Data from Victoria University's Mitchell Institute shows Moyne Shire has a 23.1 per cent rate of risky drinking, defined by the number of residents consuming at least two drinks a day.

A report from the institute using 2016 health data has listed the shire as the fourth highest level of risky drinking in the state, behind shires in the state's north-east and south-east. It lists the average for risky alcohol consumption nationally is 17.1 per cent.

Moyne Shire mayor Daniel Meade said the report supported 2015 council figures that identified 35.7 per cent of residents were at risk of short-term harm from alcohol consumption, above the then Victorian average of 29.4 per cent.

"Council continues to focus on partnering with government, regional and local organisations, and local community groups to work on practical ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents," Cr Meade said.

"We have invested in projects and programs that aim to improve the social connections of our residents, including sport and recreation facilities, sports leagues, health forums and workshops, and support of local groups to encourage participation in community life."

The report also considered Corangamite Shire to have a high level of risky boozers, making up 21.3 per cent of the population, while Warrnambool's rate was below the national average at 16.7 per cent.

It follows another Mitchell Institute report earlier this year that listed Moyne's population as the fourth most obese area in the state.

But both reports' data is based on "modelled estimates" that include report notes warning the figures are "indicative of the likely social dimensions present in an area".

The Mitchell Institute's professor Rosemary Calder said people who drink to excess were at higher risk of alcohol-related illness including heart disease, stroke, liver disease, some cancers, depression, anxiety and dementia.

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommended new guidelines this week that no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four drinks in one day be considered risky consumption.

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