Maintaining a sustainable economic base in rural towns: a case study of Leeton

Leeton, a town of 6000 in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, has in recent times suffered major economic upheaval. In 1993 the Letona Co‐operative stone fruit cannery, Leeton's masthead industry since 1921, was placed in receivership and closed after extensive search for a new investor in stone fruit processing failed. The removal of a substantial income stream from the local community has placed great stress on Leeton's economic and social fabric. However, the town in recent years has developed an economy that is no longer completely reliant on a narrow range of agricultural processing and service activities. Utilising factors of location, irrigation‐supported production flexibility and security, cheap land and utilities, and a stable and productive workforce, the combined efforts of the Leeton Shire Council, local community groups, the Riverina Development Board, and State Government departments have attracted a range of new industries to the town and shire over the past decade. It is these industries that will allow Leeton to survive the loss of Letona, sustain its economy and look to the future with confidence.