Gannawarra Shire, with a population of 11,900 is located in North Central Victoria, two and a half hours drive from Melbourne. Gannawarra is one of the leading shires in Victoria in terms of agricultural output, with a diverse range of products produced. The dairy industry accounts for around 47% of agricultural output, followed by grain at 22%, red meat 13%, pork 9%, legumes 5% and horticulture 4%. Manufacturing and industry within the Shire is closely linked to agriculture and, like most smaller rural shires, the local economy fluctuates with the rise and fall of commodity prices and climatic conditions.
Koondrook
Koondrook on the Murray River is recognised as Australia’s production centre for quality redgum timber and furniture. Koondrook is also home to Border Packers, who supply quality citrus products to the local and export markets. Visit the packing shed and sample the fresh produce. Arbuthnot Sawmills have been supplying furniture grade timber from the nearby Gunbower State Forest for over 100 years. Koondrook’s redgum craftsmen produce outstanding furniture from this special Australian timber.
Cohuna
Cohuna situated on the Murray Valley Highway between Echuca and Kerang is a bustling township with a strong commercial centre.
The picturesque main street is situated opposite the Gunbower Creek, which forms Gunbower Island, providing an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch in the park. Cohuna has a strong dairy industry on the riverine plains and supports related industries including Northern Herd Development, Automated Water Management Australia, Mawsons Concrete and Quarry Products, Ellwaste and Archards Irrigation. Cohuna is renowned Australia wide as a producer of advanced irrigation components.
Kerang
In Kerang visitors can browse among the many retail outlets that serve the district population of more than 16,000 people. The Kerang commercial centre offers an attractive landscaped shopping centre including a major supermarket chain, five hotels and many specialty stores. Located on the banks of the Loddon River between Swan Hill and Echuca, Kerang is the centre of the Kerang Wetlands system which supports hundreds of species of waterbirds including the Gannawarra Shire Council logo – the Ibis.
Lalbert
Lalbert was named in 1863 by Major Mitchell, and comes from the Aboriginal name for creeper that grows on Mallee trees. Lalbert is in the heart of the Mallee wheat growing area, which is renowned for its crops of wheat, barley, oats, canola and legumes. The golden grains of this Mallee town supply feed to the dairy industry and provide quality grains for the milling industry and export markets.
Murrabit
Murrabit is a small country town which comes to life at dawn on the first Saturday of each month when it hosts the Murrabit Market. The market is one of Victoria’s largest country markets and attracts more than 300 site holders from across the State. Wares on display include art and craft, fresh produce, clothing, plants, bric-a-brac and much, much more. The market is a local initiative and is managed by the Murrabit Advancement Association. Being located on the Murray River guarantees Murrabit the annual influx of fishermen and campers in search of the illusive Murray Cod. The waters of the Murray also provide irrigation water to a flourishing dairy and citrus industry throughout the area.
Leitchville
Leitchville is known as the ‘Community of Unity’. Leitchville’s community spirit has been evident in the towns triumph in forming a community bank and rural transaction centre. Leitchville is the centre of Gannawarra’s dairy industry and home to the Murray Goulburn cheese factory. The dairy industry is the backbone of the Gannawarra economy and the factory at Leitchville is set to expand by around 75%, ensuring the Leitchville area remains one of Victoria’s strongest dairy centres. The Murray River is only a short drive from the town centre and is a popular spot for fishing and camping.
Quambatook
Quambatook is situated on the Avoca River and was originally settled when the gold fever of the 1850s subdued, and a large number of men were forced to find another way to make a living. The Government of the 1870s introduced land laws to resume part of the squatter’s territory. The following years saw Quambatook emerge as one of Victoria’s flourishing wheat and sheep areas. This trait is still alive and well with tonnes of grain produced annually. While in Quambatook you can choose to stay at either the caravan park or local hotel. Country music legend, John Willliamson, was born in Quambatook and lived there till his late teens. Quambatook is also home to the famous Tractor Pull held every Easter Saturday, and is commonly known as Australia’s Tractor Pulling capital.
