Defence Industry

Defence in Wellington

Wellington Shire, located in regional Victoria, proudly hosts RAAF Base East Sale and the iconic RAAF Roulettes. The defence sector is a cornerstone of Wellington’s thriving economy, contributing significantly to the region’s ongoing success.

In addition to the RAAF Base, Wellington’s defence sector benefits from its strategic location, excellent transport corridors to Melbourne, Sydney, and the ACT and a diversified economy with affordable land and property prices.

Discover more with these resources:

• Wellington Defence Brochure
• West Sale Airport Quad Chart

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Live in Wellington

Wellington Shire is the perfect place to live, offering the best of regional Victoria with a relaxed lifestyle, vibrant communities, and modern amenities. Known as “The Middle of Everywhere”, it’s ideally located:

• Close to the Victorian High Country, Ninety Mile Beach, and the Gippsland Lakes
• Just 2.5 hours from Melbourne, with easy access by road or rail

Why Choose Wellington?

Wellington Shire combines natural beauty, strong job opportunities, and a welcoming community.

• Affordable Housing
  ‍Choose from country homes, modern properties or large blocks of land.
• Career Opportunities
  Thriving industries in oil and gas, tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.
• Great Schools and Healthcare
  Access to quality education and healthcare services across the region.

Lifestyle Highlights

Life in Wellington offers something for everyone:

• Social and Cultural
  Wellington is brimming with activities, from local events and vibrant markets to cultural hubs like the Gippsland Art Gallery, The Wedge Performing Arts Centre and the Port of Sale.‍
• Explore the Wonders
  Discover breathtaking beaches, lush national parks and scenic trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Families will love the parks, playgrounds, and activities, while foodies can enjoy the region’s dining and accommodation options.‍
• Active Living
  Get moving with thriving community sports clubs, the state-of-the-art Aqua Energy Leisure Centre and the premier Gippsland Regional Sports Complex.

A Connected Community

Wellington is a place where you can truly belong. Whether you’re moving for work or a change of pace, you’ll find a strong sense of community, great amenities, and plenty of opportunities to thrive.

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Wellington Defence Alliance

The Wellington Defence Alliance, formed by Wellington Shire Council in partnership with Regional Development Victoria and the Royal Australian Air Force, aims to:

• Foster collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and the community
• Strengthen local outcomes and create opportunities for the defence industry

Members include:

• Defence – RAAF Base East Sale / Dept of Defence
• Wellington Shire Council
• Regional Development Victoria
• Dept of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
• Lockheed Martin Australia
• Pilatus
• Jet Aviation
• Ventia

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Business Capabilities

Wellington Shire is an economic powerhouse, driving growth through:

Traditional energy:

• $1B+ annually in oil and gas production
• Offshore carbon capture storage sites

Renewable energy:

• Declared a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) by the Victorian Government
• $40B in planned renewable energy investments, including offshore wind farms
• Wellington offers offshore carbon capture storage sites, high-quality wind and solar conditions and strong supply chains
• Learn more on our Renewable Energy Planning page

Manufacturing and engineering:

• Strong offshore servicing capabilities
• Excellent conditions for wind and solar energy projects

Aviation:

• Home to Defence Team 21 and aviation partners
• Supports aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and pilot training
• Council-owned West Sale Airport (YWSL) offers investment opportunities

Agriculture and livestock:

• A leader in sustainable farming and livestock production
• Home to the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange, a key centre for livestock trade, connecting farmers to markets across Victoria

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Industrial Land Supply

With booming industries comes growing demand for industrial land. Wellington Shire Council is actively:

• Rezoning and developing industrial land to meet demand
• Ensuring towns are equipped to attract new industries and support business growth

Explore our Planning Projects page.

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Airports

Wellington Shire's aviation industry extends beyond the RAAF Base, with Council operating two airports that support an active and enthusiastic local aviation industry.

• West Sale Airport (YWSL): A hub for regional aviation and investment opportunities
• Yarram Aerodrome: Serving local aviation enthusiasts

Get more details on our Airports page.

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Contact Us

For more information, please contact our Economic Development Officer – Defence & Renewable Energy on (03) 5142 3254 or 0467 810 364.