Studies underway to help diversify Portland’s economy
22/09/2025Our support for economic diversification in Portland has entered a new phase, thanks to the start of 3 feasibility studies.
The studies are designed to investigate growth opportunities and drive development across a range of local industries.
The studies are supported by more than $1 million through the Portland Diversification Fund.
In the first study, Quantem will assess the infrastructure and regulatory requirements, and local demand, to establish a bulk liquid storage terminal at the Port of Portland.
This could be used to store renewable fuels derived from organic waste, including plantation residue, fertiliser, maritime fuel and edible oils, bolstering Victoria’s renewable energy supply chain,
If the terminal proceeds, it’s expected that up to 120 Jobs would be supported during construction and up to 12 ongoing local jobs would be created to service the terminal.
The second study will support Immersion Group in evaluating the feasibility of establishing an onshore native red Asparagopsus seaweed aquaculture facility. When fed to livestock, this native seaweed has been shown to reduce methane emissions by up to 80 per cent.
An aquaculture facility in Portland is expected to be ideally located to service dairy farms in south-west Victoria and across the state to significantly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
Thirdly, Glenelg Shire Council will deliver “Future Portland,” an interactive dashboard designed to help stakeholders respond to economic changes linked to a major pipeline of projects. The platform will be continuously updated to reflect new developments and guide strategic decision-making across the shire.
A consultant will engage with key sectors such as health, education, childcare, and housing, to gather local data for the dashboard, which Council will be able to use to create more resilience in the local economy.
The Portland Diversification Fund is designed to attract investment into Glenelg Shire that will identify and drive new growth opportunities, while supporting local businesses to increase productivity and competitiveness.
It forms part of our record investment of more than $47 billion in just over a decade into projects that are making our regional cities and towns even better places to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.