Dubbed The Moorabool 2041 Strategy, the council has released a discussion paper after more than 1000 residents around Bacchus Marsh voiced their ideas and opinions as to the direction the region needed to go. 

The council will begin a similar analysis in smaller towns including Wallace, Bungaree and Dunnstown in February.

Moorabool Shire mayor Paul Tatchell said the results had been valuable, with primary school pupils providing some of the best ideas. 

“You have to remember that by 2041 these kids in grade 3 will be in their 30s, so we have to hear from them,” Cr Tatchell said.

“There were some interesting suggestions, for example one student recommended a theme park and another said we needed more cemeteries while looking directly at me.

“But others were fantastic and included the need for more police, bigger schools, housing options, protection of food sources and farms ...  the kids were probably as enlightening as the adults.”

By 2041, Bacchus Marsh, Darley and Maddingley will be home to more than 31,000 people, with a population of more than 8500 in the district areas of Bences Road, Hopetoun Park, Long Forest and Parwan.

The area will need to accommodate more than 5000 additional homes, 10,000 additional cars on local roads and provide more local employment opportunities, facilities and services for residents.

Cr Tatchell encouraged the communities closer to Ballarat to get involved in the process and help shape the region’s future direction. 

He said the full analysis of the results would be provided to the community early next year. 

The results will be posted onto the Moorabool Shire website. 

Residents wishing to voice their ideas can join in by visiting www.haveyoursaymoorabool.com.au

patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au