Economic Profile
Click on the links below to jump to topics on this page:
- Meander Valley Prospectus
- Key Industries
- Importance of Agriculture
- Water Availability
- Rural Land Prices
- Transport & Logistics
- More Information
Meander Valley Prospectus
Meander Valley Council has a growing reputation as being one of Tasmania's more progressive and pro-active councils. In recent times it has been able to attract significant investment through several large infrastructure projects. Population growth based upon the 2006 National Census indicated a 4.8% increase compared to the Tasmanian rate of 3.8%. Investors and developers have expressed confidence in the Meander Valley Council's planning and development processes which has contributed to the positive investment environment which currently exists.
If you would like more information about investment and development opportunities in Meander Valley click on the Prospectus below:
To download a PDF version click here
Key Industries
Manufacturing is by far the largest contributor of economic activity in Meander Valley at 29% of gross revenue.
|
Industry Sector |
Value Contribution |
|
Manufacturing |
$341 million |
|
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing |
$145 million |
|
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services |
$116 million |
|
Construction |
$112 million |
|
Arts & Recreation Services |
$84 million |
Source: Remplan - Meander Valley March 2011
Importance of Agriculture
Average monthly rainfall in Meander Valley 
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Average monthly temperature in Meander Valley 
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Agriculture is a major driver of Meander Valley's economy contributing over $145 million to the economy. The fertile soils, pristine water supply and temperate climate of the region, underpins the level of high quality and quantity of produce for which Meander Valley is renowned. Over many decades, agricultural enterprises have established a proven track record in producing a diverse range of high quality products. In dollar terms Meander Valley accounts for 10.4% of Tasmania's gross agricultural product and has the third largest quantity of land under agricultural use in Tasmania and is the third largest in terms of production value.
|
Local Government Area |
Hectares in use - Agriculture (All uses except Forestry) |
Production Value |
|
Meander Valley Council |
105, 105 |
$101.94m |
|
Northern Midlands |
358, 944 |
$113m |
|
Circular Head |
103, 291 |
$139.36m |
|
Dorset |
125, 623 |
$86.04m |
Production value in Meander Valley over the last 10 years has increased from $61 million to $102 million. Of this figure, crops made up 39% of the total value followed by livestock products at 38% and livestock slaughtering at 23%. Dairy operations continue to be the dominant component of livestock products and accounts for 88.6% of production or $34.2 million. In 2009 there were 453 dairy farms in Tasmania and of those 74 or 16% were located in Meander Valley.
Water Availability
In February 2008 the $30 million dollar Meander Dam was completed which provided the opportunity for 31 000 mega litres to become available for irrigation across Meander Valley, making this the biggest irrigation scheme in Tasmania. Since then, 5 water distribution pipelines have been constructed across the region to allow for a greater level of up take by producers. This important infrastructure investment will allow for an average increase of 76% of irrigation area across Meander Valley enterprises in the respective irrigation districts. This investment establishes a significant competitive advantage for the region which now allows for valuable Class 3, 4 & 5 lands to be irrigated in a financially sustainable manner. The majority of intended new irrigation will be taken up by dairy farming 63%, cropping 27% and livestock finishing including thoroughbred breeding at 10%.
Rural Land Prices
Prices of rural land sales over the last 2 years have remained steady. With the addition of long term irrigation capability it is expected that the average price will increase however prices are predicted to remain competitive.
|
Land Capability - Classes 3,4,5 |
Average per hectare price 2008/2009 |
|
Irrigated |
$6644 per hectare |
|
Non - Irrigated |
$2086 per hectare |
Transport & Logistics
The recent establishment of the 130 hectare VALLEY CENTRAL industrial precinct has provided Meander Valley businesses with the capacity to produce, package and transport from a location central to the region. The flexibility of the precinct allows for a wide range of industry uses and has the ability for permitted status of developments to be approved subject to basis criteria being achieved. Activities within the precinct can operate 24 hours daily, 7 days per week without conflict with residential amenity. The proximity of the precinct within Meander Valley and in relation to Tasmania's major airports and shipping ports provides easy access for export to the Australian mainland and into overseas markets.
More Information
Meander Valley has a growing reputation as being one of Tasmania's more progressive and pro-active local government organisations. In recent times it has been able to attract significant investment through several large infrastructure projects. Population growth based upon the 2006 National Census indicated a 4.8% increase compared to the Tasmanian rate of 3.8%. Investors and developers have expressed confidence in Meander Valley's planning and development processes which has contributed to the positive investment environment which currently exists.
If you would like to find out more information about investment a development opportunities in Meander Valley contact:
Rick Dunn
Director - Economic Development & Sustainability
T: +61 3 6393 5300
M: 0417 393 483
E: Rick.Dunn@mvc.tas.gov.au
PO Box 102
Westbury
Tasmania
Australia 7303
