MANUFACTURERS from across Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, and Moira have identified clear priorities to lift productivity and support the next wave of regional manufacturing growth in 2026 and beyond.
An industry workshop held in October which involved 19 businesses that represent more than 3,500 local jobs. The workshop was jointly hosted by the three councils in partnership with the Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM) and Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS).
Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Fiona Le Gassick said the discussion highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to secure long-term growth.
“Collectively the region’s manufacturing sector contributes over $5.5 billion annually and employs more than 6,000 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 ‘Manufacturing Across the Region’ workshop reaffirmed the region’s position as Victoria’s leading regional manufacturing hub, underpinned by strong agricultural supply chains, reliable irrigation, strategic freight links and a skilled, committed workforce.
However, participants also identified shared constraints, including energy reliability and cost, housing supply, workforce skills, digital connectivity and freight infrastructure.
Campaspe Shire Council CEO Pauline Gordon said coordinated planning was critical to addressing these challenges.
“Manufacturers across our shires face common pressures, from supply chains to workforce and housing. Coordinated planning ensures we can invest effectively and advocate together for what industry needs,” she said.
Five priority areas were confirmed and documented in a summary report: Housing and Liveability; Energy Reliability and Cost; Workforce and Skills; Transport and Freight Access; and Digital Connectivity. These priorities are already guiding joint advocacy and discussions with government, education partners, network providers, and investors.
Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan said a unified regional approach would strengthen industry performance.
“Automation, digital capability and freight connectivity are top of mind for our local manufacturers. A coordinated regional response will strengthen productivity and resilience across council boundaries,” he said.
Immediate follow-up actions include targeted work with energy partners on grid reliability and large-user tariffs, collaboration with education and training providers on specialised manufacturing skills pathways, and integration of freight and bridge priorities into regional transport strategies.
Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO Linda Nieuwenhuizen said industry leaders were seeking practical outcomes.
“Our industry participants represent more than 3,500 local jobs, and they want to see tangible collaboration between councils and business. The feedback from this session helps set clear priorities for investment and advocacy,” she said.
In 2026, the tri-Councils working group (Campaspe, Moira and Shepparton Councils, with C4EM and C4GS), will continue to leverage existing formal and informal networks to maintain current understanding of shared and localised issues to steer the ongoing manufacturing agenda and keep actions grounded in real business experience.
Committee for Echuca-Moama Chair Tim Ford said manufacturing remained central to regional prosperity.
“Manufacturing is vital to the strength of our communities. Working together across boundaries positions us to deliver stronger outcomes for industry and employment,” he said.
The summary report, Manufacturing Across the Region – Regional Manufacturing Workshop Summary, October 2025, will be released on participating council and committee websites in the new year.
