Planning for future growth

By Lachlan Ellis

New detailed population data compiled by the company .id using the latest census information has shown Moorabool is growing far more rapidly than the average Victorian Local Government Area (LGA).

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

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

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

The data also shows that the population of Moorabool Shire in 10 years’ time will be 53,072 – higher than the population of Shepparton-Mooroopna reported at the 2021 census.

In 2041 this is expected to jump to 65,693, an increase of 66.58 per cent from the current population of 39,437.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward said the data from .id would be looked at carefully during Council’s planning for the future of the Shire.

“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,” Cr 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-related data for Moorabool 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.”

Council CEO Derek Madden said Council had been incorporating, and would continue to incorporate, population forecasts into its plans.

“Council prepared the Bacchus Marsh Urban Growth Framework and the Ballan Strategic Directions in 2018. These strategic documents will guide the growth of the towns to 2041 and beyond. They define the towns settlement boundaries and nominate areas for new residential and employment growth,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“They also outline at a high level where additional activity centres, community centres and schools may be needed. Planning is currently underway for these new growth areas. Council is working closely with the Victorian Planning Authority and developers to ensure that these new growth areas are planned in a way that ensures the necessary services and community infrastructure is provided to support growing communities.”

For a detailed look at .id’s statistics on Moorabool Shire, visit profile.id.com.au/moorabool.