The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show Glenelg, Corangamite and Southern Grampians in particular are facing an exodus of people in most age groups under the age of 50, but a steady rise in people above that milestone.

The ABS data compares 2009 with 2014 and shows the region’s population fell from 101,452 to 101,117.

Warrnambool and Moyne bucked the regional trend with population growth of 4.7 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively, but Glenelg’s population dropped 3.3 per cent, Southern Grampians’ 5.7 per cent, and Corangamite’s 3.7 per cent.

When broken down into age groups, the figures show the latter three shires have fewer people under the age of 50 and an increasing number of people aged 50-plus.

The ABS said the data “partly reflects a pattern of young adults migrating out of regional areas to pursue work, education and other opportunities in the capital city”. 

The 2014 data shows Hamilton dropped below 10,000 people, falling by 4.7 per cent, with only increases in the over 55 demographics.

In the broader Southern Grampians area there was a drop of 7.3 per cent. The only age groups that increased were 5-9, 65-69 and over 85.

Southern Grampians Shire’s acting director of shire futures Hugh Koch said the data showed a trend in population that had been ongoing since 1991.

“The council has recognised for some time that Hamilton’s population is in decline,” Mr Koch said, with the shire’s economic development plan aimed at arresting the decline through strategies such as creating more industrial land and diversifying agricultural land. 

Corangamite’s population fell 3 per cent in Camperdown, 3 per cent south of the Princes Highway, and 5 per cent north of the highway, but with rises in the above 50 years of age demographics

Corangamite Shire’s director of sustainable development Ian Gibb said the shire was “not so concerned about an ageing population”.

“All population is good population,” Mr Gibb said.

“There are economic benefits having older people living here - they tend to have good discretionary incomes – and we’re quite well supplied in the health services.”

He said the shire’s focus was on attracting more workers through investment, particularly in the dairy and tourism industries.