The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Loddon Campaspe region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.
The Loddon Campaspe region is situated in central Victoria with a population of more than 253,000 people. It encompasses the local government areas of Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander. The region is home to Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Baraba Baraba, Ngurraiillam, Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta peoples, who have lived, worked, and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. Since 2011, the region's population has grown more than 17 per cent - 35,000 people - with Bendigo experiencing the largest total population increase with more than 20,000 new residents from 2011 to 2021. Running through the centre of the region is the Employment and Innovation Corridor which connects Melbourne to Bendigo and through to Echuca. It provides road and fast rail connectivity through much of the region and is underpinned by enabling physical and digital infrastructure.
Loddon Campaspe has a well-established food and fibre sector that prides itself on its reputation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The agricultural industry is experiencing intensification and adopting new innovations to drive productivity, which is changing the nature of skills and training required in the region. Loddon Campaspe is home to Victoria's largest gold mine and the ground released for further gold exploration in 2021 is expected to generate significant economic growth and jobs in mining and exploration. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 6,900 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 5,600 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.
Edited excerpts from publications.
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