The Gannawarra continues to grow

Published on 01 July 2022

Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to promote the Gannawarra as a place to invest and live has played a major role in the municipality’s continued population growth.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census data revealed Gannawarra Shire’s population increased by 134 people between August 2016 and August 2021, with 10,683 now calling the Gannawarra home.

“The 2021 Census data shows that people are taking notice of the Gannawarra and are prepared to live, work or invest in the area,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Whether it is our abundance of lakes, rivers and waterways or our proximity to regional centres such as Bendigo; the Gannawarra proved to be a popular place for people to move to during the last five years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The increase in Gannawarra Shire’s population benefited towns and districts alike, with Koondrook (+110), Kerang (+67), Murrabit (+29) and Leitchville (+18) all recording population growth in the past five years.

“The population increase is testament to Council’s efforts to recognise the environmental strengths of the Gannawarra and developing this for commercial gain,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“This is being achieved by focusing on the ART of the Gannawarra, (Agriculture, Renewables & Tourism) which includes encouraging opportunities to diversify our agriculture sector, attracting investment in renewable energy projects, and promoting our nature-based tourism attractions.

“Council expects this population growth to continue, especially given the high level of business development in agriculture, energy, mining, industrial and residential that are anticipated to create more than 400-plus jobs in the next few years. This is coinciding with proposed works for KerangLink, which when approved to proceed to the construction stage will generate billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy projects, as well as thousands of construction jobs.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data – Gannawarra Shire