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Tuesday, 7 July 2009 |
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Home>Mansfield and Surrounds>Mansfield Shire Profile
|  | Mansfield:
High Country, Lakes and Rivers |  |
Mansfield Shire is located approximately 180kms north east of Melbourne and has an area of 3,892 square kilometres.
Mansfield Shire was first proclaimed on 31 December 1866. It was amalgamated with the City and Shire of Benalla on 18 November 1994 to form the Delatite Shire. After the de-amalgamation of the Delatite Shire on 28 October 2002, Mansfield once again became its own Shire. Mansfield Shire shares its boundaries with the municipalities of Benalla Rural City, Baw Baw, Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and Wellington.
The Shire has a resident population of approximately 7,200, with the major urban centre being Mansfield. There are numerous small settlements throughout the Shire. The populations of small settlements swell considerably during holiday periods, but have only a small number of permanent residents. The Shire’s key economic drivers are tourism, farming and lifestyle living. Mansfield Shire is a nationally recognised icon location.
Mansfield Shire enjoys approximately 1.2 million visitors per annum, which generates approximately $134 million in revenue. Employment generated by tourism within the Shire ranges from 1,500 year round to 4,500 on a seasonal basis.
 The major transport routes in Mansfield Shire are the Midland and Maroondah Highway linkages which connect to the Hume Freeway.
The township of Mansfield was first surveyed in 1851, following the squatting boom of the late 1830s and the establishment of large runs for grazing stock. The two main streets were laid out to allow turning for horse and bullock wagons. The town has a unique and colourful character stemming from the early settlers of Devil’s River Country, the bushrangers, timber mills, grazing properties and the magnificent landscape of the high country. There is a rich history emerging of indigenous habitation prior to European settlement.
Mansfield, as the major service centre for the Mansfield Shire, is central to many unique towns and villages. The development of the Shire owes much to locations such as Jamieson, Tolmie, Kevington, Woods Point, Bonnie Doon and Merrijig. These settlements are intrinsically linked to key historic industries such as gold, timber harvesting and farming. The very strong sense of community, to this day, positions these communities as a vital component of the overall strength of the Mansfield Shire. Tourism, farming and lifestyle living now underpin the viability of these unique, picturesque and desirable locations. 
Mansfield Shire is renowned for its natural beauty and alpine mountains. Significant landscape features include Mount Buller, Mount Stirling and the Great Dividing Range. Natural environment features include parts of Lake Eildon and Alpine National Parks. Valleys of the Howqua, Delatite and Goulburn Rivers are also significant landscape features in the Shire. The areas are in high demand for recreation and lifestyle activities.
Due to variations in terrain, there are several microclimates within the Shire. The average annual rainfall is in excess of 800mm in the elevated areas. The major water feature within the area is Lake Eildon, with Brankeet and Fords Creeks, Delatite, Howqua, Jamieson, Big and Goulburn Rivers contributing to the catchment of Lake Eildon.
The Alpine Resort areas of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling are wholly surrounded but excluded from the municipal district. A significant proportion of the municipality is Crown land.
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| Physical Profile |
| Population: |
7445 |
 |
| Households: |
2942 |
| Property assessments: |
6,350 |
| Voters |
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| Area (square km): |
3,892 |
| Location: |
2 hrs NE of Melbourne |
| Sealed roads: |
187km |
| Unsealed roads: |
644km |
| Key economic drivers: |
Tourism
Farming
Lifestyle living
Retail |
| Tourism |
| Mansfield Shire is a nationally recognised icon location, attacting 1.2 million visitors per year, generating $134M. |
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| Destinations: |
High Country
Lake Eildon
Mt Buller
Mt Stirling
Alpine National Park |
| No. of operators: |
150+ |
| Employment: |
> 1,500 year round
~ 4,500 seasonal |
| Commercial / Industrial Profile |
| Mansfield Shire has a strong local economy. |
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| No. of businesses: |
500+ (small business) |
| Major Industries: |
Farming - seed, sheep & cattle
Light industrial
Light manufacturing
Related timber industry
Retail |
| Unemployment rate: |
Well below State average. |
| Population growth: |
+2% (ABS) |
| Demographics |
| Population: |
7445 |
 |
| Aged population: |
(2006 ABS)
(2021 projected)
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17%
>50% |
| Low income per capita: |
(< regional Victoria |
| Ave. Annual Salary: |
$26,000 (ABS) |
| Ave. House Price: |
$165,000 |
| Ave. Vacant Land (Res): |
$58,000 |
| Ave. Rental: |
$150 pw |
| Lifestyle & Community |
| Education: |
Primary Schools
Mansfield Secondary College
Mansfield Adult Continuing Edcation (MACE)
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| Health: |
Aged & Community Health Services
Hospital
Nursing Home
Retirement Centre |
| Community: |
Performing Arts
Recreation |
| Localities |
| The following township figures are based on localities and are approximate only: |
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| Bonnie Doon |
180 |
| Goughs Bay |
260 |
| Howqua |
40 |
| Jamieson |
250 |
| Macs Cove |
115 |
| Maindample |
115 |
| Merrijig |
90 |
| Sawmill Settlement |
200 |
| Tolmie |
100 |
| Woods Point |
100 |
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