The Mount Alexander Shire is in an ideal location in which to live, to establish business and enjoy a diversity of recreation and leisure activities. The population of the Shire is estimated at 18,416. The major population centre is Castlemaine (8,800), with a further 6,000 distributed in towns greater than 500 people.
The Shire is within easy access of Melbourne – a little over one hour's drive (120kms) along the Calder Highway/Freeway, and is located between the major rural cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, 30 minutes and 50 minutes away respectively. Located at the junction of 2 important highways – the Pyrenees Highway from Ararat to Castlemaine, and the Midland Highway from Geelong and Ballarat to Shepparton and Benalla – the Shire is well serviced by Victoria's public transport system. The Shire has rail, V-Line and coach services. Castlemaine is 10 minutes drive from the Calder Highway and within one hour of Melbourne Airport.
The Mount Alexander Shire's unique rural setting is home to a wide range of business. Small businesses flourish here due to its convenient location and the lower overheads of country areas. The major retail and commercial centre is Castlemaine, where an excellent range of retail, service, cultural and social facilities exist to meet all needs and lifestyles.
Industry is diverse and provides employment to a large percentage of residents. Council's Economic Development Framework supports the growth and development of our locally grown businesses. The Mount Alexander Shire accommodates nearly any lifestyle you could choose. Modern townhouses, grand and modest heritage homes, village settings, historic farming homesteads or mud brick houses in the bush – there is a property to suit everyone.