Regional Development Australia (RDA) Loddon Mallee collaborates with all levels of government, regional leaders and businesses to identify opportunities to leverage Australian Government programs that will increase economic activity in our region. Our strategic priorities are informed by evidence and information, including the Regional Economic Development Strategies of Loddon Campaspe and Mallee.
We collaborate with regional leaders to gather input on submissions and advice from the Australian Government. Our strong relationships with local government leaders enable us to actively participate in working groups involving local stakeholders.
What we do
The committee coordinates the alignment of regional investment. It engages across agencies, industry bodies and the private sector to leverage and coordinate regional effort and influence state and Australian Government policy. It supports economic growth by facilitating access to data and knowledge, and creates regional alliances, partnerships and networks to support public and private investment.
The Loddon Mallee region is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and high-value agriculture. Working closely with regional stakeholders, the committee is driving advocacy, collaboration and investment to progress key regional priorities, including:
- strengthening access to early childhood education and care across the Loddon Mallee
- supporting communities through Murray-Darling Basin transition and adaptation
- addressing regional housing challenges to support workforce and population growth
- advancing a coordinated approach to economic development across the Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia border regions
- unlocking growth opportunities across agriculture, food, beverage and related supply chains.
Who we work with
The RDA Loddon Mallee committee collaborates with businesses, not-for-profits, industry bodies and agencies to build sector strengths, promote regional capabilities and leverage regional advantages. We work with:
- Local Federal Members of Parliament
- Loddon Mallee local government areas of Buloke Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Swan Hill, Campaspe Shire, City of Greater Mildura, City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Mount Alexander Shire.
- Regional organisations including Mildura Regional Development, Be.Bendigo, Committee for Maryborough and Committee for Echuca-Moama.
- Like-minded Regional Committees including the Loddon Campaspe and Mallee Regional Partnerships
- RDA Committees across Victoria and RDA South Australia and NSW border committees.
Our region
Loddon Mallee has two diverse regional economies. Anchored by the City of Mildura the northern region has horticulture, dairying, broad acre cropping, mineral sand and rare earth mining and renewable energy sectors. The Murray River is a tourism drawcard and the north west corner is an entry point to Australia’s outback. Emerging northern tourist attractions include the Silo Art Trail and Lake Tyrrell.
The City of Bendigo is in the more densely populated southern part of the region which has a strong defence, machinery and food manufacturing base. Advances in technology are shaping the future of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors across both regions, while greater supply chain integration is improving efficiency and productivity. Major growth is expected along the Regional Employment and Innovation Corridor which runs between Gisborne through Bendigo to Echuca.
Other significant employers across the region are healthcare and social assistance and financial and insurance services. The Calder and Sunraysia Highway are major freight routes providing access across the region to markets and ports.
Significant State and Australian Government investment in the region include the Galkangu-Bendigo GovHub, Bendigo TAFE and new Law Courts. In the north Mildura, Swan Hill, Koondrook and Echuca have received funding to enhance their frontages to the Murray River.
Case studies
Seizing economic opportunities
Building a global future for the Loddon Mallee
Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee (RDA LM) led the development of the Loddon Mallee International Engagement Strategy 2026–2030, the first region-wide framework designed to coordinate and strengthen international engagement across one of Victoria's most geographically diverse regions. The initiative was driven by a recognition that while international engagement activities were already occurring across local government, industry, education, tourism and community sectors, these efforts were often undertaken independently and without a shared strategic direction. This fragmented approach limited opportunities to maximise the region's collective strengths, leverage government support programs and present a unified value proposition to international markets.
To address this challenge, RDA LM initiated and coordinated the development of a place-based strategy that would provide a common vision and framework for regional international engagement. The strategy was developed through extensive consultation with local councils, industry representatives, education and training providers, government agencies and regional stakeholders. This collaborative process helped identify the region's international strengths, existing global connections, priority sectors and emerging opportunities, while ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities of Global Victoria and Austrade.
The strategy establishes a clear vision, strategic priorities, target markets, priority sectors and measures of success to guide international engagement activities through to 2030. It provides a practical roadmap to support export growth, attract investment, strengthen research and innovation partnerships, promote international education opportunities, enhance tourism outcomes and increase cultural exchange. The strategy also identifies opportunities to further showcase the region's strengths in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, health, education and tourism, while building the capability of local businesses and organisations to engage confidently in international markets.
Key outcomes of the project included the creation of a coordinated regional framework for international engagement, the identification of priority international markets and sectors, stronger alignment between regional stakeholders and increased collaboration across industry, government and education sectors. By providing a clear and evidence-based approach to international engagement, the strategy positions the Loddon Mallee to compete more effectively in global markets, attract new investment, expand export opportunities and foster partnerships that will support long-term economic growth, resilience and regional prosperity.