Latest WSM Census Results Highlight New Growth Trajectory
19 July 2022
For the first time in at least 40 years the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM) has bucked the trend of slow population decline. This occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic; a time in which Victoria’s overall population decreased.
Changing up the housing mix on offer in the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM)
23 June 2022
Large backyards, quarter acre blocks and traditional three-to-four-bedroom family homes have historically formed the basis of our WSM housing stock.
Over the last ~ 60 years the region’s population has grown by approx. 8.7%, whilst the number of homes occupied is estimated to have almost doubled, increasing to 24,200 in 2020 from 12,118 in 1961.
The Housing Blueprint has landed to address the dire Wimmera Southern Mallee housing shortage
May 02, 2022
This project will unlock Western Victoria’s potential to become the renewable energy powerhouse of Victoria as the state moves from coal-generated electricity to sustainable green power in coming years.
Currently, much of the sustainable and clean wind and solar energy being produced out of western Victoria cannot get to the electricity grid because there isn’t enough capacity in the existing network.
There are wind turbines in Western Victoria generating clean power that goes nowhere. Investment in new wind and solar farms is being put on hold – stifling economic opportunity for the region and the state’s ability to provide reliable and affordable energy. This project will fix that.
It will also create jobs during and after construction, and deliver flow-on economic benefits to the region.
Housing is considered the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s (WSM) number one challenge inhibiting growth, liveability and economic strength. To address the region’s dire housing shortage, the Wimmera Development Association (WDA) has launched its Housing Blueprint, delivering plans for innovative housing solutions based on seven core foundations.
Study details pandemic impacts on recreational water use, visitation
October 25, 2021
The latest findings of a study into the social and economic value of recreational and environmental water in the Wimmera Southern Mallee has detailed the staggering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing the Wimmera’s experiences with a changing climate
August 13, 2021
Wimmera people might not know it – but they are climate change experts. A new Wimmera Southern Mallee project called Climate-eyes will capture residents’ observations and stories of surviving and adapting in tough climatic times.