OUR REGION

Our Contribution

Industry

The food industry is big business in the Murraylands. The regions ten
biggest food companies together have a combined sales revenue of $1.5 billion. These companies are involved in difference facets of the production, processing and manufacturing of animal products such as lamb, beef, pork and cheese and vegetables including potatoes, onions, carrots, olives, and green vegetables.

Innovation and investment has been key to the development of the Murraylands food industry. Murraylands Food Alliance members collectively spend more than 2 million annually on R&D projects relating to productivity and efficiency gains through water use efficiency, bio energy, refrigeration, genetics and robotics. To further support this innovation MFA members spent more than $32m on capital expenditure in the 2011/12 financial year.

Infrastructure

The region’s key position on strategic national freight routes is a key advantage to businesses in the region.
Located an hour east of Adelaide the region is positioned on key transport routes to Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Planning is also underway to develop a local intermodal, which will increase transport & logistics efficiencies and support logistics companies already located in the region.

The region has access to power, gas and water. The Murray River and Mallee aquifers provide an adequate supply of clean water, gas is available through two gas pipelines, and power is available throughout the region.
Planning is also underway to develop a bio energy powered industry precinct which will not only be a great outcome for the environment but also decrease power costs for businesses located in the precinct.

Community

Having a proud local and skilled workforce is critical to the MFA.
The MFA alone employs more than 3,300 people with an intention to employ a further 847 people in the next five years. MFA members place high importance on their staff living locally and reinvesting their income within the region.

The Murraylands is home to several quality schools, hospitals and entertainment venues which are essential to supporting a local workforce. Together with local government the MFA is working to ensure these services are of the highest standard into the future and to ensure that the Murraylands continues to be a proud multicultural community with a long and passionate history in the food industry.