Planning for the future based on the stats

Published on 15 February 2023

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New detailed population data compiled by the company .id using the latest census information is helping Council plan for our changing communities.

The data shows Moorabool Shire overall has had a population increase of 33.8% over the past 10 years – compared to the Victorian average of 21.5%.

The biggest population increases are Maddingley (140%), Merrimu-Hopetoun Park (74.9%), Bacchus Marsh (33.2%) and Ballan (26.2%).

Our smaller towns including Blackwood, Greendale, Myrniong, Wallace, Bungaree and Dunnstown all recorded double figure population increases over the past 10 years.

“There has been very significant growth throughout the Shire, particularly in and surrounding Bacchus Marsh, and the predicted increase in population is at an even greater rate than this, so we need to plan carefully for this growth,” Mayor Cr Rod Ward said.

“All departments within Council are aware of this growth – our teams in planning, finance, advocacy, early years, youth, economic development, sport and recreation – the work they do plans for and reflects how different our communities will look over the next 10-20 years.”

Moorabool Shire’s average resident is aged 39 (one year younger than the 2016 average) with the population age spread concentrated on the elderly, parents in their 30s and teenagers. Melton and Wyndham are the main areas people move to Moorabool from, and after English, the main language spoken is Punjabi.

Close to two thirds of Moorabool Shire residents leave the Shire for work, and the health of our residents shows higher than state average occurrences of arthritis and mental health conditions.

“All of this data is used to advocate to other levels of government for appropriate and better infrastructure and services for our communities,” Cr Ward said.

“We are seeing a big infrastructure blitz at the moment, with projects such as the expansion of Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve, West Maddingley Early Years Hub, Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Ballan Library and Community Hub.

“As the community grows and changes, we need to adapt accordingly,” Cr Ward said.

 

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