Business and investment

Wodonga is home to approximately 37,000 residents and is the largest city in North East Victoria, servicing a region of approximately 170,000 people.

The city continues to enjoy strong growth and residents enjoy a terrific lifestyle with a range of shopping and entertainment options. Population forecasts estimate the city will reach 50,000 people by 2026. The main growth corridors for Wodonga will occur to the east and south.

Wodonga shares a twin city relationship with its New South Wales neighbour, Albury. Combined, they are Australia's 18th largest city and have a population of 107,000 people. Albury Wodonga's economy is estimated to be in excess of $5.6 billion and more than 7000 businesses.

The strong performance of Wodonga's economy is envisaged to continue with strong population growth and several key projects in progress, including;

CBD redevelopment: Wodonga's CBD is undergoing considerable change as a result of several key projects. Strategic parcels of land being readied for the market are providing the city with the unique opportunity to redevelop its heart.
Mann Central - $60 to $80 million: A retail facility that will house specialty retail, a discount department store and a supermarket.
Quest Serviced Apartments and Tavern - $25 million; 80 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and tavern to be built in Wodonga's CBD.
Riverside Estate: 2200-lot subdivision in Wodonga's east that fronts the Murray and Kiewa rivers.
White Box Rise Estate: 1000-lot subdivision in Wodonga's south, three minutes from CBD.
The Cube Wodonga - $10 million: Construction of a state-of the-art entertainment facility.
National Industrial Skills Training Centre (NISTC) Facility - $12 million: National driver training centre to be built at LOGIC.
Wodonga Aquatic Centre - $11.2 million: Construction of a new aquatic centre at White Box Rise Estate.

While manufacturing is the primary employment sector, representing 18 per cent of Wodonga's labour force, other sectors such as public administration and safety (12 per cent), retail (12 per cent) and health care and social assistance (11 per cent), play a significant part in the city's economy.

Wodonga's location, critical mass of population and significant infrastructure provides the base of many key competitive advantages including:

Competitive land prices available for fully serviced industrial and business zones including LOGIC and Baranduda Enterprise Park.
Around 75 per cent of Australia's population is in reach by next day transport haul.
A highly-skilled and productive workforce, low levels of labour turnover and industrial disputes.
An established manufacturing and transport sector with national operators.
Capital city services and infrastructure at much lower regional rates.
Access to high standard telecommunications and IT structures.
Excellent quality of life for employees and their families.
Excellent health and education facilities.
Access to an efficient transport network, with road, rail, and air facilities.

How we can help

The council's economic development team supports Wodonga residents, businesses and industry through the promotion of a positive business environment, balanced with lifestyle to attract people, new business and new employment opportunities.

To achieve this goal, a range of initiatives are in place, designed to broaden the economic base of Wodonga while maintaining the enviable lifestyle.

Staff in the economic development unit are dedicated to providing assistance and advice to potential new locators and expanding businesses. The team offers assistance in a variety of ways, including:

Identifying suitable land and premises;
Providing support to existing businesses wishing to expand;
Advice on the local economy and referral to key agencies;
Provision of economic and demographic statistics; and
Liaison with business support agencies.

Staff are located in the city offices at 104 Hovell St, Wodonga and are readily available to provide advice and assistance.