A citizen's jury inclduded more than 260 submissions to the shire council's 2040 plan.

Jobs, volunteering, education, health and aged care, public transport, housing, education, the environment, Indigenous recognition, and communications were highlighted as priority areas by residents.

The group off 33 residents has handed down its findings this week.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein thanked everyone who had contributed to the plan.

"We are grateful to the members of our community who took the time to share their thoughts and ideas to the shire's first community vision," Cr Gstrein said.

"The citizens jury considered all the submissions, sought additional information and expert advice and has come up with a fantastic document.

"This represents the voice of the community. It will influence council plans and strategies as we work towards achieving the shared future our residents aspire to."

Cr Gstrein encouraged members of the community to read the report and provide any comments up until Wednesday June 16.

"Background to the preparation of the 2040 Corangamite Community Vision and all the public submissions received are on Council's website," Cr Gstrein said.

"Like the current township plans, this Community Vision will be created by the community, for the community. It will be updated every four years to keep it current."

The report and all submissions are available at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/2040

Census data shows the municipality saw a 1.7 per cent population drop between 2011 and 2016.

The average shire resident age is 46.

Over the next two decades population is expected to grow by two per cent, at odds with a recent projection of population loss in the same time.

READ MORE: 'Baby boomer influx': retirees inbound to south-west

A quarter of residents earn less than $650 per week, while a third earn more than $1250 per week.

The unemployment rate sits at two per cent, compared to 5.5 per cent statewide.

Of the 7034 people who work in Corangamite Shire, 83.5 per cent also live in the area.

Almost half - 43 per cent - of shire residents have no qualifications.

Only 32.5 per cent of people aged over 15 completed year 12 or equivalent, while over half - 53.2 per cent have a certificate level or above qualification.

Couples will no children make up the lion's share of those living in the shire, 28.5 per cent.

Roughly half the population live in the shire's 12 towns, while the other half lives rurally.

Residents born overseas make up 6.3 per cent of the population compared to 11 per cent in regional Victoria more broadly.

The region continues to enjoy a strong economy, with $2.4 billion in annual economic output and gross regional product $1.1 billion.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing made up $695 million of that.

Public submissions will be put before Council prior to its consideration of the Jury's final report at the June meeting.

IN OTHER NEWS

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.