The prospectus will translate the technical planning and feasibility work into a clear, investor-focused document that showcases Hindmarsh Shire’s competitive advantages, site readiness and strategic location between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Mr Fletcher’s report noted the prospectus would ‘move council from planning to delivery’ by reducing investor uncertainty and enabling proactive engagement with industry and funding partners.
Two of the priority industrial-estate opportunities, in Dimboola and Nhill, have been assessed as financially feasible, subject to external funding or private investment.
“Initially, the Dimboola and Nhill sites would be a priority,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The next steps are looking at developing an investment prospectus, so we can then go to market, further work through the business case on the sites, and look at how we actually engage and attract developers and investors.
“From an activity point of view in the region, we have so many things happening just down the road from us – we’ve got Farm Frites in Horsham with a massive investment, we’ve got renewable and mining projects.
“So how do we as a shire get ourselves ready to make the most of that, build on some of those opportunities, and work towards having some of those?
“Expanding our industrial and business space to recoup some additional rate revenue also increases the sustainability of some of our communities as well.”
Mayor Ron Ismay said developing an investment-attraction prospectus was a practical and proactive step towards securing Hindmarsh Shire’s economic future.
“We have a great opportunity to attract new industries, support our local trades sector and unlock the potential of priority industrial sites across Dimboola, Rainbow and Nhill,” he said.
“This prospectus will help us clearly communicate that Hindmarsh is investment ready, competitive and committed to creating long-term jobs and growth for our community.”
The prospectus will highlight the potential for trades-hub facilities designed to support small and emerging trade businesses and address local workforce shortages.
The prospectus is also expected to strengthen the council’s advocacy for state and commonwealth infrastructure funding and help ensure feasibility work translates into economic and employment outcomes for the community.
Cr Rosie Barker, in moving the motion at the meeting, said it was exciting the council was looking at industrial sites and the big picture.
“We are looking at how we can increase business ventures in our region, and I’m hopeful we’re looking in other areas for economic development and to the future as well, which has been reflected and discussed in briefings too,” she said.
“But I think industry first ... and I’m really looking forward to this major step towards making that happen, having that prospectus and attracting developers and businesses to consider coming here because we are perfectly placed here on the Western Highway.”
Cr James Barry, who seconded the motion, said it was an opportunity for population expansion.
“With business brings money, and the way the governments are handing out money, we need to find our own, and I think this is a good opportunity,” he said.
“We’ve got 5500 people in this shire – we need to have 10,500.”
Once completed, the investment- attraction prospectus will be published on the council’s website and used as a targeted engagement tool with prospective investors, industry stakeholders and funding partners.
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