Regional manufacturers set priorities for next wave of growth and productivity

Manufacturers from across Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira local government areas (LGAs) have set a clear list of priorities to unlock greater productivity and secure the next wave of regional manufacturing growth, following a workshop in October involving 19 businesses and hosted jointly by the three councils, C4EM and C4GS. 

The “Manufacturing Across the Region” workshop confirmed the region’s status as Victoria’s key regional manufacturing hub, underpinned by strong agricultural supply chains, reliable irrigation, strategic freight links and a skilled, committed workforce. Participants also identified immediate constraints in energy reliability and cost, housing supply, skills, digital connectivity and freight infrastructure, which are now being progressed through a shared action agenda. 

Held  in Shepparton, the industry participants represented a combined total of more than 3,500 local jobs across Campaspe, Greater Shepparton and Moira.

Five priority focus areas emerged from the workshop and have been documented in a summary report: 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, collaboration with education and training providers on specialised manufacturing skills pathways, and 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 tri-Councils working group (Campaspe, Moira and Shepparton Councils, Committee for Echuca-Moama and Committee for Greater Shepparton) will continue to leverage existing formal and informal networks to maintain current understanding of shared and localized issues to steer the ongoing manufacturing agenda and keep actions grounded in real business experience. 

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, and will be used to support funding bids and policy engagement over the year ahead.

Quotes:

Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Fiona Le Gassick 

“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.”

Campaspe Shire Council CEO Pauline Gordon

“Manufacturers across our Shires face shared challenges, from supply chains to workforce and housing. Coordinated planning ensures we can invest effectively and advocate together for what industry needs,”.

Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan

“Automation, digital capability and freight connectivity are top of mind for our local manufacturers. A unified regional approach will strengthen productivity and resilience across our borders,”

Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO Linda Nieuwenhuizen 

“Our industry participants represent more 3,500 local jobs.  Industry leaders want to see tangible collaboration between councils and business. The feedback from today’s session helps shape clear priorities for investment and advocacy,” 

Committee for Echuca-Moama Chair Tim Ford

“Manufacturing is vital to the prosperity of our communities. Working together across boundaries positions us to achieve stronger outcomes for industry and employment,”