Anticipated population growth in the Rural City of Murray Bridge, growth in residential development, increase in visitor numbers and continuing success of Murray Bridge Business and Tourism and Rural City of Murray Bridge Council in securing high profile and popular events present opportunities for investment across the board. Small business, niche markets, business service, medium and larger scale enterprises have potential for retail growth and diversity. The Rural City of Murray Bridge plans a significant expansion of the CBD including an extensive retail capacity.

Cross regional collaborations such as Tintinara’s Candy Canvas/Murray Bridge Jackson Metal Fabrication’s – Carry Me Canvas and Animal Shelters – provide models of retail/wholesale innovative partnerships.

Murraylands Jobs & Investment Survey undertaken in 2006 indicated employment was expected to increase by 3000 over next three years. Latest update of this survey indicates high levels of employment will be maintained despite the impact of drought and reduced water allocations.  Major jobs growth is expected in the retail sector.

TOURISM Tourist developments at Mannum with potential tourist corridors through River Murray towns and Mallee areas present opportunities for small retail businesses to service houseboat holiday makers and casual tourists including passengers on the Murray Princess, travellers with caravans and mobile homes and increasing numbers of visitors to high profiles sporting and community events across the region. Tourists have strong interest in local rafts,
souvenirs, local products and food and hospitality services.

MARKETS Community investments in Farmers’ Markets provide opportunities for consumer testing of niche products processed from regional produce. Investment in Farmers’ Market style retail has potential to address consumer demand for fresh produce and increasing interest in recreational weekend shopping. Retail of fresh and value added produce at farm gate present
opportunities to expand from the wholesale market and develop the Murraylands ‘Naturally Diverse’ regional brand.

HOMEWARES Capacity exists in the retail sector for investment in home-wares and stylish products for the domestic market supported by large scale warehouse or large product ends of economy. Expansion of housing stock will provide opportunities in retail of furniture, fixtures/fittings, home wares and decorator products.

FASHION Investment in designer fashion for adults and children can expand with increasing population and income growth. It is anticipated that the workforce will expand to include high numbers of professional people in the service sector. Potential exists to replicate the successful “Brand Seconds” sectors on Glen Osmond Road and at the Adelaide Airport to service and attract the interest of mobile weekend visitors.

WAREHOUSING Monarto precinct presents significant opportunities for investment in large scale retail warehouses for large products including tourist icons such as the “worlds’ largest men’s shed”.

IRRIGATION/WATER EQUIPMENT This highly innovative and successful sector has the potential for expansion in the current water restriction environment.
Stop Press – Murray Bridge – Recently opened Top Notch Foods – 5 Star Wholesale/Retail meat processors present an upmarket model for both the domestic and commercial ends of the gourmet meat markets.