Australian Bureau of Statistics Census figures show the total number of jobs in the city increased by 3366 from 2011 to 2016.

Warrnambool City Council’s director of city growth Andrew Paton said it was positive news, however there was still plenty of job opportunities for skilled workers.

“It’s a strong result for Warrnambool and it demonstrates the continued strength in employment growth across a full range of industry sectors,” he said.

“It complements other recent data releases around out city’s economic fundamentals, such as ongoing population growth, relatively low unemployment rates, rising business confidence and a steady pipeline of investments around the city.” 

Mr Paton said it was important to note the scope of growth across almost all industry sectors.

He said in percentage terms Warrnambool continued to keep pace with Bendigo and Ballarat, which had three times the population of the city. 

The data shows the sectors with the largest increase in jobs were healthcare and social assistance (731 jobs), construction (463 jobs), retail (354 jobs), accommodation and food services (335 jobs) and education and training (266 jobs). 

“There has been a real growth in health services and aged care,” he said.

“The construction jobs are consistent with building activity and building approval numbers. Retail is reflecting supermarkets that have opened up in the past five years and they are big employers, as well as the expanding footprint of retail in Warrnambool.”

Mr Paton said the data was the “most reliable” the council received. 

“This jobs data is positive news but we also know that there continues to be significant levels of skills shortages across the region where jobs are not getting done,” Mr Paton said.

“Attracting skills that are in demand must continue to be one of the city and region’s highest priorities.” 

Mr Paton said the city’s “enviable lifestyle and the generation of employment opportunities continue to be key factors” as to why Warrnambool was a destination of choice to work and live.