A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Sidonia Baynton
Malmsbury Edgecombe
Pastoria East Bald Hill Goldie North Lauriston Kyneton
Cobaw Carlsruhe Lancefield
Newham Rochford Tylden Woodend North
Springfield Hesket Romsey Woodend
Kerrie Ashbourne Mount Macedon Chintin Darraweit Guim Monegeetta Barringo Macedon Bolinda
New Gisborne Riddells Creek
Gisborne Clarkefield
Couangalt
Source: CDATA96
September 1999 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Table of Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ------vii 2. INTRODUCTION ------1 3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION------2 4. MAPPING THE SHIRE ------3 5. DEMOGRAPHICS ------5 5.1 Population Profiles ------5 5.2 Migration ------7 5.3 Birthplace ------7 5.4 Birth Data ------8 5.5 Education------9 5.6 Agricultural Activity ------10 6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC------11 6.1 Socio-Economic Disadvantage------11 6.2 Social Issues------12 6.3 Socio-Cultural Well-being------14 6.4 Labour Force Status------15 6.5 Occupation Type and Industry------16 6.6 Household and Individual Income------18 6.7 Pensions and Benefits ------21 7. HEALTH------23 7.1 Residential and Generalist Health Services------23 7.2 Hospital Admissions------23 7.3 Community Health ------25 7.4 Mental Health ------27 7.5 Disability Data------28 7.6 Mortality Data------29 7.7 Burden of Disease------29 8. TRANSPORT------31 8.1 Transport Systems------31 8.2 Road Accident Statistics ------31 9. FAMILY AND HOUSING------34 9.1 Rental Housing Stock ------34 9.2 Household Size and Status ------35 9.3 Family Size and Composition------36 10. SERVICE SYSTEMS ------37 10.1 Primary Health and Community Support (PHACS) ------37 10.2 Youth and Family Services ------37 10.3 Specialist Services ------37 10.4 Emergency Services ------41 11. KEY ISSUES ------43 12. APPENDICES ------45
ii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Tables Table 1: Birthplace by Sex in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 2: Birthplace by Age Cohort for Selected Countries for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 3: Common Languages Spoken At Home in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 4: Birth Rates for Macedon Ranges (S) 1994 - 1997 Table 5 Teenage Births in Macedon Ranges (S) and Victoria 1993 - 1997 Table 6 Pre-School, Primary School, Secondary College, Childcare Centre, and Technical Campus Enrolment Numbers in Macedon Ranges (S) 1998 and 1999 Table 7: Selected Agricultural Activities by SLA for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 8 Number of Criminal Offences in Macedon Ranges (S) in 1995/96 and 1996/97 Table 9 Comparison of Religious Profile in Macedon Ranges (S) to Rural Victoria 1998 Table 10 Mode of Transport to Work for Kyneton, Romsey, and Balance SLA Residents 1996 Table 11 Disability Support Pension by Top 6 Postcodes in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 12 Sole Parent Pension by Top 6 Postcodes in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 13: Job Search and Newstart Allowance by Top 6 Postcodes in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 14 Age Pension by Top Six Postcodes in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 15 Residential and Generalist Health Services in Macedon Ranges (S) 1999 Table 16: Kyneton District Hospital Separations by Age and Sex for 1996/97 and 1997/98 Table 17: Top 10 DRGs based upon Victorian Public Hospital Separations for Macedon Ranges (S) Residents 1997/98 Table 18: Top 10 MDCs based upon Victorian Public Hospital Separations for Macedon Ranges (S) Residents 1997/98 Table 19 Top Ten Hospitals Visited by Macedon Ranges (S) Residents 1997/98 Table 20 Medical Condition of Macedon Ranges (S) Residents Receiving the Disability Support Pension, September - December 1997 Table 21 Number, Rate and Standardised Mortality Ratio for Selected Causes of Death in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 22 Significantly High Standardised Rates of Years of Life Lost per 1000 Population in Mount Alexander (S)/ Macedon Ranges (S) Compared to Victoria 1996 Table 23 Types of Road Accidents in Macedon Ranges (S) 1991-1995 Table 24 Number of Road Accidents by Year in Macedon Ranges (S) and the Loddon Mallee Region 1991- 1995 Table 25 Position of Injured Person in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Macedon Ranges (S) Residents 1997/98 Table 26: Top Five Victorian Public Hospitals Visited as the Result of a Motor Vehicle Accident, Macedon Ranges (S) Residents 1997/98 Table 27: Number of DHS Houses by Number of Bedrooms for Towns in Macedon Ranges (S) 1998 Table 28: Structure of Dwellings in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Table 29 Numbers of Family Members by Family Type in Macedon Ranges (S) Households 1996 Table 30 Gender and Age of Macedon Ranges (S) Clients with a Disability 1998-99 Table 31 Types of Services Received by Macedon Ranges (S) Clients with a Disability 1998-99 Table 32 Country Fire Authority Brigades in Macedon Ranges (S) and Number of Members 1999
iii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Figures Figure 1: Photo of Macedon Ranges from the North Figure 2: Photo of Hanging Rock Figure 3: Macedon Ranges (S) showing Town, other Localities, Highways, Roads, Railways and Rivers. Figure 4: Macedon Ranges (S) showing 1996 Statistical Local Area and Collection District Boundaries Figure 5: Macedon Ranges (S) Postcode Boundaries Figure 6: Population Profiles of Macedon Ranges (S), Loddon Mallee Region and Victoria 1996 Figure 7: Gender Differences by Age Cohort for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 8: Projected Population Changes for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996-2006 Figure 9: Migration between Macedon Ranges (S) and Melbourne from 1991 to 1996 Figure 10: Migration between Macedon Ranges (S) and Interstate from 1991 to 1996 Figure 11: Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage by Postcode for Loddon Mallee Region 1996 Figure 12: Percentage of Labour Force Status for Males by Age Cohorts in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 13: Percentage of Labour Force Status Types for Females by Age Cohorts in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 14: Grouped Occupation Type by Age Cohort for Employed Males in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 15 Grouped Occupation Type by Age Cohort for Employed Females in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 16 Industry Type by Sex for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Figure 17: Grouped Household Income by Household Type for Kyneton SLA 1996 Figure 18: Grouped Household Income by Household Type for Romsey SLA 1996 Figure 19: Grouped Household Income by Household Type for Balance SLA 1996 Figure 20: Individual Taxable Income by Postcode for Macedon Ranges (S) 1995-96 Figure 21: Cobaw Community Health Service Contacts by Service Type and Age Grouping 1997/98 Figure 22: Macedon Ranges Health Service Contacts by Service Type and Age Grouping 1997/98 Figure 23: Primary Diagnoses for Mental Health In-patient Clients from Macedon Ranges (S) 1998 Figure 24: Principal Diagnoses for Mental Health Out-patient Clients from Macedon Ranges (S) 1998 Figure 25: Road Surface at Location of Road Accidents in Macedon Ranges (S) 1991-1995 Figure 26: Selected Family Status for DHS Housing Stock Residents 1996 Figure 27: Overall Ownership of Households in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996
iv A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Acknowledgments The Project Officer – Louise Simm – would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Steering Committee, involving: • Anne Somerville (Chair), Acting Manager, Planning Branch, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Mike Butcher, Manager, Regional Data Unit, Planning Branch, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Sue Clarke, Acting Manager, Client Services Branch, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Jan Snell, Acting Regional Director, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Melanie Rogers, Manager, Local Area Planning, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Anne McLennan, Coordinator, Community Services, Macedon Ranges Shire Council • Trevor Probert, Manager, Housing, Client Services, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Kerry Lord, Manager, Youth and Family Services, Client Services, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Ria Lawson, Manager, Specialist Children Services, Client Services, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Heather Paterson, Manager, Youth and Family Services Purchasing, Provider Management, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Annette Toohey, Manager, Service Redevelopment, Provider Management, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Dellice Coultas, Senior Project Officer, Aged Care, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Faye Ennor-Severs, Project Officer, Aged Care, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS • Robyn Ruggles, Community Housing, Provider Management, Loddon Mallee Regional DHS The Project Officer would also like to acknowledge the assistance of Ian Clark, Loddon Mallee Regional Data Unit, for providing data, and I would particularly like to acknowledge the guidance, aid and assistance of Mike Butcher, Manager, Loddon Mallee Regional Data Unit, throughout the development of the profile.
v A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Glossary Of Terms ABI Acquired Brain Injury ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics AIHW Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ATSS Adult Training and Support Service CCHS Cobaw Community Health Service CDATA96 ABS Electronic Census Product1996 CD Collection District CFA Country Fire Authority CWA Country Women’s Association DALY Disability-Adjusted Life Year DHS Department of Human Services DRG Diagnostic Related Grouping EGM Electronic Gaming Machine ENT Ear, Nose, Throat ERP Estimated Resident Population FY Financial Year IRN Index of Relative Need LGA Local Government Area LMR Loddon Mallee Region Macedon Ranges (S) Shire of Macedon Ranges MDC Major Diagnostic Category MRHS Macedon Ranges Health Service (Gisborne) MRSC Macedon Ranges Shire Council MVA Motor Vehicle Accident NEC Not Elsewhere Classified PGSS Problem Gambling Service Strategy PHACS Primary Health and Community Support PRISM Psychiatric Records Information Systems Manager Region Loddon Mallee Region RSL Returned Service League SD Statistical Division SES State Emergency Service Shire Shire of Macedon Ranges SLA Statistical Local Area SRS Supported Residential Service State Victoria VIMD Victorian In-patient Minimum Database VCGA Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority YLL Years of Life Lost
vi A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Shire is located at the southern end of the Loddon Mallee Region (Region), representing 12 percent of the Regional population. The Shire covers an area of 1,748 square kilometres and contains approximately 16,000 rateable properties (Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 1998). The estimated resident population (ERP) of the Shire in 1996 was 34,117 persons, comprising 49.8 percent males and 50.2 percent females. Many residents of the Shire commute to Melbourne, with 70 percent of the residents of the southern part of the Shire employed there. The principal industries are manufacturing, transport and retail. 1.2 MAPPING THE SHIRE The main towns in the Shire are Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey, Riddells Creek, and Malmsbury. The Calder Highway which runs through the Shire, by-passes Kyneton and Gisborne, and runs through Woodend (although construction is also under way to by-pass Woodend). The Campaspe River runs past Kyneton, Gisborne and a number of smaller towns. The Shire has three Statistical Local Areas (SLAs), consisting of the Kyneton SLA, the Romsey SLA, and the Balance SLA (including Woodend and Gisborne). 1.3 DEMOGRAPHICS • Population Profiles The Shire had a higher percentage of under 14 year olds and 35 to 54 year olds than the Region and State in 1996. Whilst the Region has a lower percentage of 20 to 29 year olds than the State, the percentage of people in this age cohort in the Shire was even lower. The Shire also has a lower percentage of older people (aged 55 to 89 years) than the Region and State, although the population of people 55 to 64 years old in the Shire is expected to increase by 2,355 from 1996 to 2006. • Migration More people moved from Melbourne to the Shire than from the Shire to Melbourne between 1991 and 1996. The highest number of migrations in any age group occurred with people aged 25 to 64 years, who moved from Melbourne to the Shire. More than twice as many people moved from the Shire to interstate between 1991 and 1996, compared to those who moved from interstate to the Shire. • Birthplace The majority of people resident in the Shire were born in Australia (84.5%), with the next two highest percentages coming from the United Kingdom (5.8%) and Germany (0.97%). English (93.4%), Italian (0.9%) and German (0.8%) were the most common languages spoken at home. • Birth Data There were 513 births in the Shire in 1994. Although this figure rose to 541 in 1995, there was a drop in 1996 to 532, and a substantial drop in 1997 to 451. Kyneton, closely followed by Woodend, had the highest numbers of births in the Shire between 1994 and 1997.
vii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
• Education There are six childcare centres, nine pre-schools, 24 primary schools, five secondary colleges, and two BRIT (Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE) campuses in the Shire. The secondary colleges are in Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne and Macedon. • Agricultural Activity There are a large number of agricultural establishments in the Shire, and agricultural production for 1996-97 amounted to over $28 million. Beef cattle farming is the most common agricultural activity in the Shire, representing 174 (37.8%) establishments, followed by sheep farming with 100 (21.7%) establishments. 1.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC • Socio-Economic Disadvantage The most commonly used index for socio-economic status, the Index of Relative Socio- Economic Disadvantage (IRSED), summarises attributes such as low income, low educational attainment and high unemployment. In 1991, the Shire had the highest IRSED value (1,076.09) of the ten LGAs in the Region. The higher the IRSED value, the lower the socio-economic disadvantage. The Shire was also less disadvantaged than the Region and Victoria in 1996. • Social Issues The Index of Relative Need (IRN) is a relative measure of alcohol problems. The IRN for the Shire was 0.04, representing the lowest for the Region. The highest number of criminal offences in the Shire in 1996/97 occurred in Kyneton/Redesdale/ Tylden (710), Woodend/Ashbourne/Hesket (413), and Gisborne/Bullengarook (394). Lancefield and Romsey/Monegeeta North had the highest percentage increase in criminal offences from 1995/96 to 1996/97. There are three venues in the Shire that contain a total of 75 Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). Suicide, which is defined as a self-inflicted, intentional act resulting in death, was once considered a religious and moral issue, but is now seen as a social problem. According to the State Coroner’s Court, the rate of completed suicide in the Shire in 1996 was 17.67 per 100,000, higher than the Regional rate of 13.75 per 100,000. In 1997, there were 20.19 per 100,000 completed suicides in the Shire compared to 14.22 per 100,000 in the Region. • Socio-Cultural Well-being The Shire has a number of community groups and social events that contribute to the socio- cultural well-being of the Shire. Tourism is important to the Shire: it was estimated that the Shire had a 17 percent increase in visitor numbers during the 1997/98 financial year, compared to the previous year. There were approximately 450,000 day trips made to the Shire in 1997/98. Many of these visitors came to attend such activities as the Daffodil Festival, Summer in the Parks Twilight Jazz Evening at Malmsbury, Hanging Rock Races, Hanging Rock Wine Festival, and a number of open gardens and theatre productions. The religious organisations are important community resources. The largest denomination in the Shire is Catholic (28.2%), followed by Anglican (20.4%). This does not differ from the trend in Rural Victoria.
viii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
• Labour Force Status The majority of males in the Shire in 1996 were employed full-time (6,500), while 2,779 were not in the labour force. In contrast, the majority of females in the Shire were not in the labour force (5,319), followed by those employed part-time (3,083) and full-time (2,821). • Occupation Type and Industry The occupational type with the highest number of males (the total of all ages) was Professionals and Associate Professionals (3,411), followed by Clerical, Sales and Service (2,878). The position was reversed for females with the highest number (the total of all ages) employed in Clerical, Sales and Service (2,981), followed by Professionals and Associate Professionals (2,363). Approximately 51 percent of the Shire working residents commuted to metropolitan Melbourne to work in 1996. This was an increase of 14 percent from 1991. The manufacturing industry is the largest employer of Shire residents, and although many of these people travelled to Melbourne to work, there were 89 manufacturing businesses in the Shire in 1997. • Household and Individual Income The most common weekly household income grouping in the Kyneton SLA in 1996 was $120 to $299 (20.9% of households), with the majority of these (59.6%) consisting of lone person households. In the Romsey SLA, the most common weekly household income bracket in 1996 was $700 to $999 (18.5% of households), while in the remaining of the Shire (Balance SLA), the most common weekly household income bracket in 1996 was $1,000 to $1,499 (17.3% of households). The majority of these comprised one family households. • Pensions and Benefits There were 2,113 people in the Shire receiving age pensions in June 1996. Over one third of these were from the Kyneton postcode (36.1%). There were also 588 individuals receiving Disability Support Pensions and 521 families receiving the Sole Parent Pension. 1.5 HEALTH • Residential and Generalist Health Services The generalist health services in the Shire include Kyneton District Health Service (public hospital), Cobaw Community Health Service, Macedon Ranges Health Service (Gisborne), and several General Practices. The residential services include two Supported Residential Services, three nursing homes and two hostels. • Hospital Admissions There were 2,130 hospital separations from Kyneton District Health Service in 1996/97 and 2,026 in 1997/98. In 1996/97, 81.2 percent of these were Shire residents, while in 1997/98, 78.6 percent were Shire residents. • Community Health There are two community health services in the Shire – Cobaw Community Health Service (CCHS) and Macedon Ranges Health Service (MRHS) based in Gisborne. There were 2,903 consumer contacts with CCHS in 1997/98, the majority of which were for Physiotherapy (35.2%), Speech Pathology (21.2%) and Counselling/Casework (18.4%). A different pattern of service was evident at MRHS, where there were 1,560 consumer contacts in 1997/98. The
ix A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges majority of these contacts were for Physiotherapy (35.5%), Counselling/Casework (29.4%) and Occupational Therapy (11.3%). • Mental Health A total of 73 Shire residents made 91 in-patient admissions to mental health facilities in 1998. Many more people received out-patient treatment during 1998, with 8,617 mental health out- patient contacts. The 8,617 out-patient contacts were made by 287 clients, with an average of 30 contacts per person. Depression was the most common principal diagnosis for both in-patient (32.9%) and out-patient (24.7%) clients. • Disability Data The 1998 survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers found that nearly 20 percent of the population experience some level of disability in relation to the core activities of communication, mobility or self care. In the September 1997 quarter, 648 adults met the CentreLink criteria to receive the Disability Support Pension in the Shire. There were 260 children from the Shire postal areas receiving the Child Disability Allowance. • Death Data The highest causes of death in the Shire in 1996 were cardiovascular disease (Ischaemic Heart Disease and Stroke) (58) and cancer (54). The mortality rates for these causes were not found to be significantly different from Victoria. 1.6 TRANSPORT • Transport Systems Because the Shire has a spread of small towns, transport within the Shire is a problem. This is especially so for the eastern side, which does not have a highway or train line. This is particularly an issue for youth and older people who do not have their own transport. • Road Accident Statistics There were a total of 595 road accidents in the Shire between 1991 and 1995, with 23 of them (3.9%) involving at least one fatality, and a further 187 (31.4%) involving serious injury. The road surface was dry in the majority (70.9%) of road accidents, with wet conditions accounting for approximately one quarter of accidents. 1.7 FAMILY AND HOUSING • Rental Housing Stock There were a total of 215 DHS rental stock dwellings in the Shire as of May 1999. The majority of these were three-bedroom houses (68.4%), with the highest number of DHS houses being located in Kyneton (53.5%), followed by Woodend (18.6%) and Gisborne (18.1%). Macedon Ranges Shire Council also owns approximately 30 dwellings in the Shire. There are currently 144 household applicants on the waiting list for DHS houses in the Shire. The majority of applicants are waiting for three-bedroom (38.2%) and two-bedroom (36.1%) houses. The majority of these 144 applicants fall into the unsuitable housing and “no priority access” waiting list segments, for which there is a 1.6 month and up to 60 month waiting time, respectively.
x A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
• Household Size and Status There were a total of 10,497 dwellings in the Shire in 1996, with an average of three people in each dwelling. Thirty eight (0.4%) of these dwellings were occupied by indigenous persons in 1996, with a total of 124 people usually resident in them. More households were owned in the Shire in 1996 (43.5%), than were being rented (14.3%) or in the process of being purchased (37.8%). • Family Size and Composition The average number of children per couple family in the Shire in 1996 was 2.1, while for one parent families it was 1.6. There were 1,837 persons living alone in the Shire in 1996, while there were 9,902 parents in a household with children.
1.8 SERVICE SYSTEM • Primary Health and Community Support The Primary Health and Community Support (PHACS) sector includes aged, community and mental health services. There are five proposed service delivery areas in the Region. The Shire has been combined with Mount Alexander (S) and Central Goldfields (S) to form the Southern service delivery area, with a population of 63,781. • Youth and Family Services The majority of youth and family programs are provided by services within the Shire, while some are provided by Region-wide services. From the 42 youth and family services provided, approximately one third of them (35.7%) are pre-school or childcare programs. • Psychiatric Services The Division of Psychiatry, Bendigo Health Care Group, provides psychiatric services to residents in the Region. The Division of Psychiatry delivers three key services: Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Services, Adult Mental Health Services, and bed-based units. • Juvenile Justice Service Malmsbury Juvenile Justice Centre is the largest centre in Victoria for young men aged 17 to 21 years that have been sentenced to a period of detention in a Youth Training Centre by the Magistrates Court. The capacity of Malmsbury Juvenile Justice Centre is 74 following a major capital redevelopment of the centre in 1996 and 1997. The centre currently includes a campus of the Bendigo Region Institute of TAFE and has a health team responsible for the provision of alcohol and drug counselling, basic medical services and counselling to all trainees. • Sexual Assault Services The Loddon Campaspe Region’s Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) services the Shire. The services which CASA provides to the Shire include two outreach workers who are located at St Luke’s Family Service in Kyneton one day a week, and many services which are offered from Bendigo, specifically an after hours Crisis Care Unit. • Drug and Alcohol Services The alcohol and drug (A&D) services in the Shire include A&D specific counselling at Cobaw Community Health Service (CCHS), a Youth Outreach position at CCHS, and a Rural Withdrawal Service, auspiced by Maryborough Community Health Service, with a worker based at CCHS which covers the Shire.
xi A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
• Disability Services Disability services funded by the department have historically been focussed on clients with an intellectual disability. A joint project between the Central Highland Association for People with Disabilities and St Luke’s Family Care is attempting to forecast the needs of people with disabilities for housing, respite and other services in the Macedon Ranges (S) and Mount Alexander (S). • Specialist Women’s Health Service The Loddon Mallee Women’s Health Service, located in Bendigo, provides free information and services to residents of the Region on all aspects of women’s health. • Aged Services A range of aged care health services are offered to Shire residents from the Bendigo Health Care Group, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Kyneton District Health Service, Cobaw Community Health Service, Macedon Ranges Health Service (Gisborne), and the Interchange Loddon Mallee Region. • Visiting Acute Specialists There are a number of specialists who regularly visit Kyneton District Health Service to provide medical and surgical clinical services. • Emergency Services Ambulance services are currently located in Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne, while another is to be located in Romsey in 2000/01. The police stations in the Shire are located at all the major towns, including Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Malmsbury, Riddells Creek, Romsey, and Woodend. There are two State Emergency Service (SES) units located in the Shire - in Gisborne and Woodend. There are two Country Fire Authority (CFA) regions which cover the Shire - Region 14 (office located in Melton) and Region 15 (office located in Ballarat). There are approximately 1,314 CFA volunteers in the Shire. 1.9 KEY ISSUES • Population Changes The Shire has the highest projected population growth rate in the Region. The migration of families with young children into the Shire has contributed to the high number of under 14 year old children. The population of people 55 years and over in the Shire is also expected to increase by 1,744 from 1996 to 2006. The demand upon health and other services is expected to increase as a result of these population changes. • Socio-Economic Differences Compared to other LGAs in the Region, the Shire appears to be less disadvantaged, by the criteria used in this profile. In fact, on the basis of the 1996 Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage, the Shire was less disadvantaged than the Region and the State. Within the Shire, there are differences between the three SLAs using this measure, and other socio-economic measures such as household weekly income. The Kyneton SLA has a relatively low socio- economic status, compared to the Romsey and Balance SLAs. • Educational Needs The increasing numbers of children aged 14 and under in the Shire is placing a high demand on childcare and educational services. The enrolment numbers in primary schools in the Shire
xii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges increased by 117.6 places from 1998 to 1999, while in secondary colleges there was an increase of 85.6 places. • Shortage of Intra-Shire Transport There is a shortage of public transport within the Shire. There are no local/domestic bus services in the Shire, so those who do not have their own transport need to rely on taxis, walking, or private arrangements. This is a problem for people who live in the eastern side of the Shire, where there is no highway or railway service. The shortage of intra-Shire transport is especially an issue for the youth and older people without transport. • Shortage of Housing The majority of Shire applicants for DHS housing are on waiting list segments three and four – where there is a 1.6 month and up to 60 month wait. The Shire, with 144 applicants, is the third highest target in the Region for increased rental general stock in 1999/2000. Macedon Ranges Shire Council also owns approximately 30 dwellings, but they are finding their stock increasing expensive to maintain. The low vacancy rate for private housing stock also contributes to the high demand of houses in the Shire. • Other Issues Although it is useful to look at levels of access for service data, it must be noted that this does not represent the level of need for services. Likewise, the types of services accessed may not be indicative of the need. For example, while there may be a variety of traditional services available and accessed, there may be a need for alternative services and therapies. The impact of the Primary Health and Community Support (PHACS) service redevelopment on the delivery of these services in the Shire is yet to be known. There may be a need for a new model of delivery for sexual assault services in the Shire. The hours of delivery are especially an issue for residents. The demand for rehabilitation and sub-acute rehabilitation services needs to be clearly identified. Strategies need to be developed with local service providers to ensure that demand for these specific services can be adequately met. Access to methadone programs is viewed as a problem in the Shire. The supply of drugs in the Shire may also be more of an issue compared to other LGAs within the Region, because of the Shire’s proximity to Melbourne. The high number of Professionals and Associate Professionals residing in the Shire may be contributing to a high amount of work-related stress. The distance many Melbourne commuters are travelling to work may also be contributing to high levels of stress.
xiii A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
2. INTRODUCTION Since 1995, the Victorian Government has undergone a period of significant restructure to meet its commitment to providing high quality and cost effective services to the people of Victoria. In the Department of Human Services (DHS), this has resulted in new business and management processes and well-articulated strategic directions. At the regional level we have developed an enhanced planning, performance analysis and contract management capability with which to implement the Department's strategic directions. To assist the Planning Branch in developing its capability, a Regional Data Unit has been established with the aim, amongst others, of preparing and publishing relevant regional information. The Planning Branch of the Loddon Mallee Regional Department of Human Services has already produced several reports, relating to Women’s Health, Suicide Prevention, Ageing, and strategic plans that underpin the Branch’s focus. Since 1998, Demographic, Socio-Economic and Environmental Profiles of the Loddon Mallee Region have also been published by the Regional Data Unit. Their focus was intentionally broad and it was intended that profiles of local areas would be prepared which would bring together demographic, socio-economic, service and consumer information into a holistic human services overview. Where possible, services were to be mapped against client populations and catchment area and, most importantly, issues for the municipality were to be identified. All of this was to result in a publication restricted to about forty pages. Its purpose is to assist in planning, service development and service purchasing, for planners, providers, and purchasers within the Loddon Mallee Region DHS, and the respective Local Government Authority. Macedon Ranges (S) was selected as the first of the areas, because it has the highest growth rate in the Region. Recently, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council has commissioned the Macedon Ranges Shire Housing Strategy (May 1998), Macedon Ranges Shire Demographic Profile (June 1998), and an Economic Development Strategy (December 1998), which should be seen as complementary to this profile. A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges represents the first publication by the Planning Branch, which brings together human service information from a number of sources, relating to the Shire. It may serve as the prototype for similar profiles of the remaining nine municipalities in the Region. The data have been selected to relate to the business of the Department of Human Services and therefore have a bias towards needs or problem areas. However, many of the data reveal as much about the advantaged of the community as they do about the disadvantaged. For instance, the socio-economic indicators, income levels and occupations show the Shire to be relatively advantaged by all criteria, compared to the rest of the Region. They also show that the wealth of the Shire is not equally distributed. The timeframes for the data vary according to availability, but in general the most recent has been used. No data is presented that could be attributed to an individual consumer.
1 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Shire is located at the southern end of the Loddon Mallee Region (Region), representing 12 percent of the Regional population. The Shire covers an area of 1,748 square kilometres and contains approximately 16,000 rateable properties (Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 1998). The estimated resident population (ERP) of the Shire in 1996 was 34,117 persons, comprising 49.8 percent males and 50.2 percent females. Many residents of the Shire commute to Melbourne, with 70 percent of the residents of the southern part of the Shire employed there. The principal industries are manufacturing, transport and retail. Major geographical features in the Shire include Hanging Rock, just east of Woodend, Mount Macedon, north-east of Macedon, and the natural springs in Kyneton. Figures 1 and 2 show the Macedon Ranges from the north, and a well-known picnic spot, Hanging Rock, respectively. Figure 1: The Macedon Ranges from the North
Source: An Environmental Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region 1999. Figure 2: Hanging Rock: A Well-known Picnic Spot
Source: An Environmental Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region 1999. The Shire has an average altitude of more than 200 metres above sea level, with Mount Macedon rising to over 1000 metres high. The effects of the higher altitude are reflected in relatively lower winter temperatures and the increased likelihood of heavy frosts, rain and occasional snow falls. Low temperatures in the Shire can lead to difficult driving conditions. To prevent ice formation, bridges on new sections of the four lane divided Calder Highway will be electrically heated. The average annual rainfall ranges from 800 to 1100mm. The Regional environmental profile provides rainfall levels for other areas in Victoria.1
1 Loddon Mallee Regional Data Unit. (March 1999). An Environmental Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region: Interim Report. Bendigo: Loddon Mallee Regional Planning Branch.
2 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
4. MAPPING THE SHIRE Data are available on a number of different boundaries, including Local Government Area (LGA), Statistical Local Area (SLA), Collection District (CD), and CD derived Postal Areas (postcodes). Figure 3 provides a map of the towns, other localities, highways, roads, railway line and rivers in the LGA of the Shire. The main towns in the Shire are Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey, Riddells Creek, and Malmsbury. The Calder Highway, which runs through the Shire, by-passes Kyneton and Gisborne, and runs through Woodend (although construction is also under way to by-pass Woodend). The Campaspe River runs past Kyneton, Gisborne and a number of smaller towns. Figure 3: Macedon Ranges (S) showing Towns, other Localities, Highways, Roads, Railway and Rivers
Sidonia Baynton
Malmsbury Edgecombe
Pastoria East Bald Hill Goldie North Lauriston Kyneton
Cobaw Carlsruhe Lancefield
Newham Rochford Tylden Woodend North
Springfield Hesket Romsey Woodend
Kerrie Ashbourne Mount Macedon Chintin Darraweit Guim Monegeetta Barringo Macedon Bolinda
New Gisborne Riddells Creek
Gisborne Clarkefield
Couangalt
Key: Red line = Calder Highway. Source: CDATA96. Figure 4 shows the SLA and CD boundaries for the Shire. There are three SLAs in the Shire which cover approximately the same area - Kyneton, Romsey and the Balance (including Woodend and Romsey). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collect the Census of Population and Housing data by CDs, which is the lowest level for which data are made available, of which there are 62 in the Shire. For ease of comparison and to avoid ethical issues of reporting small numbers, most of the data in this profile will be produced on a SLA or LGA basis. It is also useful to present the postcode boundaries for the Shire (see Figure 5) because some data are only available at this level. Although these postcode boundaries are CD derived, they do not match up with the Shire LGA boundary. There are 12 postcodes in the Shire, with two of these postcodes - Kyneton (3444) and Lancefield (3435) - crossing over the LGA boundary. Thirty percent (243 km²) of the 3444 postcode and 58 percent (205 km²) of the 3435 postcode area are outside the Shire. Although the area of these postcodes outside the Shire is fairly substantial, the population within these areas is quite small, with 84.9 percent of the 3435 postcode and 92.6 percent of the 3444 postcode population residing in the Shire.
3 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Figure 4: Macedon Ranges (S) showing 1996 Statistical Local Area and Collection District Boundaries
MacedonMacedon RangesRanges (S)(S) -- KynetonKyneton
MacedonMacedon RangesRanges (S)(S) -- RomseyRomsey Macedon Ranges (S) Balance
Source: CDATA96.
Figure 5: Macedon Ranges (S) Postcode Boundaries
Postcode Principal Location
3444 3431 Riddell’s Creek
MIAMIA MIAMIA 3432 Darraweit Guim 3433 Monegeetta North 3434 Romsey PYALPYALONGPYALPYALONGOONNGG 3435 3435 Lancefield 3446 3437 Gisborne KYNETKYNETONKYNETKYNETONOONN 34353435 3438 New Gisborne 34443444 LANCEFIELD 3440 Macedon 34423442 3444 34423442 ROMSEYROMSEY FERNFERN HILLHILL ROMSEYROMSEY FERNFERN HILLHILL WOODENDWOODEND WOODENDWOODEND 34343434 3441 Mount Macedon 34413441 34333433 3442 Woodend 3440 MACEDON 34383438 RIDDELLSRIDDELLS CREEKCREEK 34323432 34313431 3444 Kyneton 34373437 GISBORNEGISBORNE 3446 Malmsbury
Source: CDATA96. Note: The shaded areas are outside the Macedon Ranges LGA.
4 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
5. DEMOGRAPHICS 5.1 Population Profiles Figure 6 compares the 1996 enumerated population of the Shire with the Region and State (see Appendix A for a table of the Estimated Resident Populations of the Shire SLAs and LGA by five year age cohorts for 1996). The Shire population increased by 7.3 percent from 1991 to 1996. The estimated resident population (ERP) for each of the three SLAs in the Shire in 1996 was 7,719 for Kyneton, 9,191 for Romsey, and 17,207 for the Balance. The enumerated population for the Romsey and Balance SLAs increased by 2,789 and 3,388, respectively, compared with 1,381 for Kyneton, for the ten year period from 1986 to 1996. The population growth has hence occurred in the south of the Shire (see Appendix B for a table of these changes). The ERP for the Shire in 1998 was 35,274.2 Figure 6: Population Profiles of Macedon Ranges (S), Loddon Mallee Region and Victoria 1996
10% 9% Macedon Ranges 8% Loddon Mallee 7% Victoria 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% Percentage of Total Population (%) 0-4 5-9 99+ 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90-94 95-98
Age Cohort (Years) Source: CDATA96 Table B03. The Shire had a higher percentage of under 14 year olds and 35 to 54 year olds than the Region and State in 1996. While the Region has a lower percentage of 20 to 29 year olds than the State, the percentage of people in this age cohort in the Shire is even lower. The Shire also has a lower percentage of older people (aged 55 to 89 years) than the Region and State. The population of people 55 to 64 years old in the Shire, however, is expected to increase by 2,355 from 1996 to 2006.3 According to the 1996 ABS Census, there were 0.25 percent male and 0.26 percent female indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) people living in the Shire in 1996. This is approximately half of the percentage of indigenous people who were living in the Region at the same time (0.55% male and 0.58% female). The highest number of males was in the 0 to 9 year age group (30% of all indigenous males), followed by the 40 to 49 year age group (25%). The highest number of females were also in the 0 to 9 year age group (27.9%), followed by the 10 to 19 year group (23.3%). As stated in the Department of Human Services’ Regional Demographic Profile,4 these figures are likely to be under-estimates, and this should be borne in mind when viewing and using this data. The ABS has recognised the difficulties with collecting census information for Koori people, and are currently working with representatives of Koori State-wide
2 Research, Planning and Development (RPD) Group. (July 1999). North Central Victoria: Regional Profile. Bendigo: RPD Group. 3 Department of Infrastructure. (1996). Victoria In Future. 4 Loddon Mallee Regional Data Unit. (July 1998). A Regional Demographic Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region: Interim Report. Bendigo: Loddon Mallee Regional Planning Branch.
5 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges organisations, such as the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. (VACCHO) to develop projects to look at these concerns before the next Census.5 Figure 7 shows the gender differences (females minus males) for people living in the Shire in 1996. The bars that venture into positive numbers represent the age groups where there were more females than males, while the bars that project into the negative numbers represent age groups where there were more males than females. A few trends are apparent from this graph, with there being more males in the 15 to 24 age group, more females in the 25 to 39 age group, more males in the 45 to 69 age group, and more females in the 70 and over age group. The largest gender difference was in the 30 to 34 year age groups, where there were 201 more females living in the Shire than males. Figure 7: Gender Differences by Age Cohort for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996
Females - Males Number -200 -100 0 100 200 0-4 5-9 85+ 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 Age Cohort (Years) Source: ABS Estimated Resident Population, 1996. Figure 8 shows the projected population changes for the Shire from 1996 to 2001 and 2006. Two of the most interesting patterns to note from this graph are the large population increase in the 50 to 64 year age cohort from 1996 to 2001, and the lack of change in the 65 and over age group. Figure 8: Projected Population Changes for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996-2006
4,000
3,500 1996 3,000 2001 2,500 2006 2,000 1,500
1,000 Number of Persons 500
0
Age Cohorts
Source: Victoria in Future, 1996.
5 Macedon Ranges Shire Council. (1999). Projected Demand For Home Maintenance/HACC Services. Woodend: Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
6 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
5.2 Migration The following two figures provide migration details between the Shire and Melbourne (Figure 9), and the Shire and interstate (Figure 10). There were more people who moved from Melbourne to the Shire than from the Shire to Melbourne between 1991 and 1996. The highest number of migrations between Melbourne and the Shire in a particular age group occurred with people aged 25 to 64 years (3,157), who moved from Melbourne to the Shire. Figure 9: Migration between Macedon Ranges (S) and Melbourne from 1991 to 1996
5000 In 1991 lived in Macedon Ranges (S) 4000 and in 1996 lived in Melbourne SD In 1991 lived in Melbourne SD and in 3000 1996 lived in Macedon Ranges (S)
2000
1000
0 0-9 yrs 10-24 yrs 25-64 yrs 65+ yrs Total Age Cohort (Years) Source: ABS 1996. Figure 10: Migration between Macedon Ranges (S) and Interstate from 1991 to 1996
1600
1400 In 1991 lived in Macedon Ranges and in 1996 lived Interstate 1200 In 1991 lived Interstate and in 1996 1000 lived in Macedon Ranges
800
600
400
200
0 0-9 yrs 10-24 yrs 25-64 yrs 65+ yrs Total Age Cohort (Years) Source: ABS 1996. There were more people who moved from the Shire to Victoria (excluding the Region and Melbourne) from 1991 to 1996 (1,059), than those who moved from Victoria to the Shire (828). There were also more people who moved from the Shire to the rest of the Region between 1991 to 1996 (681), than vice versa (409). More than twice as many people moved from the Shire in 1991 to interstate in 1996 (1,420), than vice versa (662). From all migrations, the 25 to 64 year old age group were the most mobile between 1991 and 1996. Further details are included in Appendices C and D. 5.3 Birthplace Table 1 shows the birthplace of people living in the Shire in 1996. The majority of people were born in Australia (84.5%), with the next two highest percentages coming from the United Kingdom (5.8%) and Germany (0.97%). In general, similar numbers of males and females were born overseas.
7 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Table 1: Birthplace by Sex in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Birthplace Male Female Total Australia 13,461 13,847 27,308 Germany, Federal Republic of 167 145 312 Greece 28 26 54 Ireland 40 31 71 Italy 126 95 221 Malta 84 56 140 Netherlands 82 78 160 New Zealand 109 115 224 United Kingdom 920 944 1,864 United States of America 34 32 66 Born elsewhere overseas or not stated 891 996 1,887 Source: CDATA96, B05. Table 2 displays selected birthplaces of different age groups in the Shire in 1996. There were very few people aged less than 25 years living in the Shire in 1996 who were born overseas. Sixty-three percent were aged between 25 and 54 years, and 34 percent were 55 years and over. Table 2: Birthplace by Age Cohort for Selected Countries for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Birthplace 0-24 yrs 25-54 yrs 55 yrs + Total Germany 9 182 124 315 Italy 0 148 74 222 Netherlands 3 101 53 157 Greece 3 39 11 53 Croatia 0 31 17 48 Philippines 6 20 3 29 Other Pacific Islands (inc. PNG) 6 16 0 22 Turkey 0 0 6 6 Key: PNG = Papua New Guinea; yrs = years. Source: CDATA96, E01. The top six most common languages spoken at home for Shire residents in 1996 are shown in Table 3. English (93.4%), Italian (0.9%) and German (0.8%) were the most common languages spoken at home. Table 3: Common Languages Spoken At Home in Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Language Spoken No. of Persons English only 27,640 Italian 274 German 225 Greek 112 Maltese 84 Polish 52 Other Languages 1,215 Key: No. = number. Source: CDATA96. 5.4 Birth Data There were 513 births6 in the Shire in 1994. Although this figure rose to 541 in 1995, there was a drop in 1996 to 532, and a substantial drop in 1997 to 451 (see Table 4). Kyneton, closely followed by Woodend, had the highest numbers of births in the Shire in the four years between 1994 and 1997. The next three locations with the highest number of births were Romsey, Riddells Creek, and Lancefield.
6 The Perinatal Data Collection Unit does not have a record of all pregnancies, but records all births (confinements) after 20 weeks, or >400 grams.
8 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
Table 4: Birth Rates for Macedon Ranges (S) 1994 - 1997 Postcode Principle Location 1994 1995 1996 1997 1994-1997 3431 Riddells Creek 49 39 68 53 209 3432 Darraweit Guim <3 <3 0 0 4 3433 Monegeetta North 4 0 6 0 10 3434 Romsey 90 110 108 77 385 3435 Lancefield 49 61 40 47 197 3437 Gisborne 0 0 0 0 0 3438 New Gisborne 0 0 0 0 0 3440 Macedon 0 0 0 0 0 3441 Mount Macedon 0 0 0 0 0 3442 Woodend 148 144 147 121 560 3444 Kyneton 147 166 143 134 590 3446 Malmsbury 24 19 20 19 82 Source: Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit, 1999. The percentage of teenage pregnancies (19 years old and younger) in the Shire (2.3%) in the five years between 1993 and 1997 were lower than the State average (3.5%) (see Table 5). Table 5: Teenage Births in Macedon Ranges (S) and Victoria 1993 - 1997 Macedon Ranges (S) Rest of Victoria Year Number Percent (%) Number Percent (%) 1993 9 1.9 2,181 3.4 1994 11 2.1 2,263 3.6 1995 15 3.0 2,178 3.5 1996 10 2.1 2,119 3.4 1997 10 2.4 2,025 3.3 Total 55 2.3 10,766 3.5 Key: Teenage = 19 years old and younger; % = percent of all births. Source: Perinatal Data Collection Unit 1999. 5.5 Education Table 6 provides total enrolment numbers for 1998 and 1999 for childcare centres, pre-schools, primary schools, secondary colleges and technical campuses in the Shire. There are six childcare centres, nine pre-schools, 24 primary schools, four secondary colleges, and two BRIT (Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE) campuses in the Shire. The secondary colleges are in Kyneton (two), Woodend, Gisborne, and Macedon. Table 6: Childcare, Pre-School, Primary School, Secondary College, and Technical Campus Enrolment Numbers in Macedon Ranges (S) 1998 and 1999 Education/Childcare Facility 1998 1999 Childcare Centres NK 254 Pre-Schools NK 770 Primary Schools 4,229 4,347 Secondary Colleges 2,926 3,012 Technical Campuses* 490 360 # Key: NK = not known. * Number of enrolments at Malmsbury Campus of BRIT not available. # BRIT enrolment numbers will rise before the end of the year. Source: Department of Education 1999; Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 1999; Personal Communication, individual schools, 1999. There was an increase of 117.6 enrolments in the primary schools from 1998 to 1999. There was also an increase in secondary college enrolments by 85.6 from 1998 to 1999. Appendix E lists all the educational facilities and enrolment numbers for each SLA in the Shire.
9 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
A new educational program that is being trialed in the Shire is the Macedon Ranges Alternative Setting Program.7 This is a joint project between Gisborne and Kyneton Secondary Colleges, which provides opportunities for selected students. It is available for students who would benefit from the small working environment, where there is roughly one teacher to every three students. The program is of ten weeks duration and the curriculum is flexible and student-orientated, including literacy, numeracy, and other subjects. The students remain in the mainstream school, attending classes there one day a week for the duration of the program. The program commenced in July 1999. 5.6 Agricultural Activity Although agriculture is not a large component of the Shire’s employment structure (see Figures 14 and 15),8 there are a large number of agricultural establishments in the Shire and the agricultural production for 1996-97 amounted to over $28 million.9 Beef cattle farming is the most common agricultural activity in the Shire, representing 174 (37.8%) establishments, followed by sheep farming with 100 (21.7%) establishments. When looking at the area involved in each agricultural activity, sheep farming covers the largest area of the Shire (25,733 ha, or 28.5%), closely followed by combined sheep and beef cattle farming (23,354 ha, or 25.9%) and beef cattle farming (22,021 ha, or 24.4%). Table 7 lists selected agricultural activities that take place in the three SLAs of the Shire. Table 7: Selected Agricultural Activities by SLA for Macedon Ranges (S) 1996 Kyneton SLA Romsey SLA Balance SLA Agricultural Activity No. of Area No. of Area No. of Area Establish (ha) Establish (ha) Establish (ha) Cut flower & flower seed growing < 3 128 < 3 46 < 3 110 Vegetable growing 8 896 < 3 209 < 3 7 Grape growing 3 355 5 432 3 192 Grain growing < 3 1,000 < 3 966 0 0 Grain-sheep/beef cattle farming 8 4,934 4 2,920 < 3 634 Sheep-beef cattle farming 32 8,065 28 9,900 19 5,389 Sheep farming 48 14,446 44 10,443 8 844 Beef cattle farming 49 5,733 76 10,729 49 5,559 Dairy cattle farming 4 789 4 867 < 3 64 Pig farming < 3 1,530 < 3 185 < 3 16 Horse farming 3 137 14 921 5 333 Livestock farming nec 7 370 4 96 13 553 Crop & plant growing nec < 3 128 < 3 64 0 0 Total agriculture 168 38,639 187 37,814 105 13,783 Source: ABS 31/3/96: Area of Establishments with Agricultural Activity by Industry. Key: No of Establish = Number of Establishments; ha = hectare; nec = not elsewhere classified. Comparing the number of agricultural activities between the three SLAs, Romsey was highest with 187 establishments (40.7%), followed by Kyneton with 168 (36.5%), and the Balance SLA with 105 (22.8%). Although Romsey possessed the highest number of farms/crops, the agricultural establishments in Kyneton covered a larger area (38,639 ha, or 42.8%) than Romsey (37,814 ha, or 41.9%). Agricultural establishments covered a smaller area in the Balance (13,783 ha, or 15.3%).
7 MacDonald, G., Principal, Gisborne Secondary College. (1999). Personal Communication. 8 TBA Planners and Original Research. (June 1998). Macedon Ranges Shire Demographic Profile: A Profile of the Macedon Ranges Community. Woodend: Macedon Ranges Shire Council. 9 Research Planning Design Group. (June 1999). North Central Victoria Regional Profile. Bendigo: Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, p 71.
10 A Profile of the Shire of Macedon Ranges
6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC 6.1 Socio-Economic Disadvantage For socio-economic comparisons at a local level, the ABS has developed a number of Socio- Economic Indicators for Areas (SEIFAs) from the Census of Population and Housing, which can be used to rank areas at a number of geographic levels, from Collection Districts (CDs) to States. The most commonly used index, the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSED), summarises attributes such as low income, low educational attainment, high unemployment and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations.10 In 1991 and 1996, the Shire had a higher IRSED value than the other nine LGAs in the Region, where the higher the value, the lower the disadvantage.11 In 1996, the Shire (with an IRSED of 1,061.82) was also less disadvantaged than the Region (IRSED = 993.47) and Victoria (IRSED = 1,015.96). Figure 11 displays the IRSED for the Loddon Mallee Region by postcode in 1996. The IRSED for 10 out of 12 postcodes in the Shire were above that of the Region and State; hence the Shire had a relatively low socio-economic disadvantage. Figure 11: Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage by Postcode for Loddon Mallee
Region 1996