In November 2019, the Victorian Government announced the Victorian Forestry Plan. Under this Plan, commercial harvesting of native forests is to phase down from 2024, and all native forest harvesting will cease from 2030.

Drawing on experience with energy transition in the Latrobe Valley, it was agreed that the Orbost district might benefit from early intervention to facilitate transition. The Latrobe Valley Authority’s (LVA) Smart Specialisation methodology was seen to be a useful approach for developing a roadmap for the future of the Orbost district.

The regional context analysis uses demographic and descriptive data to understand the current community, business and population characteristics and activities in the Orbost district. Interviews with some 60 stakeholders from business, education/research, government and community have provided insights to the ways of working in the region, perceived strengths, the relevance to different kinds of supply chains, and possible innovation activities.

In 2019, the three main sectors in which people were employed were agriculture and forestry, education, and health. The data indicates that in the past decade (as compared with the 1990s), Orbost is best characterised as an agricultural centre again, rather than as a forestry town.

Without exception, people commented on the quality of the natural environment, particularly the rainfall, soils and climate, and the opportunities for more to be done, other than dairy and beef farming. Growing vegetables was seen as a sector where there was considerable potential for value-adding and trying new ways of working.

The Orbost district’s long history with growing maize, sweet corn and popcorn was reflected in businesses focused on either plant breeding for these products, or in the production of seeds for various global maize/corn production companies. The two key companies both have global connections, one being owned by a US-company, and the other owning a subsidiary in New Zealand.

DEECA are about to commence the development of new forest management plans for Victoria with a Gippsland section aiming to revitalise policy and use with respect to public land. In particular, they are exploring more accessible infrastructure on public land, but this will not cover land managed by Parks Victoria. VicForests are alert to the consequences of the end of logging for the issue of maintaining forest roads, particularly to support firefighting. These operations require specialised equipment and specific skill for safe management.

There is no shortage of interesting ideas, and potential market opportunities for new ventures in the Orbost district. The economic data demonstrates the strength of existing agricultural activities and the strength of expertise which underpins the performance of that sector.

Given the importance of identifying the uniqueness of assets that can support innovation opportunities, the interviews with stakeholders have been crucial in illuminating the underlying substance and diversity which exists in the Orbost district economic and natural environment.