Hydroponics

The hydroponics industry is subject to intense current interest around the world as climate changes reduce the reliability of current food production methods and market changes increase the need for consistent supplies of high quality food.

Environmentally, hydroponics is potentially set to become a production method of choice due to high levels of return per litre of water and relative secure methods of production free from dangers of climate variation, storms and insect attacks.

Why grow hydroponics in Baw Baw Shire?

• Clean and green reputation
• A local Council with positive attitude towards the hydroponics industry
• Existing hydroponics industry
• A local industry with a positive attitude to expansion of the hydroponics industry
• Proximity to Melbourne with a labour force attraction in excess of 106,000
• A growing region with an increasing labour force into the future
• Easy Freeway access to Melbourne and it's airports 
• The climate is conducive to growing hydroponic vegetables, herbs and flowers, and compares well with Holland (the world leader in greenhouse production).
  • average rainfall of 1024mm per annum
  • warm summers and mild winters
• Available infrastructure including gas, water, power and roads
• Accredited training providers with developed certified hydroponics courses
• On-going positive relationships with businesses, not just a compliance authority
• Council will facilitate planning process, meetings with necessary authorities

Council Assistance

As part of its programme to identify opportunities in sustainable agriculture and horticulture development, the Baw Baw Shire conducted an in-depth analysis of the area's sustainability to become a major hydroponics industry hub. The study included:

• In-depth analysis of the local climate
• Assessment of infrastrucure needs and availability
• Industry and Council attitude
• Comparitive costs between Baw Baw and Holland (the World's leading hydroponics region).

This is currently available to download and will assist through priority processing of planning permit applications and other facilitation.

 If preferred, this is also available to download in Arabic.

For further information or queries please contact Council's Economic Development Unit:

Baw Baw Shire Council
PO Box 304
Warragul   Vic  3820  Australia
Tel: +61 (03) 5624 2411
Email: economicdevelopment@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au