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RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 6 2.1 Residen5al & Employment Lands • Con6nue Future City Program Schedule 2.2 Strategic Infrastructure • Implement the next phase of social and infrastructure planning and delivery through the CIM2 ini6a6ve. 1.3 Investment ADrac5on • Create a dedicated Investment ADrac5on Strategy to target development in key precincts. 3.1 Tourism & Events • Implement recommenda6ons from the Visitor Informa6on Centre review including an expanded focus on visitor informa6on servicing. • Collec6vely promote local ahrac6ons, showcasing the region’s unique offerings. • Build on compe66ve advantages such as the dark sky reserve and support businesses leveraging and further product development. • Advocate for new events and CBD ac6va6on. 3.2 Business Support • Build on the exis6ng business support program and ac6vi6es. • Facilitate place-based programs to boost local skill capability via the Murray River Study Hub and Murraylands Skills Centre. • Con6nue contemporary co-working facility provision • Offer ar6ficial intelligence training and upskilling modules as a key component of future training programs. • Introduce a concierge service framework will assist embryonic, new and established businesses. 3.3 Business ADrac5on • Ensure the new investment ahrac6on strategy iden6fies gaps and target business types. • Progress a concierge style case management approach for business to ensure processes are streamlined to be effec6ve and 6mely. Economic Development and Growth Strategy 2026-2030 81

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 7 2. ECONOMIC PROFILE OVERVIEW & TRENDS Analysis of the current economic profile, historical trends and external environmental factors has assisted in informing Sec6on 5 ‘Focus Areas’ and ‘Key Moves’ to focus on delivery. With a popula6on that is becoming increasingly diverse, thirteen percent of RCMB residents were born overseas, most commonly in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, China, New Zealand, and Vietnam. Addi6onally, 5.6% of the community iden6fy as First Na6ons people, highligh6ng a priority for inclusive policy and program design. Key highlights include: • Gross Regional Product (GRP) reached $1.38 billion in June 2023 (10% increase over the previous four years). • Construc6on is the leading sector for economic output, genera6ng $571 million (about 22% of the total), followed by agriculture at $424 million (over 16%) and manufacturing at $391 million (just under 15%). Combined, these three sectors account for more than half of RCMB’s total output. • 1,429 registered businesses with the highest propor6on in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (18.5%), significantly above the South Australian average. • Construc6on and rental, hiring, and real estate services are also prominent sectors. • Growth in rental, hiring, real estate, repair, maintenance, and personal services sectors has been observed, indica6ng shioing community and consumer trends. • Makes up 1.2% of total South Australian employment and 1% of the state’s value add. • In 2020/21 agricultural output was valued at $252 million, with livestock slaughterings as the largest component. • The agriculture sector’s share of state employment rose from 3.5% to 4.9% between 2019/20 and 2022/23, crea6ng 501 addi6onal jobs. Tourism is a major pillar for the local economy and has shown strong recovery since COVID, with direct employment rising from 305 jobs in 2021 to 556 in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Indirect tourism jobs increased from 207 to 378 in the same period, benefi6ng the economy through increased visita6on and event ac6vity. 82 The Rural City of Murray Bridge

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 8 3.1 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT TRENDS & EMERGING SECTORS The Rural City of Murray Bridge is strategically posi6oned to benefit from shios in the broader economic landscape, leveraging both its established strengths and new opportuni6es to foster sustainable growth. The region’s agricultural sector stands out as highly compe66ve, thanks to strong supply chains that not only support local produc6on but also amplify its export capacity at a na6onal and interna6onal level. In recent years, substan6al private sector investment, especially in advanced slaughtering facili6es and the expanding renewable energy sector, has built momentum for long-term economic consolida6on and diversifica6on, providing stability and crea6ng new streams for value-added growth in the local economy. Tourism con6nues to emerge as a resilient and dynamic component of the economy. This further solidifies its role as a key economic pillar and a source of ongoing business and employment opportuni6es. At the same 6me, there is significant and growing demand for residen6al housing, driving land development and underpinning popula6on growth, investment planning, and infrastructure upgrades. These are cri6cal factors for ensuring the long-term prosperity and ahrac6veness of Murray Bridge for new and exis6ng residents. An advantage for Murray Bridge is the enabling infrastructure for this growth is already in place. While the Rural City of Murray Bridge is well-posi6oned with a strong and diverse economic base, there are several external challenges that could influence its future growth and capacity to capitalise on emerging opportuni6es. The region’s significant reliance on agriculture leaves it exposed to the uncertain6es of climate variability and environmental risks, including drought and flood events resul6ng from changing weather paherns, which can directly impact produc6vity and local livelihoods. Shios in interna6onal trade policies, such as new tariffs and vola6le commodity prices, add another layer of vulnerability for agricultural producers who depend on both domes6c and export markets. Workforce sustainability also presents a growing concern, as an ageing popula6on and ongoing skill shortages in cri6cal sectors limit growth and put pressure on local businesses to find, ahract, and retain talent. Broader geopoli6cal shios can introduce further complexi6es that affect both market access and investment confidence in the region. Investment in vital infrastructure such as the development of freight and transport routes remains essen6al, delays or shorpalls could inhibit the scalability and compe66veness of local industries and limit access to broader markets. Rapid advances in technology, par6cularly across manufacturing and agriculture, present both a challenge and an opportunity. Without proac6ve adapta6on and uptake by local businesses, the risk of being leo behind increases. Conversely, successful adop6on could significantly enhance produc6vity and diversifica6on. Ai is globally dispu6ng tradi6onal business and employment models. Understanding the employment and industry sectors most impacted will ensure the Strategy can respond and posi6on the local economy to benefit. Evolving visitor and consumer preferences mean that tradi6onal informa6on servicing models in the tourism sector may require rethinking and innova6on to con6nue delivering value and ahrac6ng new visitors. Based on the comprehensive economic profile and external factors, opportuni6es and challenges are iden6fied across the following five themes: Economic Development and Growth Strategy 2026-2030 83

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 9 • Employment Specialisa6on & Workforce Trends • Supply Chain & Industry Specialisa6on • Infrastructure & Investment • Policy & Regulatory Environment • Alignment with Broader Trends Opportuni)es AgTech Innova6on Hub Development - Murray Bridge's agricultural strength (18.5% of businesses, 3.6 loca6on quo6ent) posi6ons it perfectly to become South Australia's premier AgTech capital. The region can leverage its $424M agricultural output and 4.9% of SA's agricultural employment to ahract precision farming companies, drone technology firms, and agricultural data analy6cs providers. With poten6al for 300+ new AgTech jobs, this represents a transforma6onal opportunity to modernise tradi6onal farming while maintaining compe66ve advantage. Healthcare Technology Expansion - As the region's largest employer (1,927 jobs) with minimal AI displacement risk and a growing popula6on and workforce, healthcare presents strong growth poten6al. The aging popula6on and AI augmenta6on opportuni6es could create 500+ new posi6ons in telehealth, aged care robo6cs, and predic6ve health analy6cs. Focus on a Regional healthcare hub with allied health services serving surrounding communi6es could capitalise on Murray Bridge's strategic loca6on 75km from Adelaide, whilst removing the need for some residents to seek services from Mt Barker. Professional Services Transforma6on - Currently the smallest sector (200 jobs), professional services offer the highest growth mul6plier poten6al, poten6ally expanding to 600 posi6ons by 2030 (300% growth). Loca6on independent AI consul6ng, data analy6cs, and digital transforma6on services can serve all regional industries while requiring minimal physical infrastructure. Challenges Heavy dependence on agriculture (52.9% of total output from top 3 sectors) creates exposure to climate variability, interna6onal trade policy changes, and commodity price fluctua6ons. The region's economic resilience requires careful diversifica6on strategies to maintain growth momentum. Emerging sectors require robust digital connec6vity that may be insufficient in rural areas. Investment in NBN partnerships and telecommunica6ons infrastructure is cri6cal for suppor6ng knowledge-based industries and capacity for remote service delivery. 3.2 EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISATION & WORKFORCE TRENDS Opportuni)es Strategic Workforce Transi6on Programs – Research indicates 25.4% of jobs (2,119 posi6ons) are at risk from AI automa6on, a new Strategy can proac6vely develop transi6on pathways targe6ng the research es6mated 637 retail workers and 408 manufacturing workers facing displacement. Partnership with TAFE SA and universi6es can establish regional training centres capable of retraining 500+ workers annually in AI collabora6on skills. Skills Development in High-Demand Areas - The region's demonstrated workforce upskilling (549 people gained Cer6ficate III or higher qualifica6ons between 2016-2021) indicates capacity for con6nued 84 The Rural City of Murray Bridge

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 10 educa6on advancement. Focus on human-AI collabora6on, digital literacy, and specialised technical skills can prepare workers for emerging opportuni6es. Loca6on Quo6ent Strengths - Agriculture (3.6), Arts and Recrea6on (1.9), and Manufacturing (1.3) loca6on quo6ents demonstrate compara6ve advantages that can anchor future workforce development strategies. These specialisa6ons provide a founda6on for value-added services and innova6on clusters. Challenges Aging Workforce Demographics - The median age of 43 years and persistent skill shortages in key sectors pose barriers to workforce sustainability. Ahrac6ng younger workers while suppor6ng older worker transi6on requires comprehensive age-inclusive strategies. Qualifica6on Gaps - With 43.3% of resident workers holding no qualifica6ons (compared to 32.1% statewide), focused investment in educa6on and training infrastructure is required. The fact that an es6mated 77% of new AI-related jobs require advanced qualifica6ons heightens this challenge. Commu6ng Paherns - 70.1% of workers use private vehicles for commu6ng, indica6ng poten6al labour market constraints and environmental impacts. Public transport improvements and flexible work arrangements could address these issues. 3.3 SUPPLY CHAIN & INDUSTRY DEPENDENCIES Opportuni)es Agricultural Value Chain Integra6on - Murray Bridge's $252M agricultural output and significant livestock slaughtering capacity ($61.1M) creates opportuni6es for ver6cal integra6on and value-added processing. Smart manufacturing technologies can enhance efficiency while maintaining the region's export compe66veness. Strategic Transport Loca6on - The region's posi6on on major freight routes and proximity to Adelaide provides natural advantages for logis6cs and supply chain services. Investment in smart transporta6on systems and automated logis6cs could create 150+ new jobs while suppor6ng exis6ng industries. Regional Collabora6on Networks - Membership of the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance and Na6onal Growth Council Alliance demonstrates capacity for strategic partnerships and added benefits. These networks can facilitate supply chain coordina6on, external funding ahrac6on and shared infrastructure investments. Challenges Single Industry Dependence - Concentra6on in agriculture and related processing creates supply chain vulnerabili6es during disrup6ons. Diversifica6on strategies will maintain exis6ng strengths while building resilience across mul6ple sectors. Interna6onal Trade Exposure - With significant export ac6vity ($273.4M in agriculture exports, $262.4M in manufacturing exports), the region faces ongoing risks from changing trade policies and interna6onal market fluctua6ons. Supply chain resilience requires both domes6c and interna6onal diversifica6on. Suppor6ng industry by government-to-government arrangements provide the founda6on to protect disrup6on and accelerate export growth. Economic Development and Growth Strategy 2026-2030 85

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 11 3.4 INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT Opportuni)es As part of planning for the region’s economic growth, considera6on is given to the exis6ng founda6on of infrastructure in place to support key industries and the significant work Council has already considered in its Future City Program as informed by the Structure Plan. Council is already working proac6vely with developers and State Government to design and cost infrastructure required for growth through the Basic Infrastructure Scheme (BIS) and Community Infrastructure Scheme version 2 (CIM2). Industrial Land Development - The Strategic Land Review and Growth Aspira6ons document iden6fy significant employment land opportuni6es. Industrial growth areas can accommodate manufacturing expansion, logis6cs facili6es, and technology companies while maintaining agricultural land protec6on. Renewable Energy Integra6on - Significant private investment in renewable energy sectors aligns with South Australia’s net-zero emission goals while crea6ng new economic opportuni6es. Solar-powered agricultural systems and energy-efficient manufacturing can reduce costs while ahrac6ng environmentally conscious businesses. Challenges Major investments require coordina6on between federal, state, and local government funding sources. The scale of required investment may exceed local capacity and require innova6ve financing mechanisms. Growth in manufacturing and technology sectors may strain exis6ng electricity, water, and telecommunica6ons infrastructure. Proac6ve capacity planning is essen6al for suppor6ng economic expansion. Median house prices rising from $240,000 (2018) to $400,000 (2023) may constrain workforce ahrac6on despite strong rental yields. Balanced housing development suppor6ng both exis6ng residents and new workers is important. The increased supply of housing at developments such as Gifford Hill will also assist to alleviate this challenge. 3.5 POLICY & REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT The policy and regulatory landscape across South Australia provide a founda6on for industry growth and economic diversifica6on. At the local level, the Council’s Strategic Plan directs the priori6sa6on of business development and suppor6ng workforce capacity-building. These efforts will be supported by the current strategic approach to land divisions to enable housing supply, aimed at improving supply for workforce to ensure the region can retain and ahract workers. 86 The Rural City of Murray Bridge

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 12 Opportuni)es The Rural City of Murray Bridge's commitment to considering wellbeing economic indicators aligns with contemporary policy trends. Measuring inclusive growth through income distribu6on improvements and SEIFA score enhancements can ahract policy support and funding. Proac6ve development of AI transi6on programs and policies could posi6on Murray Bridge as a regional leader in technological adapta6on. Early warning systems and worker transi6on programs can serve as models for other regional centres. Structure plans and code amendments suppor6ng mixed-use development and employment lands provide a regulatory founda6on for growth and confidence to investors. Streamlined approval processes can ahract investment while maintaining community character. Challenges Economic development spanning mul6ple jurisdic6ons and sectors requires coordina6on across federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks. Inconsistent policies or approval processes could delay cri6cal investments. Rapid economic transforma6on may create social tensions, par6cularly regarding housing affordability and employment disrup6on. Community engagement and inclusive planning processes are essen6al for maintaining social license. 3.6 ALIGNMENT WITH BROADER TRENDS The region is well-aligned with broader external economic trends, leveraging its established strengths and emerging sectors to drive sustainable growth. Opportuni)es Regional Innovation Ecosystem - Murray Bridge can position itself as a hub for regional innovation, building on agricultural expertise while embracing digital transformation. The convergence of traditional industries with AI and automation creates unique competitive advantages. Climate Adaptation Leadership - The region's agricultural base and renewable energy potential position it well for climate adaptation initiatives. Smart farming technologies, water management systems, and sustainable manufacturing can attract climate-focused investment. Inclusive Growth Model - With 5.6% First Nations population and 13% overseas-born residents, Murray Bridge can develop inclusive economic models that benefit all community segments. Cultural tourism, multicultural business development, and reconciliation-focused initiatives create both economic and social value. Economic Development and Growth Strategy 2026-2030 87

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 13 Challenges Technology Adoption Speed - The pace of AI and automation advancement may outstrip local adaptation capacity. Access to training and upskilling, continuous monitoring and flexible strategy adjustment will be required to maintain competitive positioning. Interregional Competition - Other regional centres are pursuing similar diversification strategies. Murray Bridge must clearly differentiate its value proposition while avoiding duplication of effort with other regions. Social Equity Pressures - Economic growth must address existing inequalities reflected in SEIFA scores, where Murray Bridge and Surrounds rank in the third decile. Ensuring growth benefits reach disadvantaged areas requires targeted policy interventions. The strategic integration of these opportunities and challenges provides a roadmap for sustainable, inclusive economic development that leverages Murray Bridge's existing strengths while building capacity for future prosperity. Success requires coordinated action across all five themes, with particular attention to workforce transition, infrastructure development, and community engagement. 88 The Rural City of Murray Bridge

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 14 4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Township master planning is focused on enabling managed expansion by ensuring a clear vision is established through structure plans and other key strategies and ensuring that planning zones within the Planning and Design Code are appropriate by undertaking code amendments. These efforts create a pathway for integrated precinct development and industry growth, bringing open space, sports infrastructure, housing uplio, and affordable accommoda6on op6ons for workers and families together under a cohesive town plan. Figure 1. Current & Proposed Code Amendments for Strategic Employment Land Investment in local infrastructure, by both public and private sectors, posi6ons RCMB for sustainable future growth. Private sector investment con6nues to strengthen, par6cularly in livestock processing and slaughtering industries, helping to create jobs and reinforce supply chain resilience. The advent of renewable energy projects is producing new avenues for economic diversifica6on, while increased ac6vity in real estate and related sectors is driving greater business diversity. Broader regional investment ini6a6ves, such as improvements to transport and freight networks, support greater market access and strengthen the region's compe66ve posi6on. As a member of the Economic Development and Growth Strategy 2026-2030 89

RCMB Economic Opportuni-es & Challenges Discussion Paper 15 Na6onal Growth Council Alliance, RCMB should be able to leverage state and federal partnerships to secure further major infrastructure funding and catalyse regional development. Council is posi6oned as a key convenor and advocate, connec6ng industry stakeholders, suppor6ng clusters and precincts, and facilita6ng ongoing infrastructure and community investments. The Council's economic development program ac6vely works to build local capacity and workforce skills, suppor6ng upskilling of residents in established and emerging industries. Future economic growth opportuni6es include diversifica6on into advanced food produc6on and value- added manufacturing, further expansion of local training and educa6on via partnership hubs, and the development of targeted investment ahrac6on strategies to draw in new businesses, par6cularly building on established industries, renewables and digital sectors. 4.1 COUNCIL PROJECTS UNDERWAY & PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT Council is advancing several interrelated major projects to unlock future economic opportunities, attract investment and support the existing significant private sector investment in the region. Ongoing strategic land and property reviews are identifying the Urban renewal and expansion efforts are being managed under the Future City Program with projects such as the Community Infrastructure Model 1 and 2 and the Basic Infrastructure Scheme which is being developed over proposed residential land in Murray Bridge West is ensuring that the future social and physical infrastructure a growing community needs is accommodated. These projects along with other planned strategic work will enhance the amenity and livability of Murray Bridge for residents, visitors, and investors. The Tourism and Events team is now positioned in the Economic Development & Growth Division reflecting the value of the visitor economy. The Outer Towns Project will focus on the role other townships in the Local Government Area play with Mypolonga being first, followed by Callington. This work will include an evaluation of the industries they support including grape and fruit production and associated added values such as processing. Facilita6ng, suppor6ng and encouraging private sector investment into the region to accelerate local economic development and growth opportuni6es is an important func6on of Council. Several large-scale projects and significant private sector investments are underway ins6lling investor (and community) confidence in the future of Murray Bridge and can be further leveraged for local community benefit. The following analysis outlines current major investments since 2020 aligned with the strategic growth areas developed in the structure planning process and iden6fied in the RCMB Investment Opportuni6es publica6on. 4.1.1 GOLDEN NORTH INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT In July 2025, Golden North announced its reloca6on from Laura to the former Beston Foods factory site on Maurice Road, Murray Bridge, marking one of the most significant food industry investments in the region. The investment value is es6mated to be more than $50 million (undisclosed amount from SA Government support plus private investment). Approx 80 staff (approximately 50 oe roles) are transi6oning from the exis6ng Laura facility with produc6on transi6on expected to be complete by mid- 2026. 90 The Rural City of Murray Bridge