By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Shire Council is moving to position itself as a prime destination for new business, industry and jobs, with the endorsement of a new Investment Attraction Plan aimed at boosting local employment and strengthening the economy.
Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Cardinia Shire is one of Victoria’s fastest growing local government areas.
“We welcome an average of three new households to our shire every day, and our population is expected to increase by almost 40,000 over the next 10 years,” he said.
But many residents face long commutes due to limited job opportunities within the Shire.The need for local employment, economic resilience, and industry diversification has become increasingly urgent.
The newly endorsed Investment Attraction Plan responds to these challenges by setting a strategic direction for attracting investment into key employment precincts—supporting job creation, economic growth, and a more sustainable future for the region.
The plan outlines Council’s economic investment aspirations for the next 15 years and outlines a range of initiatives that will help Cardinia Shire strengthen its identity as a place to invest.
Mayor Kowarzik said the plan aimed to encourage the expansion of existing businesses within the shire, as well as attract new businesses to the region.
“This plan is a roadmap to help us attract investment to the shire, which in turn creates local jobs, helps boost the local economy and improves the quality of life for our community,” he said.
“Cardinia Shire boasts a number of unique features that will help us attract investment, including state significant industrial land, proximity to productive agricultural land and development opportunities.
“Our Investment Attraction Plan will enable us to position ourselves to attract the right investments, enabling residents to live and work locally.”
The report, developed in partnership with economic and demographic consultant REMPLAN, identifies that economic growth in Cardinia Shire is driven by private sector investment, which promotes business expansion and local employment opportunities. It also identifies that the Federal and State governments have a role to play in progressing economic development through policy frameworks, funding and initiatives.
“Council too has an important role to play in attracting investment through its economic development activities, strategic planning and advocacy,” Mayor Kowarzik said.
“Cardinia Shire’s Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) play a key role in shaping employment precincts, driving economic growth and creating jobs. These precincts are strategically designed to support diverse industries, therefore enhancing regional competitiveness and sustainability.”
The Minister for Planning has recently approved the Officer South Employment Precinct Structure Plan and Infrastructure Contributions Plan under Amendment C274, which is incorporated into the Cardinia Planning Scheme. The precinct will offer a dedicated hub for employment separate from residential areas, providing ample space for industries requiring larger lots and buffer distances from sensitive uses. With convenient access to infrastructure, nearby services, and freight connections, the precinct is designed to attract a diverse range of innovative industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, and commercial operations.
Council also remains committed to working with landowners and the Victorian Government to progress development of the Officer town centre. The town centre will be developed in line with the Officer PSP and will accommodate multiple uses, including retail, commercial and office use, supermarkets and shops, hospitality and entertainment activities, health and government services, and higher density housing such as town houses and apartments.
Lessons learned from previous employment areas and facilitation processes highlight that investment attraction cannot be achieved by a single department alone. A whole-of organisation approach is essential, as successful investment facilitation demands a consistent and exceptional customer service experience.
The Investment Attraction Plan has been developed within existing operational budgets. However, future initiatives may pursue additional funding from state and federal sources.
These steps aim to raise Cardinia’s profile and attract targeted investments aligned with the Shire’s economic and community goals.
For more information about Officer Town Centre or the Officer South Employment Precinct, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
To view the Investment Attraction Plan, please visit
https://creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardinia-business
