Background

Yarrawonga is beautifully located on the Murray River and thrives with its twin-city Mulwala on the New South Wales side of the Murray River. It is the largest township in the Moira Shire and enjoys all the features of a dynamic regional centre, whilst being surrounded by vast rural lands.

From the late 1830s, early explorers saw the region's open grasslands as exceptional for grazing and through agriculture the area was settled.

Before a railway line existed to Yarrawonga in 1886, paddle steamers travelled the Murray River on route to Albury with merchandise including timber, wheat and wool. Whilst there is no longer access into this section of the river for riverboats, the river still plays a central role in everyday life.

The region quickly became a water sports haven when the Yarrawonga weir was opened in 1939. This created Lake Mulwala as part of the largest irrigation system in the southern hemisphere.

The water level remains relativele constant year round, making it the ideal destination for water sports activities, adding to both tourism and economic sustainability in the region. It has also been vital to consistancy in farming productivity across Moira Shire.

Live...Our People

In the recent years, Yarrawonga had experienced the fastest rate of population growth in the Shire, reflecting its appeal as a place to live, work, invest.

The population is currently over 6,000 people in Yarrawonga with a further almost 2,000 people living in its twin-city Mulwala. The broader economic region including Moira Shire, Berrigan Shire and Corowa Shire has a population of over 46,000 people.

Competitive housing prices, excellent climate, a relaxed lifestyle close to water and nature-based leisure activities and the abundance of quality education, health and community service facilities make Yarrawonga a popular choice for people to live.

Work...Our Employers

The major employers in the Yarrawonga area include Moira Health Care Allicance- community health service, ICM Farm Products- beef cattle feedlot and Swift Australia- meat processing. Across the river in Mulwala there is Thales Australia (formally Australian Defence Industries)- defence manufacturing and three licensed sports and service clubs.

The area is also bustling with small business across a number of key sectors including tourism, hspoitality, agribusiness, manufacturing and retail. The employment opportunities are diverse adding to the lifestyle choices in Yarrawonga.

Invest...Our Opportunities

Economic Development is supported by a progressive business community and a pro-business Shire Council, enabling prosperity, innovation and great opportunity in and around Yarrawonga.

• AGRIBUSINESS activity in the area around Yarrawonga includes fruit orchards, wineries and grain farming. Other opportunities could include sun-dried tomatoes, olive groves and oil producting, oilseed crops and food processing.
• TOURISM activities centre on the lake and registered clubs in Mulwala. Water activities include water skiing, sailing, fishing and river cruising. There are also championship golf clubs in the area. Other opportunities could include expansion in conference facilities, accomodation for backpackers, luxury accommodation and specialist tours incorporating golf and water-based activities.
• HOSPITALITY activites that appeal to the local community and the consistant influx of tourists are an important aspect of lifestyle in Yarrawonga. Other apportunities exist in this sector with the demand for quality dining.
• MANUFACTURING activity is dominated by the Australian Defence Industries at Mulwala. Other manufacturing in the area includes industrial engineering, light manufacturing and wool processing.
• RETAIL is strong in Yarrawonga, with a shopping strip that caters to the local community and tourist visitors alike. Other opportunities exist in this sector including development of service to assist business.

Yarrawonga is serviced by electricity, natural gas, good telecommunications and high quality water supplies. There are several industrial estates that can accomodate further light manufacturing, industrial engineering or food processing business. The existing infrastructure can underpin large developments and a major expansion of industrial activity.

Our Accessibility

Yarrawonga is well-positioned within one hour of the major centres of Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta and Shepparton. The township is connected to Melbourne by major road and rail networks. The Yarrawonga Aerodrome handles a variety of light aircraft, has agricultural freight capability and is being further developed.


Yarrawonga Open for Business PDF