town helped with marketing the new business.

“Word of mouth is my biggest form of marketing and advertising,” he said.

“In regional areas like this there isn’t a lot of competition like there is in metropolitan areas. If I started my business in a metropolitan area I would have needed to invest in marketing to get my name out there- word of mouth does the marketing for me here and I just have to make sure I keep my clients happy.”

The trade community is supportive in the Hindmarsh Shire and Simon said he regularly talks to other local tradies about what jobs are going and how they can work together.

“It’s a very supportive work environment.”

2011 CensusWimmera Southern Mallee Region: 54,509Hindmarsh: 5,798Nhill: 1,872Median age: 47

Hindmarsh Shire (Jan 2015)Output: $526mExports: $239mGRP/worker: $127,008

Industry (Jan 2015)Manufacturing: $123mAgriculture: $115mHealth: $47m

Number of Businesses (ABS 2012)Agriculture: 511Retail trade: 50Transport and logisitics: 48Rental and real estate: 47Construction: 40

HousingMedian house price (2014): $112kMedian rent (Nhill 2015): $170/weekBuilding approvals (2014): $6.1m

Workforce (2011 Census): 2,132Professionals/managers: 897Trades/labourers/operators: 683Unemployment (2014): 4.1%

Wimmera Mallee Pipeline: $700mLuv•a•Duck: $28mWest Wimmera Health: $16mNhill trailer exchange: $11.5mDimboola College Healthand Fitness Centre: $2.3m

Economic snapshot

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Strategic LocationThe Hindmarsh municipality is situated half way between Melbourne and Adelaide, with easy access to major highways. The Shire’s towns are on the main rail freight lines to ports in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne and there is an airport in Nhill.

Industry SnapshotAGRICULTUREBroadacre farming is the backbone of the Wimmera Mallee, which exports around 60 per cent of its grains, pulses and oilseed globally. Other farm production includes sheep, wool and cattle. Complementary businesses include bulk grain storage and transport, gypsum production and rural merchandise suppliers.

MANUFACTURINGA key employer in the region, the local manufacturing industry, is dynamic with construction and engineering for commercial and industrial buildings, structural steel, mining services and infrastructure and rural products. Numerous custom steel fabricators are located in the region and manufacture silos and field bins for on farm storage.

FOOD AND BEVERAGEDerived from local produce, cereal based foods and ingredients are manufactured and packaged in the Shire. Other food growth and production includes duck and olives/olive oil. Barley for big brand beer and salt from the ancient Pink Lake are also sourced locally. Major employers include Luv•a•Duck in Nhill and Blue Lake Milling in Dimboola.

HEALTH AND COMMUNITYWest Wimmera Health Services is a leader in rural health services and operate hospital, medical and aged care facilities in Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow, whilst Wimmera Health Care Group operates the Dimboola Hospital and Medical Centre. The Shire has a strong workforce of highly qualified and experienced health and community professionals working with our communities to keep them happy and healthy, as well as regularly visiting specialists from the city.

TOURISM AND EVENTSThe Shire’s national and regional parks attract thousands of visitors each year for bushwalking, four wheel driving, fishing and water sports. Key destinations are the Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks, Big Desert Wilderness Park, Lake Hindmarsh, Lake Albacutya and the Wimmera River. The region is a day trip away from the Grampians National Park, Mt Arapiles and the Murray River. Major annual events include the Dimboola Rowing Regatta, Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum Vintage Machinery Rally in Jeparit, Nhill and District Racing Club Boxing Day meet and all towns have annual local agricultural shows.

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Major AssetsWIMMERA MALLEE PIPELINEOne of the largest water infrastructure projects to be carried out in Australia, the Wimmera Mallee pipeline replaced 18,000kms of inefficient earthen channel system with 9,159kms of pressurized pipeline. It guarantees high quality, secure water to 36 towns in the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee including Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow in Hindmarsh Shire. This pipeline has not only secured water for residents, but has allowed existing and new industry to prosper sustainably in the Wimmera Mallee.

WIMMERA INTERMODAL FREIGHT HUBSituated on 33.5 hectares in Dooen, just over 40kms from Dimboola, the freight hub is a modern terminal for container grain handling and grain processors. It can provide for trains up to 1.8kms long. More than 700 containers move through the facility each week, dramatically reducing truck movements on our major arterial roads and is a strong alternative for freight and logistics in the region.

WIMMERA RIVER AND TERMINAL LAKES SYSTEMThe Wimmera River rises in the Pyrenees Ranges near Ararat, flows through Horsham, Dimboola and Jeparit and eventually flows into Lake Hindmarsh, a short distance from Jeparit. The Wimmera River is the longest landlocked river in Victoria and forms a vital water supply to several prominent wildlife habitats such as the Little Desert and Big Desert. Its cultural significance to Dimboola and Jeparit’s history make the Wimmera River unlike any other. Lake Hindmarsh is Victoria’s largest fresh water lake and when full over flows into Lake Albacutya, which is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

MIGRANT COMMUNITYTo fill local skills shortages across a diverse range of industries like farming, manufacturing and professional trades, a large number of skilled migrants from the Karen community of Myanmar (Burma), as well as migrants from other parts of the world have been attracted to the Shire. This has greatly complemented the local workforce and reinforced Hindmarsh Shire as a multicultural Mecca with over 25 nationalities represented throughout the four towns, providing a rich diversity to the small rural communities.

NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK (NBN).The NBN is being rolled out across Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow, providing homes and businesses with fast internet access. The NBN allows home based and internet based businesses to work anywhere in Australia, and ideally located in the heart of regional Victoria, Hindmarsh welcomes this innovation.

JACKIE AND MICHAEL SHEARER - HINDMARSH HOTEL, JEPARITJackie and Michael Shearer have managed to combine passion with business in Jeparit.

Jackie’s strong background in business and Michael’s 30 years’ experience as a professional enduro rider meant reopening the Hindmarsh Hotel in Jeparit and running bike tours was a perfect business opportunity for the couple.

The couple took over the hotel in 2015 after seeing the potential for business in Jeparit when visiting friends in the region.

“We really saw the recreational potential in the region and with our experience running several businesses over the years meant we could also see potential for tourism and other business,” Jackie said.

“The motorbike riding in the Big Desert and around Lake Hindmarsh and Albacutya was a big draw card of us.

“With the pub being closed for nine years prior to us taking over, everything just seemed to gel together. So now we operate the hotel and motorbike riding tours from there, we cater for everything, the accommodation, meals and the tour.”

Jackie describes Jeparit as a charming town and said there is definitely potential for other businesses to start in town.

“It’s a unique rough beauty in the west, Jeparit has that beauty all around,” she said.

“There are a lot of people wanting to get off the highway on their trips between Adelaide and Melbourne and we are in a great spot for that type of business.

“We have received great support from Council. In fact I have never seen such a supportive and community involved Council. They are involved in their small communities and do their best to help local business.

“That’s a huge factor when setting up a business, knowing the local government is supportive of what you can bring to a community’s economy.”

Jackie’s message for anyone considering investing in a business in the region said it is important to not just look at the population of the town, but how many people can come in.

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MICK PARRY – WIMMERA MALLEE WASTEMick Parry is an entrepreneur who believes if you base a business on your existing skill set and expand from there, you can’t go wrong.His story is proof his theory works.

Mick was a mechanic by trade who originally set up Parry Motors in Rainbow and expanded the business to include car sales.

“Using the theory of building on my existing skills, I expanded to include the local school bus run years ago because I figured I could service them myself,” Mick said.

“Then in 1999 the waste contract came up and I had been told the trucks need a lot of maintenance, so I thought that sounded right up my alley.

“I got the contract and the business has grown from there.”

The waste and school buses have now become Mick’s core business and he has expanded his services into other shires.

“We now have 19 trucks servicing four shires and 11 buses doing school runs,” he said.

He doesn’t believe his success would have been possible if he wasn’t in a regional area such as Hindmarsh Shire.

“The shire supported us and took a risk with us on our first tender and I am very grateful we got that contract and have now expanded into other shires,” Mick said.

“What can be viewed at arm’s length as an obstacle can actually be an advantage. The tyranny of distance which is a challenge sometimes is also an advantage because properties are cheaper for establishment of a business, the labour force is quite stable and there is a need for services to be provided with less competition.

“I don’t think we would have been able to have this opportunity to build such a big business in a metropolitan area because there would have been so much more competition. Because we were able to set ourselves up on that smaller platform, now we can compete with those metropolitan businesses.”

Mick now employs 25 people across the whole business and provides two essential services to the community, waste disposal and transport.

Business OpportunitiesTRADEThere’s a high demand in the region for top quality, reliable tradespeople across a diversity of trades who can work on a variety of projects from government projects and major construction, to domestic renovations and improvements.

TRANSPORTDue to the volume of product being exported from our region, together with the strategic location near major transport networks, there are exciting opportunities for national freight and logistic companies to expand or relocate their business. Dimboola and Nhill would make ideal changeover locations for transport businesses operating between Melbourne and Adelaide.

TOURISMHindmarsh Shire boasts one of Australia’s most diverse natural environments with ecosystems of rivers, lakes, wetlands, agricultural plains and desert. There are endless options for private adventure based tourism to be established locally, from equipment hire and four wheel driving to fishing and hiking tours – the opportunities are endless.

FOOD AND HOSPITALITYThere’s always a pub on the market or an opportunity to refurbish a café into a funky eatery or provedore that showcases local produce. There’s scope for diverse accommodation from bed and breakfasts to self contained group lodgings. If your dream is to set up a microbrewery, then basing yourself in the country’s wheat / barley belt gives you access to the best possible base product. There are opportunities to connect with quality farmers’ markets, larger regional retail outlets and supply chains further afield.

RETAILThe right mix of retail can really make a town buzz. From boutique clothing and shoe shops to quaint garden nurseries, there are many opportunities to explore for entrepreneurs wanting to complement existing businesses and enjoy the benefits of low overheads compared to city retail spaces. Starting your own or buying an existing business are both options in all four towns.

HOME BASED PROFESSIONALThe NBN means that professionals working remotely or running online businesses can do so from the comfort of their own home with little to no overheads. This is an attractive option for professionals who seek the quiet, regional lifestyle, yet still want to maintain a challenging career. It’s also a great option for working parents striving for work/family balance.

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DimboolaPOPULATION: 1500

With the picturesque Wimmera River winding through town, Dimboola offers a serene lifestyle for those who love getting close to nature.

Not only does the river facilitate limited agricultural and domestic water requirements, it’s a popular spot for water sport, or simply relaxing with family. Other recreational facilities include the swimming pool, health and fitness centre , lawn bowls, croquet, tennis, football, netball, hockey, basketball, badminton, golf and rowing to name a few.

Key facilities in Dimboola include a modern hospital, two primary schools, a secondary college and childcare centre. The welcoming main street features heritage brick buildings of yesteryear, with all the offerings of today’s essential services, retail, food and coffee, plus the local, friendly pub.

Dimboola is known as the ‘gateway’ to the Little Desert National Park and is just a few kilometres from the famous Pink Salt Lake offering locals and visitors an abundance of outdoor activities. It’s also just half an hour from Horsham the Wimmera’s major city centre – providing boundless opportunities to leverage as a result of this proximity.

Built on a strong history of farming, Dimboola is the location of food manufacturer Blue Lake Milling, which was established in 1974 and employs around 35 people. Many Dimboola residents are also employees of the rail freight industry. The Overland passenger train comes through three times a week on the Melbourne Adelaide line.

JeparitPOPULATION: 600

Known as the birthplace of former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, Jeparit is a small, but dynamic farming community in the heart of Hindmarsh Shire.

The town has all the necessities like a supermarket, post office, community pharmacy, general store and takeaway, plus small retail and professional businesses. It has a kindergarten, primary school and hospital and nursing home run by West Wimmera Health Services.

Situated on the Wimmera River and just a few minutes’ drive to Lake Hindmarsh, Jeparit locals love to spend their downtime relaxing by the water, either swimming, fishing, water skiing or camping. The place is also a popular holiday destination for lovers of the great outdoors.

The Jeparit community is proud of its expansive Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum, which is the site for an annual Vintage Rally that attracts thousands to the town over the June long weekend. Visitors also come from far and wide to compete at events at the clay bird shooting complex. Other recreation facilities include swimming pool, lawn bowls, tennis, football, netball, golf and skate park.

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NhillPOPULATION: 2200

Nhill is the thriving main service centre of the Hindmarsh Shire.

Situated on the Western Highway – which averages 4,000 vehicles per day Nhill is half way between Melbourne and Adelaide. Its location provides investors with an ideal base for local, regional and interstate opportunities.

There’s a kindergarten, two private Primary schools and a public P12 College. West Wimmera Health Services delivers high level medical and health services through its Nhill Hospital campus, whilst the modern community centre provides a broad range of programs, including a state of the art 3D digital cinema.

The town has an eclectic shopping precinct with modern shops, plus hotels, cafés and two art galleries.

Sport is a big focus in the town and there’s a multi purpose recreation oval, racecourse, 18 hole all greens golf course, swimming pool and bowls club with two synthetic greens. The stadium caters for basketball, badminton, indoor netball and squash. A large lake in town has been developed for recreation complete with board walks and is a great spot for swimming, fishing and water skiing.

In recent years, Nhill has become home to skilled migrants from the Karen community of Myanmar (Burma), who are valued members of the community. They initially came to work at Luv•a•Duck, but are gaining skilled employment in other industries such as administration, health and retail.

Servicing the busy agricultural industry, there are sale yards and a transport trailer exchange. Nhill is on a major rail freight line, and host a vast majority of secondary agriculture service providers such as rural merchandise, chemicals, agronomy and rural real estate.

The Overland passenger train comes through three times a week on the Melbourne Adelaide line and the town also has its own airport for light commercial and private planes, which is also home to the magnificent Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

RainbowPOPULATION: 500

With vibrant gardens and colourful street art, Rainbow lives up to its name.

About one hours’ drive from Horsham, Rainbow offers an idyllic rural lifestyle. The main street, lined with charming heritage buildings, reveals a lively shopping strip with a range of retail, eateries and professional business offices.

There’s a fantastic P12 public school with VCE, VET and VCAL courses and West Wimmera Health Services runs a state of the art hospital and aged care facility, as well as a range of community health programs to the district.

For sports lovers there’s a recreation reserve for football, netball and tennis, community gym, swimming pool, golf course, badminton courts, lawn bowls and a rifle range. Situated on the edge of the national parks and lakes, locals never tire of exploring the vast Mallee wilderness and there is plenty of accommodation for visitors.

www.visithindmarsh.com.au

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Let’s get started…Hindmarsh Shire Council has a proactive Economic Development Unit that provides step by step assistance to investors wanting to start up or relocate to the municipality, as well as providing ongoing business advice and support.

Hindmarsh Shire Council

• Connects you to council’s building and planning officers

• Provides research statistics and profiles

• Exposes you to business site options

• Advises of business grants or rebates

• Facilitates local connections

• Introduces you to local business groups

• Assists with family settlement, schools and careers

For further information, please contact the Economic Development Officer on (03) 5391 4422 or email [email protected]

92 Nelson Street Nhill Victoria, Australia 3418

Tel: (03) 5391 4444 Fax: (03) 5391 1376

www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Hindmarsh Shire

THE DUCK OF CHOICE - LUV•A•DUCK A positive culture and an enthusiasm for its product, people and community form the backbone of a regional Victorian success story.

Luv•a•Duck is one of Australia’s leading producers of duck products. The business directly employs 240 staff and operates numerous facilities including hatcheries and processing plants across the Wimmera region. Luv•a•Duck brings immense value to the local economy through employment opportunities and infrastructure development.

Luv•a•Duck was founded by Art Shoppee, who moved to Nhill in the early 1960’s to take over a dry cleaning business. As a side interest, Art began raising ducklings in his shed and sold them to Adelaide restaurants. He identified the potential business opportunities and the Luv•a•Duck business was established.

Today the company is owned by Art’s two daughters who oversee a very competent and passionate team of executives and team members. The third generation members are entering the business with varying skills and fresh ideas. The family vision is not only to be the “Duck of Choice” but to be the ‘employer, supplier and customer of choice’ now and well into the future.

Luv•a•Duck continues to invest heavily in enhancing production facilities in Nhill and growing and breeding farms throughout the Wimmera region. Luv•a•Duck is committed to the region and is a strong supporter of the community.

Awards proudly received in the past two years include Wimmera Powercor Business Of The Year, Australian Migration Settlement Award, City of Port Phillip City Power Partnership and Corporate Social Responsibility Award, Innovation in Primary Industry Award, 12th Most Trusted Australian Brand and Product Of The Year Award for the Cooked Poultry Category.

Retail and food service customers can widely access a large range of Luv•a•Duck products Australia wide and throughout the Pacific Islands, South East Asia and the Middle East.

For further information visit luvaduck.com