Best of both worlds

Only 45 mins from Melbourne, yet significantly more affordable, Macedon Ranges Shire has become a place for businesses looking to grow.

Growth at every level

Population, economic output, industry sectors. The region continues to generate business success stories.

Sustainable development

Encouraging development that strengthens efforts towards building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet.

A highly-diversified economy

Construction, Health and Social Assistance, Accommodation and Food Services, Food Product Manufacturing, and Administrative and Support Services are the top 5 growth sectors.

Under an hour from Melbourne and Bendigo, Macedon Ranges Shire envisions an inclusive, sustainable economic future.

The region boasts a high quality of living, proud local towns, and welcoming communities looking to support innovative business development.

  • Home to 51,743 people, Macedon Ranges supports 13,348 jobs and has an annual economic output of $4.403 billion.
  • Key towns include: Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Malmsbury, Mount Macedon, Riddells Creek, Romsey, and Woodend.
  • Macedon Ranges Shire has rural Victoria’s biggest business community recording 5,564 ABNs in June 2020. Between 2018/19 and 2019/20 the ABN cohort grew by 3% making it also one of the fastest-growing regions in Victoria.
  • Manufacturing makes the largest contribution to economic output in the region at $786M.
  • Health Care and Social Assistance is the region’s largest employer representing 1,692 jobs. 
  • The region has a reputation for premier agribusiness – inclusive of agriculture and food manufacturing. Primary production includes sheep, beef cattle, poultry, wool and grapes; manufacturing includes meat products, wine and beer, and specialty food products. 
  • Tourism is a significant industry sector – the shire’s perfectly located for weekend getaways and day trips from Melbourne; and hosts a number of festivals, and arts and cultural activities.

Key infrastructure ready to support investment and innovation

  • Within 30-40 minutes of Melbourne Airport, and with easy access to neighbouring regions via major arterial roads including the Calder, Hume, and Western Freeways. 
  • 45 minutes to the Port of Melbourne with strong local road and rail freight and logistics support. 
  • Natural assets, including geology and soil, rainfall, and landscape support a high-value agribusiness sector. 
  • Strong links already exist between local primary production and manufacturing, creating further strategic investment opportunities in agribusiness. 
  • A vital Victorian “Employment and Innovation Corridor” runs through the shire attracting investment and sustaining a solid base of innovation-enabling infrastructure. 
  • Co-working spaces and business hubs provide start-ups and SMEs with essential services. Local offerings include: Macedon Ranges Business Centre and DeskPlan. 
  • Workspace Australia has a business incubator in Gisborne Business Park providing start-ups with affordable office space. 
More Information
Employers and innovators in Macedon Ranges Shire
Education
  • Macedon Ranges Shire has a diverse range of education opportunities, from preschool to Year 12. 
  • Kindergarten and daycare is readily available, and provided through both council-run and private providers. 
  • School offerings are plentiful, with a broad range of educational settings including public and private schools, Montessori schools, and Catholic schools. 
  • The region is home to Candlebark School and its sister high school, Alice Miller, providing a highly-reputed alternative education setting attracting students and their families from across the globe.
Further industry support

Macedon Ranges Shire Council works with a number of industry groups and networks. 

  • BATA (Business and Tourism Associations) – Local business stakeholders supporting growth of existing and new businesses, business to business relationships, and partnerships in local destination marketing.
Significant projects funded or under construction
  • Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) – $46+M project including $14.8M funded by the Victorian Government and $10.9M from local council. The precinct will deliver a 15-hectare regional park providing facilities for a range of sport and recreation activities.
  • Victoria’s Big Housing Build – $30M funded by the Victorian Government towards building social and affordable housing in the shire.
  • Macedon Ranges Shared Trails – The project will connect Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek via a shared-use trail. The Victorian Government is investing $8.75 million to develop enjoyable and safe shared-use trail links, connecting major towns in the Macedon Ranges region.
Future projects and opportunities
Future Plans

Access the Macedon Ranges Shire – Priority Projects 2022.

Case Studies

Learn more about some of the businesses in our region – why they chose Loddon Mallee, and their vision for the future.

Threshold – Pioneering digital theatre

“From audio theatre experiences to analogue treasure hunts, our indoor adventures have brought the delight and wonder of theatre to thousands of homes across the globe.” – Tahli Corin and Sarah Lockwood, Co-founders and directors

Learn more

Newearth – Building a legacy

“Newearth Constructions is a family-owned business with a long and proud history in providing civil engineering contracting and road construction from Romsey in Central Victoria.” – Mick McCarthy, General Manager

Learn more
Gallery

Macedon Ranges Shire highlights

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