A Snapshot of Hindmarsh Shire

Hindmarsh Shire Council is a vibrant and progressive rural Council, rich in history, natural wonders and a strong community spirit, offering opportunities for local and large businesses to participate in its procurement activities in mutually beneficial terms.

Hindmarsh Shire is located in the Wimmera region in western Victoria and covers an area of 7,527km2. Situated on the Western Highway, 375km west of Melbourne and 350km east of Adelaide. With that, the Shire is alive with business opportunities as it lies on the second-busiest freight corridor in Australia.

Hindmarsh Shire has a resident population of 5725 (2016 Census). The four major townships in the Shire are:

• Nhill
• Dimboola
• Rainbow
• Jeparit

Our Shire is bound by two National Parks, the Little Desert in the South and Wyperfeld in the North. Other distinct natural features include the Big Desert Wilderness Area to the West, as well as the Wimmera River and Lakes Hindmarsh and Albacutya. The central part of the Shire is utilised primarily for broad-acre cropping and grazing.

The largest industry in Hindmarsh, both in economic output and employment, is the agriculture sector. However, other established and immerging industries such as manufacturing and tourism are significantly important to the Shire as additional economic support particularly during time of drought.

Council's Place in Business

Through the Local Government Act, Hindmarsh Shire Council are responsible for many local laws and activities along with in many cases insuring local business etc are abiding by State and Federal laws.

It is important to discuss your business plans with Council who can provide advice and assistance in relation to aspects such as:

• Planning zones and permits
• Building permits
• Food and Environmental health and safety
• Licencing
• Signage and Street Furniture

Importantly we can help ensure all things are covered and can highlight any potential issues early in your business planning process.

It is vitally important to discuss your business plans with Council at the earliest opportunity.

If any potential issues or concerns are raised by your business proposal it is best to know these from the start and work through them rather than realising them shortly before opening your business.

Action & Further Information

Our Business Support webpage provides a clear outline of the process, visit Council’s Business Support page here to get started.

Alternatively, you can contact our Economic Development Team for further assistance on (03) 5391 4444 or email business@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Our Role

Providing over 100 services to the communities of Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow, we pride ourselves on supporting our resilient residents with attractive, safe towns and a strong local economy.

We aim to meet the needs of our diverse communities through a range of activities and services and place a strong importance on continuous improvements to ensure a sustainable future for our communities.

Community Vision

Hindmarsh: Working together to be a connected, inclusive and prosperous community.

We will achieve our Community Vision through four key themes:

• Our Community
• Built and Natural Environment
• Competitive and Innovative Economy
• Good Governance and Financial Sustainability

Our Community

By 2040, we want to:

• be a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and desirable place to live,
• provide arts and cultural activities that strengthen social connection,
• recognise respect and support Traditional owners,
• celebrate the diversity within our Community,
• be safe and accessible communities,
• support healthy living and provide services and activities for people of all ages and abilities, and
• promote digital connectivity to support learning and work.

Built and Natural Environment

By 2040, we want:

• well maintained roads, buildings and other assets that service our community needs,
• spaces and facilities to support our recreation, socialisation and wellbeing,
• sustainable practices that preserve our landscapes and open spaces for our future generations to enjoy, and
• quality and affordable housing and rental accommodation suitable for our diverse community.

Competitive and Innovative Economy

By 2040, we want:

• a strong tourism industry with quality accommodation for visitors,
• a variety of commercial and other employment opportunities for all ages and abilities,
• strong local businesses providing goods and services including retail and hospitality, and
• a strong competitive agricultural industry.

Good Governance and Financial Sustainability

By 2040, we want:

• accountable leadership to achieve a strong and shared future,
• responsible and sustainable financial, asset and risk management,
• continued advocacy on issues that matter to our community, and
• consultative and engaging partnerships with the community and interest groups.

Council Values

Council addresses key values through:

• Transport and accountable actions and decisions
• Inclusion and collaboration with residents
• Showing respect and integrity to all
• Being proactive and responsible by encouraging innovation

Council Mission

Council's mission is to:

• Increase accessible services to enable the community to be healthy, active and engaged.
• Provide infrastructure essential to support the community; and to protect and enhance our natural environment.
• Foster a sustainable and diversified local economy where economic growth is encouraged and supported.
• Promote user friendly services to ensure transparency, good governance and financial sustainability.
• Advance gender equality, equity and inclusion for all.