Towong Shire is situated in the north-east corner of Victoria, 120km east of Albury/Wodonga on the Murray Valley Highway at the headwaters of the Murray River, and about 350 km north east of Melbourne.

The shire is 6,673 square kilometres, with a population of 6,311 (ABS 2001). Towong is the largest shire in the study area, with the lowest population density.

The shire is bordered by the Murray River (upper reaches) and contains the Mitta Mitta River and the Kiewa River. Dartmouth Dam and Hume Dam are two key water storages for the study area, and are located in the Towong Shire. Fertile river valleys and spectacular scenery are a feature of the Shire.

The major centres are Tallangatta and Corryong with smaller centres of Bellbridge, Bethanga, Dartmouth, Eskdale, Granya, Koetong, Mitta Valley, Nariel Valley, Tintaldra and Walwa.

The area is traditionally known for its agricultural industry, primarily beef production and dairying. It also supports a strong timber industry. Alternative enterprises include essential oil production, cropping and seed production.

The fastest growing industry in the region is tourism, building on a ‘pure’ clean green image. There has been a concerted effort to build the Shire’s agri-tourism as a key product of the area.