Golden Plains Shire Continues to Grow

Golden Plains Shire has welcomed 3,297 new residents over the last five years, with the latest Census data showing the Shire’s population has grown to 24,985. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) 2021 Census data shows the population of Golden Plains Shire has continued to grow since 2016, with towns including Bannockburn (+1,187), Smythes Creek (+609), Teesdale (+587), Inverleigh (+272) and Batesford (+189) leading the way for population growth over the last five years. 

As a peri-urban municipality, Golden Plains Shire plays a pivotal role in welcoming population growth from Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne to regional Victoria, as shown in the Shire’s high growth rate and the construction of more than 1,000 new dwellings in Golden Plains between 2016 and 2021. 

The data shows that Golden Plains Shire has a significantly higher proportion of young people aged 0 to 24 years within its population of 33.2% compared to the Victorian average of 23.6%. In the Shire, young people aged 5 to 14 years represent 15.8% of the population, while the median age of the Golden Plains population is 39, in line with the Victorian median age of 38. 

Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says the new Census data highlights the benefits of living in Golden Plains Shire.  

“It’s clear from the Census data that many more people are recognising Golden Plains Shire as an ideal location to live, where they enjoy a high-quality rural lifestyle, while remaining close to the services, employment opportunities and other benefits of our neighbouring regional cities of Geelong and Ballarat. 

“Of our 16 townships, 15 have seen an increase in their population since 2021, with new residents in all areas of the Shire. In the South of the Shire, Bannockburn, Teesdale, Inverleigh and Lethbridge have seen significant growth, while in the north Smythes Creek, Smythesdale, Dereel and Ross Creek have also seen a rise in their population. 

“This level of population growth is a testament to the work of Council in recognising and developing sustainable growth areas within Golden Plains that will ensure our Shire continues to grow responsibly, while maintaining our enviable rural lifestyle for our existing and new community members.

“Council is committed to supporting the sustainable and responsible growth of Golden Plains Shire, with work currently underway on the development the Golden Plains Settlement Strategy, which will inform the sustainable growth of our Shire over the next 15 years.”