Murray Bridge has what Shandong needs, Mayor says
Murray Bridge council members and business representatives have paid a visit to Shandong Province, last week.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has made it's way to China for a development conference, aiming to explore investment opportunities within the Murraylands.
As the only Australian local government organisation to receive an invitation, Council attended following a direct approach from the city of Dezhou, China.
The visit was part of a broader effort to explore opportunities for economic collaboration, trade, investment and job creation for the Murraylands region.
In a March council meeting, not all councillors were happy with the idea of developing closer ties to China.
The Shandong International Friendship Cities Conference for Cooperation and Development was attended by three local businesses:
- Jake Altmann, owner of Altmann Farms Dairy and national award-winning producer (representing medium-sized enterprise).
- Brandon Reynolds, CEO of The Yoghurt Shop and national award-winning business leader (representing associated food industry).
- Kelly Kuhn, owner of Juggle House Experiences (representing regional tourism).
Murray Bridge News understands Thomas Foods International, Big River Pork and Costa Adelaide Mushrooms all expressed an interest in attending the conference, but were unable to send representatives.
Mayor Thorley said the partnership with Dezhou offers a pathway to modernise local industrial production.
During the conference Mayor Thorley highlighted Murray Bridge as the protein capital of South Australia.
“Murray Bridge has what Shandong needs - clean, high-quality protein supply chains, infrastructure and a genuine commitment to shared economic prosperity.
"Shandong have what we need - world-class technology, industrial expertise and an appetite for trusted, traceable food production," Mayor Thorley said.
While cultural exchanges and formal diplomatic events were part of the schedule; the groups focus was on visiting industries and business; including biotech, livestock technology, food processors, machinery manufactures and tourism.
Key focus areas included:
- Economic and trade partnerships, including collaboration for shared prosperity
- Innovation and technology opportunity
- Sustainable development
- Regional tourism development
The itinerary was developed with the South Australian Department for State Development and the Dezhou Foreign Affairs Office.
CEO Heather Barclay said the visit had already identified specific commercial opportunities.
"In the coming weeks and months, we’ll engage directly with local business and state government partners to progress opportunities identified during the visit,” she said.
“We’re also pleased that the businesses who attended are already pursuing further conversations, which could deliver real growth in trade and investment.”
A formal report on the outcomes of the delegation will be presented to Council in July 2025.
