Retail

Bacchus Marsh, home to more than two thirds of the Shire’s residents, is the main retail hub of Moorabool. For many years Bacchus Marsh was a small centre serving the farming community, however today the town of 17,000 residents (2008) boasts a thriving shopping precinct.

In fact, Bacchus Marsh accounts for about 70% of all businesses in the Shire.

At the core of this busy retail activity is the town’s Village Shopping Centre in the heart of Bacchus Marsh which opened in 1998.

The Village Shopping Centre comprises a third of all occupied retail space in the town (over 21,000 square metres) and has major national chains (including Coles Aldi and Target), specialty shops, banks (National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank and ANZ), Australia Post and a medical centre. Further retail opportunities are currently available for new tenants.

The town’s traditional main street shopping area includes stores such as Foodworks and IGA supermarkets.

A major attraction to both locals and visitors alike is the variety of family-owned market gardens along the Avenue of Honour, where you can purchase fresh produce grown in nearby orchards and market gardens - direct from the grower.

Ballan, the Shire's other main retail centre, is an expanding service centre that looks after the needs of the surrounding district. The town has over 20 retail shops with services such as real estate agents, professional suites , and services like a bank and the post office. Ballan also boasts a serviceable industrial estate with manufacturing businesses that provide products nation wide.

Ballan is building on the increased business activity provided by the Super Clinic and the fast train connection and planning to increase its retail and business services offer. A feasibility study for a new community bank has been conducted and a prospectus is due out shortly.