Major strengths of Rupanyup and Minyip's economy include its diversified nature, wide range of value adding activities and the development of unique core competencies allowing it to produce world class product.

Rupanyup and Minyip also have the ability to retain a large percentage of the capital they generate in the community as well as attract large capital inflows from outside the district.

Economic Growth:

The Rupanyup and Minyip communities have both experienced rapid growth in business income in the last three years. Demand has increased in the district, leading to the expansion and upgrading of local businesses.

Local Rupanyup supermarket manager, Jeff Ruwoldt, reports that business has increased by 30% in the last two years. Many other local businesses catering to the local population have experienced comparable increases in business income.

Employment
A significant number of Rupanyup and Minyip's larger companies are struggling to cope with the demand of both the national and international markets. These successful companies attract millions of dollars of capital into the district and already employ a large number of staff. Future expansion will provide further employment opportunities in the district.

Composition of Income:

Historically, the Wimmera district has been known for its ability to grow wheat. It produces an average crop value of A$200m each year. In addition to this, Rupanyup and Minyip have developed a range of core competencies in other primary production as well as manufacturing and service activities.

Diversification through Pulses
Aside from wheat, Rupanyup and Minyip have diversified into a range of niche farming markets that generate high returns. Examples include lentils, chick peas and broad beans. Hydroponics is another exciting new area that has great potential in the district.

Wheat.
The trend towards deregulation of the wheat industry by the Australian government means there will be more opportunities to generate further income from wheat in the future. The domestic market has already been deregulated allowing farmers to develop and market various wheat products to suitable markets. Hope of similar policy changes in the export market will mean even greater opportunities.

Value adding services in the district.
The returns from primary production are enhanced by the availability of world class value adding activities in the district. There are local companies in both Rupanyup and Minyip that can purchase product from growers, source buyers worldwide, prepare products for export and even transport containers of product to the port. There is even an interest in increasing the scope of these value adding activities in the near future.

Local value adding also ensures a larger percentage of income remains in the community increasing overall income in the district.

Manufacturing
Rupanyup and Minyip generate a large degree of income from manufacturing. Dumnunkle engineering for example, manufacture belt in tube elevators. The company is currently applying for a building permit to expand their factory to cope with the demand.

Summary
Rupanyup and Minyip have all the essential elements of a viable, growth economy. They have unique core competencies that are continually being upgraded, and the ability to maintain control over their capital base and flows. Importantly, they are diversified to the extent that their economy is not reliant on any one industry.

Contact Us
For further information on economic development in Rupanyup and Minyip, please contact the Rupanyup/Minyip Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank.

RupanyupMinyip@bendigobank.com.au