About Golden Plains Shire

Situated between Geelong and Ballarat and within a stones’ throw from Melbourne, Golden Plains is a vibrant and beautiful Shire populated with passionate residents and progressive businesses. Our sweeping landscapes, award-winning businesses and rugged bush landscapes combine with historic townships and growing communities to make for a wonderful place to live or visit.

If you’d like to learn about who your Councillors are and how Council is run, please visit our About Council page.

Live in history in Golden Plains

The Shire was established on 6 May 1994, incorporating the former Shires of Bannockburn and Leigh and parts of the former Shires of Grenville and Buninyong.

Rich in gold mining history and character, the small towns and communities throughout the Shire provide for a rural lifestyle within easy reach of the State capital and the two largest regional cities.

We love Golden Plains people

Group of girls representing Golden Plains Shire

The Shire boasts a very active group of volunteers involved in community service, sport, recreation and cultural activities. There are many opportunities for our residents to become involved in thier local community.

Learn about getting involved in your community.

Not just Golden and not just Plains…

Rugged bushland, river valleys, rolling hills, miles of golden canola, rocky plains – we have it all!

Natural beauty is a huge feature in Golden Plains with the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Enfield State Forest and Moorabool River popular for their wildflower displays, koalas, scenic drives, walks, trails and picnic grounds, offering day-trippers an enjoyable tourism experience.

 

Business in Golden Plains Shire

While the Shire has a strong tradition of wool and grain growing, intensive animal farming, particularly poultry and pigs, are becoming increasingly common. Growth in the home-based business sector provides healthy employment opportunities and is the largest employer in the Shire.

The Golden Plains region is fast becoming known for being home to many gourmet food producers and the Moorabool Valley in the Shire's east is home to a well-established wine industry.

Facts and figures

Golden Plains is wonderfully unique – we have a lot of land, running between Victoria’s two biggest regional centres.

Golden Plains covers 2,705 square kilometres with a population exceeding 20,000; we have 56 communities and 16 townships and is among the fastest growing regional Local Government Areas in Victoria… So there is lots happening!

Find out more about Golden Plains Shire’s key statistics.

About Council 

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