Council promotes economic development, tourism opportunities
Published on 05 November 2025
Key Regional Development Victoria (RDV) leaders gained an insight into the Gannawarra’s economic development and tourism opportunities during a tour of the municipality last week.
Gannawarra Shire Council hosted RDV’s Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Csar, Loddon Mallee Regional Director, Leanne Rosewall and Regional Development Manager, Kassie Hocking on Thursday, 30 October, with the trio joining Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson and Manager Economic Development, Scott Wishart on a tour of the municipality.
The five-hour visit enabled the RDV representatives to learn about the Gannawarra’s current economic landscape, highlighted by VHM’s Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, ECS Botanics’ medicinal cannabis facility, renewables and agricultural development.
“Despite to external factors, such as water scarcity and changes to our climate, Council has been proactive in attracting projects to the municipality that will diversify our agricultural sector and promote job growth,” Mr Rollinson said.
“The tour enabled Council to highlight these efforts to RDV’s key decision makers, with projects like VHM’s Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, ECS’s headquarters, free range poultry developments and renewable energy developments to increase employment numbers.”
The tour also focused on projects that would require advocacy from RDV, including residential development, expansion of industrial estates, support for projects identified in the Koondrook Local Development Strategy, and economic support following the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and subsequent water buybacks.
“Demand for housing to accommodate the jobs boom proposed for the Gannawarra and support for our communities reliant on traditional agricultural practices was a key item of discussion, with Council committed to support all communities,” Mr Rollinson said.
“Council thanks Xavier, Leanne and Kassie for taking the time to visit the municipality and looks forward to continuing to work with RDV to collaborative make the Gannawarra a great place to live and work.”
TOP: Regional Development Victoria Loddon Mallee Regional Director, Leanne Rosewall (left) and Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Csar, joined Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson and Manager Economic Development, Scott Wishart on a tour of the municipality on 30 October.