Boosting Business, Growing Tourism - Latest Council Update

Published on 05 February 2026

In 2024, Hindmarsh Shire Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2024-2028. The Strategy builds on current economic contexts within Hindmarsh Shire, to identify strategies and targets to support people, employment, and socio-economic wellbeing, housing, and economic output. At the Council meeting on Wednesday 4 February 2026, an update on progress was presented. This update outlined key activities and achievements that the Economic Development and Tourism team have achieved over the past 18 months.

Business Engagement and Opportunities

With only two staff who also work on delivering projects and services outside the Economic Development Strategy, the team has completed more than 400 business check‑ins across the Shire, supporting operators through information sharing and creating connections with relevant agencies. From 2026, quarterly business visits will be scheduled in each of the four towns to strengthen relationships and identify training and support needs.

Facilitation support was provided to over 12 existing and 15 prospective businesses, resulting in 11 new business openings. Three additional businesses are preparing to open, and one is seeking a buyer.

This program of business engagement and local economic support over the past year has included three Shop Local outside broadcasts in partnership with MixxFM and two Business and Tourism Forums that attracted more than 60 attendees. Council also provided post‑bushfire grant support and advocacy throughout 2025, hosted a visit from the Small Business Victoria Business Bus, and promoted local operators through the 2025 Christmas Shop Local campaign, which reached the community across social media, local print outlets, and MixxFM.

Council is supporting new hospitality ventures, agricultural initiatives, local produce marketing and placemaking projects, with a business‑managed online directory to launch in early 2026.

Grants Programs

Council allocated $20,000 to the Business Assistance Grants program in both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 budgets. Across the past two rounds, $34,895.02 has been awarded to support business sustainability. The Regional Community Events Grants program received $30,000 in both years, with a total of $17,500 has been distributed over the past two rounds, with a new round now open for events planned in the next six months.

Tourism Activities

Several new attractions opened in 2025, including the Wimmera River Discovery Trail linking Dimboola and Jeparit with a new campsite at Arkona, the Rainbow Silo Development which drew strong holiday visitation, and improved signage and completion of the Nhill Lake walking track creating a new connection to the main street. Council also collaborated with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism to deliver the Wimmera Mallee Touring Map, while upgrades at the Nhill Caravan Park continued with three new studio cabins scheduled to open in early 2026.

Industrial Land Scoping

As part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy, industrial land scoping is underway to identify suitable sites and opportunities for clustering compatible businesses. The study also includes an investigation into the feasibility of tradie hubs. A draft report, including initial feasibility findings, will be presented to Council in early 2026 and will support future advocacy and investment attraction.

You can read the full report and update on the Economic Development Strategy in the Council Meeting agenda from the meeting held on 4 February 2026. This is linked on Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/council-meetings. See Item 10.5, pages 58-73.

For further information, contact the Economic Development and Tourism team on (03) 5391 4444 or business@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer