THE Mitchell local government area (LGA) is leading Victoria in the population growth rate in a regional area, sparking calls for increased government funding, and better housing and transport links to keep pace with the rising demand.
The latest population statistics released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the Mitchell LGA population grew to 58,459 in 2025 compared to 56,079 in 2024 – a 4.2 per cent increase.
The ABS data shows 10 million people are now calling regional Australia home. The country’s regional and remote population grew by 1.1 per cent in 2025, reaching 10.02 million, up from 9.91 million in 2024, and up 6.3 per cent since 2020.
The only LGAs outside of Western Australia to make the top 10 regional areas for growth rate are Mitchell (second on 4.2 per cent growth) and Adelaide Plains (sixth on 3.8 per cent growth). Both are only a short distance from their state capitals.
Mitchell Mayor Councillor John Dougall said Mitchell Shire is the fastest growing municipality in Victoria, with communities like Beveridge and Wallan experiencing significant population growth year after year.
A 4.2 per cent population increase in just one year highlights the scale and pace of growth already being felt across the shire’s communities.
Cr Dougall said planning for housing and infrastructure must go hand in hand. Roads, public transport, schools, health services and community facilities need to be delivered alongside new housing.
“Our residents need more than rooftops – they need safe roads, reliable transport connections, local schools and access to services.”
Spelling out the region’s wishlist for funding for new projects as parties prepare for this year’s state election, Cr Dougall said Mitchell Shire Council has endorsed five key priorities ahead of the November election to advocate for the infrastructure the growing communities’ need: a train station for Beveridge, Greenhill Recreation Reserve Precinct, Hilldene Employment Precinct, Kilmore Secondary School, and Kilmore bypass.
“Beveridge is Victoria’s fastest-growing community and our top priority for the area is the delivery of a Beveridge train station. Only 1.2 per cent of residents currently commute by public transport – not because they don’t want to, but because the service isn’t there. Land has already been set aside and supporting infrastructure is in place,” he said.
“Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy also recognises the need for a new station at Beveridge. A station at Beveridge would provide immediate access to public transport, reduce pressure on surrounding roads and support a growing community that currently has very limited transport options.
“Improving access to public transport in Beveridge is critical to ensuring residents can connect to jobs, education and services, both locally and across the region.”
Cr Dougall said schools, particularly secondary schools, are critical community infrastructure. In high growth areas, they are being delivered too late. Families should not have to travel long distances for education when new communities are established.
He said the current funding is not keeping pace with the scale or speed of growth in Mitchell Shire.
“The discontinuation of the Growing Suburbs Fund has made this more challenging. That program played an important role in delivering infrastructure that is not covered by developer contributions.
“Mitchell Shire will deliver many community centres and sporting precincts in our growth areas over the next decade. A deliberate funding program that recognises the pipeline of new infrastructure works is necessary, otherwise council is left without a practical way to deliver essential community facilities when they are needed most.”
Cr Dougall said residents need access to health services, childcare, local shops and everyday services. While council plans for growth, many of these services rely on state and federal investment.
“A coordinated approach is needed, including appropriate developer contributions, access to grants and timely delivery of services. Without this, new communities risk being left without the services they need.
“We have recently completed the health and Human services gap analysis which highlight the lack of health and wellbeing services locally. Our communities need to travel into Melbourne or Shepparton for services, this is not sustainable or equitable.”
Mitchell CEO Mary Agostino said Mitchell Shire is growing rapidly and the council is doing everything it possibly can to support the community through that growth.
“We are planning ahead, delivering key projects and working closely with our state and federal partners to secure the investment our communities need.
“Partnerships are critical to getting this right. We have already achieved a lot and seen significant investment across the shire, but there is more to do to keep pace with growth.
“We’ve secured unprecedented federal funding for Old Sydney Road, which is a critical upgrade for our growing communities. We have also secured full funding for our freeway interchanges including Camerons Lane in Beveridge and the Watson Street ramps in Wallan, which are critical for our growing communities and not something we often see delivered in growth areas.
“These outcomes show what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to plan and invest early. Our focus is on making sure our communities have access to the infrastructure and services they need – from roads and transport to schools, health services and community facilities – when they need them.”
Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie said the ABS data makes a strong case for a National Population Plan that identifies growth areas in the regions and puts investment into those places to ensure the infrastructure, housing, childcare and health resources are there to support that community to maximise the population growth.
The State Government was asked for comments about calls for more funding and services to meet the rising demand in Mitchell Shire, but the Review did not receive a reply by deadline time.
