RDA Loddon Mallee

The Loddon Mallee region is expansive and diverse, running from central Victoria up to the Murray River and across to the north-west of the state. The region encompasses more than a quarter of Victoria and being ‘north of the divide’ boasts a warm and sunny climate. It includes a diversity of heritage cities and towns, a range of employment opportunities, services, great food and wine and recreational opportunities centered on the Murray River and unique forest environments.

Because of the region’s size and diversity, it is often considered as two sub-regions, the north and the south, which reflects the different challenges and opportunities they each face.

Loddon Mallee North is about 45,000 square kilometres in size. The Murray River is the ‘lifeblood’ of the region, which is a major food producer for Victoria, Australia and export markets. It is a highly productive agricultural and horticultural region. Some of its larger urban areas – Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura – are experiencing sustained population growth and tourism interest, while some smaller towns are experiencing population decrease.

Loddon Mallee South is the geographic centre of Victoria, and its location and transport linkages make the region highly accessible, particularly from Melbourne. It also includes the thriving provincial centre of Bendigo, and the regional towns of Castlemaine, Kyneton and Maryborough. The region is experiencing strong population growth which is projected to continue at almost 50 per cent above the Victorian regional average, with drivers including improved road and rail links, more jobs and investment and the region’s liveability appealing to ‘tree-changers’. The main industry employers in the region are retail, health and manufacturing.

Combined, the Loddon Mallee region contains the ten local government areas of Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Gannawarra, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mildura, Mount Alexander and Swan Hill.

RDA Loddon Mallee Vision Statement

To enhance the liveability, productivity and sustainability of the Loddon Mallee region. It will do this by working with the community and all levels of government in a pro-active and collaborative way.

Committee members

Loddon Mallee RDA Committee Members include Leonie Burrows, Peter Johnston, Lisa Farrar, Damien Tangey, Linda Beilharz OAM (Chair), Stuart McLean (Deputy Chair), Craig Niemann, Caroline Welsh and Jeff Rigby.