Media Release – Pilot Project to Unlock East Gippsland’s Tracks and Trails and Test Significant Visitor Experience

 A new pilot project is underway to unlock the potential of East Gippsland’s extensive tracks and trails network as a foundation for a stronger, more distinctive visitor economy, with a particular focus on the Coastal Wilderness Walk — an experience recognised as having potential international significance.

The project forms part of the Future of Orbost & District Project and is designed to explore how existing natural assets can be responsibly activated to support sustainable visitation, regional identity and long-term economic resilience. Central to this work is the opportunity to assess whether the Coastal Wilderness Walk could evolve into a world-class guided experience and a future “hero product” for the region. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District Advances Key Community Priority with Completion of Marlo–Orbost Cycle Route Pre-Feasibility Study

A major community priority to link Marlo and Orbost with a scenic riverside cycling and walking trail has moved a step closer, following completion of a pre-feasibility study by the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project.

The study focused on the western side of the Snowy River after previous investigations identified significant challenges with establishing a route on the eastern side. The new assessment confirms that a western alignment is technically feasible and can be delivered entirely on Crown land. Read more here.

Orbost Forum Advances Industrial Hemp Opportunities for East Gippsland (November 2025)

The Future of Orbost & District Project has helped take another step toward developing a regional industrial hemp industry, hosting a two-day forum in Orbost on 18–19 November that brought together farmers, industry leaders, researchers, government representatives and community members. Read more here.

Orbost & District continues to explore opportunities in emerging industrial hemp sector

Local industry leaders, farmers and community members will come together in Orbost on 18–19 November to explore the potential role of industrial hemp in the region’s economic future. The two-day forum is being convened by the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project. More information available here.

Building a Stronger, More Connected Orbost and District (October 2025)

Earlier this month, local leaders, volunteers, and community groups came together at the Orbost Arts Centre for the second workshop in a series focused on strengthening connections and collaboration across the Orbost and District area.

The workshop, Building Orbost and District Together: Place-based Leadership & Governance, brought together 16 passionate locals to explore what kind of leadership and teamwork can best support the region’s future. Read more here. You can download the report from the workshop here.

New Insights Help Orbost Farmers Navigate Water Access and Trading Opportunities

Over the past two years, the Future of Orbost & District Project has explored water availability, access, and demand across the district, with a focus on optimising water security as a key enabler of agricultural growth. A central insight emerging from this work is that while water alone may not trigger expansion, it is a critical enabler of innovation, diversification and long-term sustainability in the region’s agriculture sector. Read more here.

 

“Gippsland Explores Industrial Hemp as Next-Generation Fibre Industry” (October 2025)

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project, in partnership with Food & Fibre Gippsland, recently hosted an inaugural Gippsland roundtable to explore the potential of an industrial hemp industry in the region. Held in Tinamba, the workshop brought together representatives from industry, government and sector bodies.

Building on earlier work led by the former Latrobe Valley Authority (delivered in partnership with Food & Fibre Gippsland), the roundtable aligns with FoOD’s focus on post-timber transition opportunities. Industrial hemp is emerging as an exciting prospect which could position Gippsland to capitalise on national and global growth trends. The forum sought to build a shared understanding of current industrial hemp activity in Gippsland alongside national and international developments, test stakeholder willingness to support industry development, and identify next steps for strategic action and a roadmap for the sector’s growth. Read more here.

 

Building Orbost Together: Turning Ideas into Action at October Workshop - Oct 2025

Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) and the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) are calling on local community groups, volunteers, and business leaders to join the next stage of their collaborative governance initiative with the hands-on workshop Building Orbost Together: From Principles to Prototypes, taking place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Orbost Arts Centre. 

This workshop is the latest in a series designed to strengthen local decision-making and governance, building on the insights gathered during previous sessions in August and September. Read more here.

Orbost Community Shapes Next Chapter of Local Leadership and Governance (September 2025)

Local leaders, business owners and community members came together on August 21st for the Building Orbost and District Together – Place-based Leadership and Governance Workshop, the culmination of a three-part webinar series exploring community-led approaches to resilience and prosperity. Read more here.

Unlocking Opportunity: Strategic Next Steps for Irrigation Water in the Snowy Flats (August 2025)

Representatives from the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project’s Agriculture Innovation Working Group (AgIWG) recently met with Southern Rural Water (SRW) to further explore the findings and recommended actions arising from the 2024 Water Study into underutilised irrigation entitlements on the Snowy Flats.

The study identified a significant opportunity to better utilise existing water resources to support diversified and sustainable agricultural development across the Orbost district.

At the heart of the recommendations is a call to improve the transparency and accessibility of water trading to help activate unused water licences. More information here.

Regional insights inspire local thinking for Orbost and District’s future (July 2025)

The second session in the Building Orbost and District Together webinar series was held this week, drawing in over twenty local participants for another dynamic lunchtime discussion. Read more here.

Orbost and District Locals Invited to Help Shape our Region’s Future - Be a voice in our workshop series to design to the next chapter of our district’s place-based leadership and governance (July 2025)

Local leaders across Orbost and district are being invited to take part in an exciting community-led initiative aimed at further shaping the district’s collaborative structures and decision-making approaches — looking beyond current forest industry transition to support long-term resilience and prosperity. Read more here.

Strong Community Turnout for Workshop on Industrial Hemp and the Future of Orbost & District - May 2025

The recent Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project workshop attracted a strong and engaged turnout as participants came together to explore the bold question: What role could industrial hemp play in the post-forestry future of the region—and what might that look like?  Read more here.

REIMAGINING ORBOST & DISTRICT THROUGH INDUSTRIAL HEMP: A community workshop exploring identity, innovation and opportunity (May 2025)

 The Future of Orbost & District Project (FoOD) is hosting a dynamic community workshop to explore a bold question: What role could industrial hemp play in the post-forestry future and what might it look like? Read more here. 

Future of Orbost and District Project Backs Local Innovation Initiatives for Forestry Transition Support (May 2025)

 The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Governance Group is pursuing a suite of innovative proposals through the Victorian Government’s Community Development Fund. These initiatives aim to support economic diversification and innovation across the region, in line with the Local Development Strategy. Read more here.

Empowering Small Business: Practical Workshops Coming to Orbost (April 2025)

 The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project is delighted to announce an exciting partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to deliver a dynamic series of workshops tailored specifically for small business owners in the Orbost region. Read more here.

Expressions of Interest Sought – Operations lead and project management of Coastal Wilderness Walk Pilot (March 2025)

The Future of Orbost & District Project is keen to hear from local experienced and aspiring tourism operators interested in leading and managing the pilot of a fully serviced premium guided Coastal Wilderness Walk. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project Launches 2025 with Key Collaborative Events - Jan 2025

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project is kicking off the new year with two exciting events designed to foster collaboration and drive collective action for local place-based development. Read more here.

Register here for our East Gippsland Winter Festival Workshop.

Register here for our networking event for representatives of key organisations (board members and executives). 

Local Hemp Crop Marks a Step Forward for Exploring Industry Potential - January 2025

 A small industrial hemp crop trial at Orbost North was recently harvested, just 103 days after planting.Read more here.

Orbost Industrial Hemp Crop Trial Draws Strong Local Interest - December 2024

An industrial hemp crop trial, currently midway through its growing period, has garnered significant local attention. Around thirty farmers and stakeholders gathered on Monday, December 9th, at the trial site just north of Orbost to hear insights and learnings from the project so far. Read more here.

Industrial hemp trial field walk - November 2024

Members of the community interested in growing or utilizing industrial hemp are invited to inspect a trial crop and learn about the progress made to date. This initiative aligns with the Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) project, which is exploring the potential of industrial hemp as an economic opportunity for the region. Read more here. 

Future of Orbost & District Project hosts Forums to Foster more Collaboration and Innovation - November 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project recently hosted forums that sparked new connections and shared ideas and tools for supporting the district’s future. Read more here.

Invitation to a conversation about ‘Community Spaces’ - November 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project, in partnership with the Orbost & District Recovery and Transition Committee (ODRTC), is hosting a roundtable discussion to better understand the evolving needs of community groups and stakeholders in accessing physical spaces within Orbost. This conversation will explore what types of spaces are being sought, which groups currently have available spaces, and whether co-tenancy or support is needed to maintain them. More information available here.

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project Welcomes Bobbi McKinnin Community Energy Specialist as Guest Speaker for Upcoming Forum - November 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project is pleased to announce that Bobbi McKinnin will be an online guest speaker at the project’s ‘Collective Action Through Collective Leadership & Strategic Doing’ forum on 13^th November. More Information available here. Register here.

Collective Action Through Collective Leadership & Strategic Doing - October 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project invites community members to come together and be part of action-oriented conversations for supporting collective impact. More information available here. Register here.

Future of Orbost & District Project Water Study Makes Recommendations for Unlocking Irrigation Potential - September 2024

The findings and recommendations of a water study commissioned by the Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) Project have recently been endorsed by the project’s Agriculture Innovation Working Group. The study investigated whether there are economic opportunities available through more efficient utilisation of existing available irrigation water. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District Project and East Gippsland Shire Council Formalise Partnership Agreement - September 2024

The Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) Project's Governance Group Chair, Liz Mitchell, and East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Weigall, have officially signed a partnership agreement, confirming a unified commitment to work collaboratively. The agreement is built on the principles of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration, and aims to support the overarching purpose of the FoOD Project. Read more here.

Hemp whole of value chain co-design workshop - September 2024

A recent workshop in Sale brought together stakeholders from across the industrial hemp value chain, along with other interested parties, to explore a small-scale, end-to-end hemp pilot in Orbost & District. Led by local farmer Stan Weatherall's trial crop, the workshop embraced the principles of collaboration and place-based economy to identify how this pilot could explore further opportunities for the region. Read more here.

Exploring the Potential of Biochar in Orbost & District’s Future - September 2024

The Future of Orbost & District project recently brought together key local stakeholders, technology suppliers, and specialists to explore ways to make better use of local biomass resources. These biomass sources include agricultural residues from the district’s thriving corn seed industry, tree services, municipal green waste, and biosolids, with a particular focus on biochar production. More information here.

Future of Orbost & District Project – Event Brings Community Together to Shine a Light on Innovation and Collaboration - August 2024

Nearly one hundred participants from the community, industry, government, and research sectors gathered at the Orbost Golf Club on Wednesday evening for the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project’s networking and information event. The evening was filled with inspiring stories, delightful entertainment, locally inspired cuisine, and lively discussions on innovation and emerging initiatives, leading to the forging of many new connections. Read more here.

Seeking Entrepreneur for Dairy Processing Venture in Orbost & District - August 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project (FoOD) invites capable and motivated individuals or businesses to spearhead the next phase of investigation and feasibility study for a small-scale cheese and dairy processing facility. EOIs close 6th September 2024. More information available here.

One Vacancy for a Community Representative on FoOD Governance Group - August 2024

There is currently one vacancy for a community representative on the FoOD Governance Group. Expressions of Interest are now called and remain open until Friday 13 September 2024. More information available here.

Spotlight on exciting new business venture and event panellist - August 2024

The Visitor Economy Innovation Working Group has welcomed a new member, someone who has recently returned to Marlo, calls East Gippsland home and is launching a contemporary, curated tourism venture.

Hannah Macalister-Bills is excited to announce ‘The Little Drift’, which will include the launch of high-end, style focused accommodation adjacent to Dune-town by Sailors Grave brewery at Marlo Plains.

The FoOD project hosted a forum in June that focused on ‘Thinking Big While Going Tiny’, an introduction to tiny home and glamping accommodation in East Gippsland. Hannah’s idea builds on this. Read more here.

Future of Orbost & District Networking and Information Event - 21st August 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project Governance Group is delighted to announce an engaging and inspiring networking and information evening on August 21^st. The event promises to be a great opportunity for local businesses, community members and other stakeholders to connect, be informed, share ideas, and celebrate local innovation and diversification. More information is available here. Download the event flier here, and/or book your ticket here. Tickets are limited.

Expressions of Interest Sought - Developing Guided Walks between Marlo and Mallacoota - June 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is keen to hear from businesses interested in delivering guided and fully supported walks between Mallacoota and Marlo into the future. Specifically the project is calling for expressions of interest from businesses to support early-stage feasibility through developing a guided walk product prototype. More information available here, or access the 'Expression of Interest'  (EOI) document here. EOIs close 12th July 2024.

DEECA Forestry Transition Program - Information Session - June 2024

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is hosting a Forestry Transition Program Information Session in Orbost on June 13th. More details are available here.

Thinking big while going tiny in the visitor economy - May 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is hosting a forum that's all about thinking big while going tiny.  The forum will explore the potential for tiny houses and glamping to breathe new life into the local visitor economy and create new business opportunities. More information available here.

Register here for the forum on 6th June.

Future of Orbost & District Project Governance Group – One Vacancy for a Community Representative - April 2024

Due to extended travel of a long serving community member, one vacancy now exists for a community representative from Orbost and District to join the Future of Orbost & District Governance Group. Expressions of Interest are now called and remain open until Friday 3 May 2024. More details here - including how to apply.

Field to factory – exploring opportunities in local cheese making - April 2024

From field to factory, a small group of Orbost and District farmers recently had an inspiring visit to Maffra Cheese. The visit was part of the activities of the Future of Orbost & District Project’s Agricultural Innovation Working Group which has a keen interest in exploring opportunities to value-add local produce. Read more here.

Orbost and District Bioenergy Circular Economy Options - April 2024

An evaluation of biomass in the Orbost region, to establish where circular economy projects may be viable, has recently concluded. Circular economy strategies aim to recover and utilize organic waste as valuable resources, contributing to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

A full audit of available local biomass feedstocks was undertaken, including volumes, types, and locations. The audit focussed on organic ‘waste streams’ from the district’s agribusiness, food service and retail, health care, wastewater, and gas sectors. Read more here.

Optimising water availability for agriculture in Orbost & District - April 2024

The Future of Orbost & District Project is exploring the peaks and troughs of water demand and availability across the district, and why some farmers and landholders are simply not utilising their water entitlements. Optimising water access and security is considered an important opportunity for supporting sustainable growth, innovation, and diversification in the region’s significant agriculture sector. Read more here.

Future of Orbost Project welcomes new members to Governance Group - March 2024

Four new community members will join other community members to strengthen community decision-making and strategy development on the Future of Orbost Project Governance Group. Read more here.