The Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) governance group is pursuing a suite of innovative proposals through the State Government’s Community Development Fund.
These initiatives aim to support economic diversification and innovation across the region, in line with the Local Development Strategy.
FoOD governance group chair, Liz Mitchell said the proposals reflect months of collaborative work by the visitor economy and agriculture innovation working groups, with strong support from the project manager and governance group.
“These are well-considered proposals with broad stakeholder support,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We believe they represent real opportunities for Orbost and District.”
The group has recently submitted Expressions of Interest for grants for a range of programs including:
– A pilot for a fully serviced, premium guided Coastal Wilderness Walk, building on earlier feasibility work delivered by the award-winning Alpine Nature Experience.
– A biochar pilot designed to explore the feasibility of converting local biomass into a valuable product for carbon-smart agriculture.
– An ‘Activation Hub ‘to ensure continued momentum as current support for the FoOD project winds down.
These proposals are in addition to work already underway by FoOD on previous applications to seek support for a feasibility study into a safe cycling and walking path between Orbost and Marlo on the western side of the Snowy River – an initiative reflecting strong community interest and addressing known constraints on the eastern route.
The project is also continuing to advance a whole-of-value-chain hemp pilot, which would bring together partners from farm production through to processing and local end use applications, enabling collaboration and shared learning across this emerging sector.
Working in with local industry, the agriculture innovation working group has supported two private companies to seek grants for projects focused on value-adding local produce and exploring feasibility and pilot opportunities.
Ms Mitchell acknowledged the many stakeholders who contributed to the development of the proposals, emphasising the community’s commitment to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for the district.
“The Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) also continues to play an essential role as a host agency for many of these multi-stakeholder initiatives which are still in their early stages of development,” Ms Mitchell said.
The FoOD project is a response to the impacts of the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests, and the need to transition the local economy.
The purpose of the project is to build on to Orbost and district’s existing strengths and leverage opportunities for supporting positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
The project is supported by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and is delivered by the ODCCI, which is overseen by a community-led Governance Group, and who have developed a Local Development Strategy.
The Victorian Government’s Community Development Fund (CDF) supports projects identified in Local Development Strategies, with funding available for pilots, feasibility studies, applied research, marketing and supply chain development.
The CDF remains open until June 30, 2026.
