Mildura is also known as the centre of Victoria's Food Bowl and is a major producer of citrus fruits (especially oranges), and wine. It is also notable for its grape production, supplying 80% of Victoria's grapes. Many wineries also source grapes from Mildura.
Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone
Mildura is part of the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone, in which fruits or vegetables may not be taken into the area (they can, however, be taken out). This is to stop the fruit fly from invading crops and plantations which could have a devastating effect on the economy. Disposal bins into which fruit can be disposed of are located along highways entering the zone.
Centro Mildura
Centro Mildura�s extensive redevelopment in 2005 has positioned the centre as the major shopping destination within the Sunraysia region. Centro Mildura is also the only fully enclosed, air-conditioned centre in this area and offers a strong retail mix including representation from a number of key national fashion stores. Serving a primary trade area population of 60,000 residents, Centro Mildura also attracts consumers from beyond the trade area including the Riverland, Swan Hill, Robinvale and Broken Hill. It includes a large Target and an 19 aisle Woolworths.
Development proposals
Mildura's location in Victoria and consistently strong local lobbying has seen the Government of Victoria take an interest in the city as a possible centre for population and industry decentralisation programs. There have been numerous proposals involving the state government for large scale developments and investments, many ambitious and speculative that have been shelved indefinitely. Given the large amount of sunlight the city receives, it has been proposed as the site for several proposals for large scale Solar power in Australia including a massive Solar updraft tower proposals in 2004 and 2010 which have not yet eventuated. Another large development which has been the
