The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed the unemployment rate dropped 1.4 per cent – down from 4.6 per cent three months ago.

According to the ABS, employment in the region has increased by 5300 people, compared with the same time last year.

Warrnambool City Council mayor Kylie Gaston said it was fantastic to see a drop in unemployment in the city, and across the south-west. 

Cr Gaston said the council was working hard to increase the population and there were businesses in the region that needed more employees to help their businesses expand.

“There are good reasons to feel confident in the region,” she said.

“As a city we are actively seeking population growth. We know there are job opportunities in the agricultural sector, from the farm gate to business positions. That’s why Deakin has begun its agri-commerce course as a result of requests from the industry.

“We know there are more dynamic businesses across the region that are keen to grow and employ more people.”

According to the data, there were 31,000 jobs created across the state over the year to August. At the same time, unemployment dropped in regional Victoria, with the current rate at 4.9 per cent.

About 270,000 jobs have been created in Victoria since November 2014.

Unemployment also fell in Ballarat and Geelong.