Ninety Mile Consulting (NMC) is working alongside Swan Hill Rural City Council to develop a strategic, evidence-based plan that reflects the region’s priorities and long-term vision. By combining data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and structured planning, this process will provide a roadmap for sustainable development, investment, and service delivery.

Swan Hill’s economy is built on agriculture, water, and regional connectivity. Known for its vineyards, citrus orchards, stone fruits, and almonds, the region is a key contributor to Australia’s food supply chain. The Murray River sustains farming, tourism, and local industry while also presenting challenges around water security and climate resilience.

As a major service centre, Swan Hill supports a wide regional catchment, also extending into New South Wales. With an ageing population and a workforce shaped by both local and itinerant labour, the region must balance economic expansion with workforce retention and community infrastructure. At the same time, Swan Hill has tourism potential, with historic sites like the Pioneer Settlement and natural assets such as Lake Boga and the Murray River offering opportunities for growth.

A Framework for Action

NMC’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework ensures that the Plan is both strategic and actionable. Using demographic insights, stakeholder engagement, and economic analysis, this approach connects long-term community aspirations with real-world planning decisions. It provides Swan Hill Rural City Council with a structured method for defining priorities, allocating resources, and measuring impact. By maintaining flexibility while setting clear, evidence-based objectives, the framework allows the Council to adapt to economic and environmental shifts without losing sight of its long-term vision.

The 2025–2029 Plan will establish measurable objectives, define success indicators, and guide investment in key areas. Through engagement with local stakeholders, the plan will reflect the needs of businesses, residents, and service providers, ensuring that policy decisions and funding priorities are based on direct community input. Every stage of the process will be designed to balance ambition with practical implementation, ensuring that Swan Hill has a plan that can be delivered, measured, and adjusted as required.

A well-structured Council Plan like this provides clear priorities, aligns resources with strategic goals, and ensures accountability in decision-making.

“Swan Hill has a strong regional identity, shaped by its people, industries, and cross-border connections. This Council Plan is an opportunity to ensure the region continues to thrive while addressing emerging challenges in a way that is both strategic and community-led. Our role is to bring together evidence, engagement, and expertise to create a plan that is meaningful and actionable.”

– Dariya Otgonbayar, NMC Project Manager