Economic development

The strength of Moorabool’s location

Moorabool’s location is a major strength. It is central to Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong and therefore its residents have numerous choices about where they can work, shop and recreate within the Shire’s extensive offering. Bacchus Marsh (the major urban centre), and the other towns and villages across the Shire, offer a range of living opportunities.

As a business and industry address, Moorabool is central to the main western transport corridor that runs between Melbourne and Adelaide, which provides first class road connections. It is also served by the Ballarat-Melbourne fast train. Therefore it has quality transport connections and it is readily accessible to the major industrial areas in the west of Melbourne, the bay and the airport.

The strategy aims

• To further develop the agricultural sector, particularly intensive agriculture by increasing production and adding value to local produce
• To create the conditions for and pursue rapid population growth
• To establish the conditions necessary for business and industrial development
• To set up the procedures required for rapid response to development opportunities
• To clearly define Council’s role in facilitating development, built around utilisation of the skills and abilities of the local business community
  

Economic development strategies identified

• Tourism and associated activity now supported by the Visitor Information Centre and Tourism Strategic Plan
• Mixed use Activity Centre in the middle of Bacchus Marsh provides expansion opportunities for retail, office and a homemaker centre
• Space, location and existing industrial activity suited to the expansion of the transport, storage and logistics sector
• Strategies for increasing education offer within Bacchus Marsh are in place
• Marketing strategies identified to facilitate economic activity
• Strategies for further developing local business networks identified