Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to promote the area as a place to invest and live has helped the municipality buck a regional population data trend.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Regional population 2020-21: Population change found that Gannawarra Shire’s population increased during the 12-month financial year period; as compared to numerous areas across the north and west of the State, which had population declines.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistics data proves something that we already know, that the Gannawarra is a great place to live,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“Whether it is our lakes and waterways or our proximity to regional centres such as Bendigo, the Gannawarra proved to be a popular place for people to move to during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The population increase came at a time where Covid-19 restrictions were in place, which provided Victorians the opportunity to reassess their working and living arrangements.
“The population increase is testament to Council’s efforts to recognise the environmental strengths of the Gannawarra and developing this for commercial gain,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“This is being achieved by focusing on the ART of the Gannawarra, (Agriculture, Renewables & Tourism) which includes encouraging opportunities to diversify our agriculture sector, attracting investment in renewable energy projects, and promoting our nature-based tourism attractions.
“Council expects this population growth to continue, especially given the high level of business development in agriculture, energy, mining, industrial and residential that are anticipated to create more than 400-plus jobs in the next few years. This is coinciding with proposed works for KerangLink, which when approved to proceed to the construction stage will generate billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy projects, as well as thousands of construction jobs.”
