www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au

Why is Golden Plains involved with G21?
Golden Plains Shire Council welcomes the opportunity to participate in G21 and to work together with other councils and business leaders toward a successful future for our region. We believe that the Golden Plains Shire communities will see significant benefits in response to this cooperative strategy.

Golden Plains Shire ...live, work, invest!
We are a proud and dynamic local government authority in the State of Victoria, Australia, located one hour from the state capital, Melbourne and between Victoria's second and third largest regional cities, Geelong and Ballarat. Golden Plains comprises of four former rural councils spread over 2705 square kilometers, and today services several township and rural communities totaling over 15,000 people.

Population statistics reveal a rapidly growing residential sector in the regions closest to Geelong and Ballarat. The level of services and proximity to these centres, combined with affordable housing and attainment of a semi rural lifestyle, are appealing to both residents and business operators. As a result, Golden Plains Shire is a developing municipality with much to offer.

History
Golden Plains Shire was established in May 1994, as part of the Victorian State Government's reform of local government. As its name suggests, Golden Plains has a rich gold mining history captured in townships such as Steiglitz and the Break O' Day reef area in its central region. The historical significance of Steiglitz and surrounds is also a tourism focus for the area, along with the natural bush land and landscape of the Brisbane Ranges in the South and the Enfield State Forest in the North of the Shire.

Our Natural Attractions
Natural beauty is a feature of the Shire, with the Brisbane Ranges, Enfield State Forest and Moorabool and Barwon Rivers offering day-trippers and backpackers an enjoyable tourism experience. Eco-tourism is a major growth industry with significant holdings of roadside native vegetation in the Shire. The Moorabool Valley wine region runs through the Southern end of the Shire with a number of beautiful wineries and the Ballarat/Skipton Rail Trail is popular with tourists in the North.

The Golden Plains is separated into two distinct areas. The Western Basalt Plains, south of the township of Rokewood, is characterised by volcanic landforms, grasslands and woodlands while the Midlands is made up of steep rocky hills and generally unfertile soils.

Wool and grain, along with cattle, and poultry farming contribute to an increasingly vibrant local economy. Niche markets are developing in the farming arena with exotic and intensive farms becoming increasingly popular. Home-based business is thriving in the Shire, employing 38% of the Shire's workforce. Located between Geelong and Ballarat, Golden Plains Shire presents a unique, rural lifestyle opportunity within easy commuting distance to Victoria's major cities.

Chief Executive Officer
Mr Rod Nicholls

Mayor
Cr David Cotsell


Phone:          5220 7111
Fax:              5220 7100
Postal:          PO Box 111
                     Bannockburn 3331
Email us:
enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au