Regional Profile

The North Central catchment management region covers almost 3 million hectares, or 13% of Victoria's total area. It is situated in north central Victoria, Australia, and is bordered by the Murray River to the north, the central highlands to the south and Mt Camel Range to the east. The western border runs west of Swan Hill and Donald (NCCALPB, 1997) and its southernmost boundary is approximately one hours drive from Melbourne.

	The region’s primary industries are dominated by sheep and cattle grazing, viticulture and cropping, while timber production makes a minor contribution to the local economy.
	Road and rail infrastructure links the catchment’s major towns (ie: Bendigo, Kyneton, Echuca, Swan Hill, Maryborough and Daylesford) to Melbourne, inland New South Wales, and to other major townships throughout northern and north-western Victoria. Electricity, gas and water infrastructure is also extensive throughout much of the North Central region.
	The region’s population is approximately 222 000, with Bendigo being the largest urban centre (NCCALPB, 1997). There is a trend towards a small decline in population from farming areas and the smaller towns of the North Central region but some localities are growing as a result of expanding industry. Others, such as Kyneton, are growing as a result of their proximity to Melbourne. Further information on the population in the North Central Region is available on the "Know your Area" section of the DSE website (external link).
	There are ten Local Government Council’s with offices in the North Central Catchment Management Authority (external link) area. They include the Shires of Loddon, Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe, Swan Hill, Buloke, Hepburn and Gannawarra.

• For general information about the Department of Primary Industries please contact the Customer Service Centre:
• Phone: 136 186
• TTY: 1800 122 969
• Email: customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au
• Online Enquiry Form

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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.

This document was last reviewed on 22/08/2008.