Growth trends

Population Growth

In 2008, the total population of the Shire was approximately at 27,000. It is expected to increase by over 4,200 people to 30,668 by 2016, at an average annual growth rate of 1.49%. This is based on an increase of just under 2,200 households during the period, with the average number of persons per household falling from 2.74 to 2.57.

All areas of Moorabool Shire are expected to increase in population between 2006 and 2016. The most significant increases in population are expected in Maddingley, Bacchus Marsh and Darley, based on residential expansion. The forecast population growth rates are lower than household growth as a result of the decreasing number of people per household. This is a pattern that is likely to affect all areas of the Shire during this period.

Moorabool sees growing urbanisation, particularly in the east, adjacent to the Melbourne metropolitan area and it is anticipated Moorabool will be the third fastest growing rural Shire in Victoria.

Forecast population and household size

Moorabool Shire Council age structure in detail

The growth of industry in Moorabool Shire

Analysis from the 'Growing Moorabool Economic Development Strategy 2006' states that Moorabool’s strength lies in the following six industry sectors:

Agriculture - a high value element in Moorabool’s economy. It has a high export/import index value plus it has a strong employment multiplier as well as providing a substantial number of jobs.

Retail trade - primarily a population driven sector and its value is mainly due to the number of jobs it provides. It also has high employment and output multipliers.

Accommodation, cafes and restaurants - a relatively strong export/import index value as it serves the tourist and visitor market as well as the local market.

Education - a very high output and employment multipliers. This sector provides a substantial number of jobs and its value to the local economy is high.

Health and community services - a good output multiplier, a strong employment multiplier and provides a large number of jobs.

Personal and other services - highly rated mainly because of the number of jobs it provides, especially in the public order and safety sector (i.e. the regional role of Bacchus Marsh 24-hour police station and the CFA training facility at Fiskville) and its low level of imports.