Mineral Sands Mining

Mineral sands mining is a relatively new industry to the region, with two large mineral sands companies (Iluka Resources and BEMAX Resources NL) currently in the process of establishing mines.

With the potential to invest up to $400 million in the Mildura region, mineral sands mining is becoming a significant industry. Approximately 200 people are currently employed in mineral sands mining, with future projections indicating a possible further 60-80 positions.

This industry employs plant operators, transport and earthmoving contractors, administration staff, maintenance crews, laboratory workers and caterers.

For further information visit BEMAX Resources NL and Iluka Resources

Mildura Marina

Development of the $70 million marina (‘Dockside Mildura’) has commenced in Mildura on the Murray River. Dockside Mildura will have five main precincts, a hotel precinct, riverside residences, marina residential precinct, a retail precinct and boat service precinct.

The development of the marina is anticipated to create 400 employment positions during construction and 200 positions once operational.

Dockside Mildura will consist of a 150 room hotel and conference centre, 15 premium riverfront residences, 1500 square metres of harbourside retail, 100 marina berths, 24 premium harbourfront villas, 46 luxury harbourview villas, a tower containing 24 luxury horizonview apartments and maritime infrastructure services.

For further information visit Mildura Marina

Solar Energy

Solar Systems are proposing to build a $420 million 154MW solar power station in North-West Victoria, with a site in Thurla, Mildura, identified as a potential site. The project represents the largest and most efficient solar photovoltaic power station in the world.

According to Solar Systems, the power station will generate clean electricity (directly from the sun) to meet the annual needs of over 45,000 homes with zero greenhouse gas emissions, and electricity output would be connected to the national grid for retail sale.

Subject to appropriate funding arrangements and planning approvals, with construction to start in 2009, with construction scheduled for completion sometime in 2013.

A Federal Government grand of $75 million has been secured under the Federal Government’s Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF), while the Victorian Government will also support the project with a grant of $50 million. The remaining $295 million in project investment will come from the private sector.

Riverfront Development

The Mildura Riverfront Master Plan 2004 has been developed to utilise Mildura’s unique location on the banks of the Murray River. Development of precincts along the river such as dining, arts, culture, recreation and walking / cycling discovery trail all form part of council’s master plan. This $130 million project will create opportunities for construction, tourism, hospitality and retail trade.

Transport Industry & Infrastructure Development

Expansion in horticulture, wine production and mineral sands mining has driven the Mildura region to develop detailed, long-term plans and strategies for the future development and expansion of the regions transport infrastructure. Options for the development of a new road / rail freight hub, a new rail line linking to inland rail lines, rail standardisation and upgrade are all issues being addressed in detail by key organisations within the Mildura Region.

Transport, logistics and warehousing industries have also grown rapidly over recent years. Significant job opportunities exist within the areas of logistics management, heavy vehicle drivers, diesel mechanics, fork lift operators and warehousing.

Airport & Industrial Development

The Mildura Airport has been growing rapidly over recent years with expansion to airport facilities, development of an industrial airport precinct and rapid growth in passenger movements. Passenger loadings for 2006/2007 were 168,800 and grew by 10.8% on the previous year. Land near the airport has also been identified for the development of a Business Park Precinct. Industrial land use strategies have also been developed for the Mildura Region, with the demand for industrial land growing rapidly with new industry and industry expansion.

Residential and Commercial Development

The housing market in the Mildura Region has notably increased in value over the past few years, particularly between 1999 to 2005. However, regional comparisons show that housing in Mildura is still very affordable. Median housing prices in Mildura are lower than Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Greater Shepparton, making it an attractive location to live or invest in. Mildura Rural City Council predicts that 500 new houses will need to be built per year to meet the demand of the region’s growing population, that is projected to continue growing at a rate of around 1.7—1.9% per annum.

Many job opportunities exist in all aspects of construction, trades (such as electricians, plumbers, plasterers, roof tilers), engineers and associated support services.

Barkindji Biosphere

An emerging tourism development for the Mildura region has been the establishment of a biosphere (Barkindji Biosphere). The biosphere’s main functions are the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation, sustainable economic and human development, as well as supporting research, monitoring, education and information exchange.

The Biosphere is on a large tract of land adjacent to, and encompassing, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. Within it is large flood plains of the Murray River, the Murray/Darling environments, open plains, and harsh Mallee and spinifex country.

For further information visit Barkindji Biosphere