Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force data reveals unemployment across the region has decreased to below the state average.

Moyne Shire has the region’s lowest unemployment for the June 2017 quarter at 3.1 per cent, followed by Corangamite Shire at 3.3 per cent, Southern Grampians at 4.5 per cent, Warrnambool at 4.6 per cent and Glenelg Shire at 5.6 per cent.

The latest figures reflect consistent falls in the region’s unemployment rate over the past two quarters.

Glenelg Shire (5.6 per cent) had the greatest drop, down from 6.2 per cent in the March quarter and 6.6 per cent in the December 2016 quarter.

At 4.6 per cent, Warrnambool’s jobless rate is down from 5 per cent in March and 5.3 per cent in December 2016.

Corangamite Shire’s unemployment rate is also continuing a downward trend, which economic development and tourism manager Michael Emerson said could be attributed to stabilising milk prices, improved seasonal conditions for agriculture and increased tourism and building activity.

“After the large fall in farm gate milk prices in 2016, unemployment rose in the shire as the dairy industry reduced employment, peaking at 3.8 per cent the December 2016 quarter,” he said.

“Since then, 135 jobs have been added in the shire for a total of 8606 people in employment.”

Mr Emerson said tourism activity had been strong, with overnight stays among their highest levels in five years.

“Building and development activity has also lifted with 2016/17 recording the highest level of building improvements by value ($34 million) in the shire for the past five years,” he said.

“This shows there is some confidence in the market supporting these investments.”

Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard said the figures showed the region was “on the right track”.

“These figures reflect a healthy economic trend in the shire that bodes well for the future prosperity of the community,” she said.

“We are always looking for opportunities to strengthen business opportunities and these figures show Corangamite is on the right track.”

Cr Beard said keeping people employed was vital to the region’s future, as well as creating opportunities for people to reinvest in their communities.

“It’s a known fact money earned in our communities gets invested back by residents shopping locally,” she said.

Across the state, data shows Victoria’s unemployment rate had fallen to 5.7 per cent.