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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gannawarra has an estimated 6,525 residents, down from 6,719 at the 2021 Census — a change of 194 people, or 2.9%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch indicate that Gannawarra has an estimated population of 6,525 as of Aug 2026. This represents a contraction of 194 people (-2.9%) compared to the 6,719 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This figure is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 6,523 as of June 2025 alongside 79 validated new addresses confirmed following the Census. With 1.8 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers generous land area per resident. The local decline of -2.9% closely tracks the broader SA3 regional downturn of -2.5%, differing by only 0.4 percentage points and pointing to shared regional demographic patterns.
Inbound overseas migration served as the primary and practically exclusive contributor to local population additions in recent times. Projections for each SA2 district rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia data published in 2024 using 2022 baseline figures. Where SA2 coverage is absent, figures from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA dataset are integrated via weighted population growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 divisions. These cohort growth trends are extended across all districts for the years 2032 to 2041. Under this modeling framework, the district faces long-term population contraction, with an expected net loss of 1,614 persons by 2041. Nonetheless, minor gains are projected in select segments, notably among individuals aged 85 and over, which is slated to increase by 2 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
106 new dwellings have been approved in Gannawarra over the past five years, an average of 21 a year. That is 3.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Gannawarra have tracked at approximately 21 dwellings annually, totaling 106 homes authorized across the past 5 financial years (from FY-22 through FY-26). In the context of population reduction, residential availability has comfortably satisfied local requirements, sustaining an orderly housing market with ample buyer opportunities, while newly approved residences show an average expected construction cost of $461,000. Furthermore, commercial planning approvals have reached $13.7 million during this financial year, demonstrating consistent non-residential development. Relative to Rest of Vic., per capita construction in Gannawarra tracks at comparable volumes, preserving local market equilibrium in line with regional trends, even with recent softening in building activity.
This rate remains below the nationwide standard, highlighting the mature footprint of the township and possible planning constraints. In addition, residential approvals have consisted solely of detached houses, preserving the district's uncrowded suburban profile and prioritizing spacious family properties. A ratio of 515 people per approved dwelling highlights the restrained pace of local construction. Given that demographic projections point toward static or contracting numbers, downward pressure on housing demand should remain limited, supporting favorable conditions for purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gannawarra
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Gannawarra, worth an estimated $2 billion. A further 75 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $29 billion. 20 are already under construction and 32 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional progression is significantly shaped by capital works and strategic planning programs. Ten notable infrastructure initiatives have been identified by AreaSearch within the region. Prominent developments include the Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), the Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and the Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment).
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Kerang Solar Plant
A 37.2 MWp solar plant using single axis trackers and bifacial modules, spanning over 64 hectares near Kerang in Victoria's Gannawarra Shire. The plant reached full output in mid-2025 and was officially opened in October 2025 by developer and operator British Solar Renewables. Exporting up to 30 MW AC into the grid via the Kerang Zone Substation, the facility supplies clean electricity to around 6,000 homes annually and avoids up to 40,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions each year.BSR is now progressing plans for co-located battery storage at the site.
Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid
Kerang Hybrid is a 161 MW DC solar farm co-located with a 55 MW / 110 MWh AC-coupled Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on private land adjacent to the Kerang Terminal Station. It received Development Approval from Gannawarra Shire Council and AEMO 5.3.4A grid connection approval in July 2025. Construction is targeted to commence in Q4 2025.
Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West)
The Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) is a proposed 500 kV double-circuit high-voltage alternating current transmission line connecting the electricity grids of New South Wales and Victoria. The transmission corridor extends from the Dinawan Substation north of Jerilderie to new terminal facilities at Tragowel near Kerang and Bulgana in Victoria. Jointly progressed by Transgrid and VicGrid with development partner Iberdrola Australia, the project is progressing through comprehensive environmental assessments ahead of final approvals.
Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS)
A $400 million, 185 MW / 370 MWh grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) featuring 100 Tesla Megapacks with advanced grid-forming inverters. The project provides critical system strength services under a 20-year agreement with AEMO, enabling an additional 300 MW of renewable generation in the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). It is capable of powering 350,000 homes for two hours and operates under a 15-year offtake agreement with Shell Energy.
Tragowel BESS Project
Proposed 200 MW / 800 MWh utility-scale battery energy storage system south of Kerang, near the Kerang Terminal Station. The planning permit application has been lodged with the Victorian Minister for Planning through the Department of Transport and Planning and is under assessment. The project is intended to strengthen grid reliability, store surplus energy and support renewable energy integration in northern Victoria. Construction is targeted to start in 2027, subject to approvals, with operations targeted for 2029.
Kerang CBD Redevelopment
Redevelopment of Kerang's central business district (Stages 3 and 4), including upgraded concrete paving (replacing uneven pavers) and wider footpaths for improved accessibility, new street furniture and trees, landscaping (new garden beds), remodelled kerbing, and new lighting, particularly around the Karlie McDonald Memorial Clock. The project's goal was to revitalise the CBD to be attractive and functional, improving accessibility and increasing foot traffic.
Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment)
Upgrade of the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), expansion of the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and replacement of operating room equipment. Funded by a $3.5 million package from the Victorian Government, the project involved refurbishing the CSSD to meet AS 4187 standards, adding two bed bays to the PACU, and installing a new reverse osmosis water filtration system. Construction required a temporary closure of surgical services from September 2024 until May 2025. The upgrades ensure local access to surgery and reduce procedure cancellations by modernising critical sterilisation and monitoring infrastructure.
Koorangie Energy Storage System
The Koorangie Energy Storage System, developed by Edify Energy, is a 185 megawatt / 370 megawatt hour battery storage system located at Sandhill Lake near Kerang, Victoria, to enhance storage capacity in the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone.
3,108 residents of Gannawarra are employed, from a labour force of 3,161. Unemployment sits at 1.7%, with participation at 57.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,997, about 92% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market displays an even mix of white-collar and blue-collar occupations across diverse sectors, maintaining an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. By March 2026, employed residents reached 3,108, with local unemployment sitting 2.0% below the 3.7% recorded for Regional Vic., while local labour force participation reached 57.1%, trailing the Regional Vic. benchmark of 61.1%. In the Census, 15.7% of working locals indicated working from home, a metric potentially shaped by Covid-19 restrictions. Resident workers are primarily concentrated across agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
Agricultural, forestry, and fishing operations are exceptionally prominent, engaging workers at 4.2 times the rate observed across the wider region. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for 11.6% of the workforce, lagging the 16.8% benchmark in Regional Vic.. Comparing Census workplace counts against resident numbers indicates a constrained local job base. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM figures shows that over the twelve months to March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 3.4% as employment contracted by 2.3%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment fall by 0.1%, the labour force contract by 0.3%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term hiring expectations are highlighted by Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26 across five- and ten-year horizons. Across the nation, total employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying across industries. When mapped to Gannawarra's local industry profile through weighted modeling, employment is projected to expand by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (representing an unadjusted industry extrapolation that excludes local demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gannawarra is $1,114 a week (about $58,000 a year), with median personal income at $601 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $44,896 a year against an average of $53,820. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that Gannawarra SA2 taxpayers earned a median income of $44,896 and an average of $53,820, trailing national figures as well as the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated figures for March 2026 stand at roughly $49,215 (median) and $58,997 (average). The 2021 Census placed Gannawarra personal, family, and household earnings between the 8th and 11th percentiles across Australia. The $800 - 1,499 weekly bracket forms the largest local cohort, encompassing 28.3% of earners (1,846 individuals), in contrast to the wider region where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range.
Even though residents keep 92.0% of earnings after housing commitments, overall net disposable funds sit at the 15th percentile across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gannawarra had 2,696 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 58% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $997 a month. Rent absorbs 16.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, housing stock in Gannawarra was made up of 96.8% standalone houses and 3.1% alternative formats (including flats, semi-detached properties, and other structures), differing from Regional Vic. at 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwelling types. Full home ownership was elevated at 57.9%, substantially exceeding Regional Vic., while remaining properties were under a mortgage (25.9%) or leased (16.2%). Median monthly mortgage commitments stood at $997, well below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430 and the national benchmark of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $180, significantly lower than the Regional Vic.
level of $285 and the Australian figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gannawarra counted 2,696 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 37% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 67.8% of all households in the area, made up of couples without children (36.6%), couples with children (23.1%), and single-parent households (7.5%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.2%, dominated by single-person dwellings at 30.0% alongside group accommodations at 2.0%. The local median household comprises 2.2 people, slightly below the 2.4 person average seen across Regional Vic..
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.9% of adults in Gannawarra hold a university qualification, including 8.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 85% of areas nationally. A further 29.5% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 568 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 971 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in the region reflect noticeable gaps, with 11.9% of residents holding higher education degrees compared to 33.4% across VIC. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications represent 8.7%, graduate diplomas comprise 1.8%, and postgraduate degrees account for 1.4%. Vocational pathways are widely pursued, with 37.9% of individuals aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificate qualifications (29.5%). Enrolment across academic and vocational programs engages 24.6% of the local population. Primary school attendance accounts for 10.5%, secondary school students comprise 8.0%, and tertiary education represents 1.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Gannawarra means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services across Gannawarra include 18 bus stops connected by 7 routes, generating 74 passenger trips each week. Overall public transport access is limited, with locals situated an average of 961 meters from their closest stop. Commuting patterns rely heavily on private transport, with 88% using private vehicles and 8% commuting on foot. Vehicle availability stands at an average of 1.8 per residence, above regional norms. At the 2021 Census, 15.7% of workers worked from home under prevailing conditions. Public transport services operate at an average rate of 10 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 4 weekly trips for each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.8% of residents in Gannawarra report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators compiled by AreaSearch reveal noticeable vulnerabilities in Gannawarra, highlighted by elevated mortality and long-term illness rates across age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is subdued at approximately 47% of residents (~3,040 people). This sits below both Regional Vic. at 50.5% and the Australian benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis (12.1%) and asthma (9.0%) are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, whereas 60.8% of residents reported having no long-term illnesses, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Chronic ailments are notably elevated among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 32.7% of the community (2,136 people), noticeably above the 24.0% regional proportion, contributing to elevated national health vulnerability rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gannawarra is largely Australian-born, at 94.0% of residents, with 2.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (36.1%) and English (33.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Gannawarra displays relatively low cultural diversity metrics, with 94.0% of residents Australian-born, 89.5% holding Australian citizenship, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 52.8% of the community compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Regarding reported parental ancestry, the leading backgrounds in Gannawarra are Australian at 36.1% (surpassing the 29.6% regional figure), English at 33.7%, and Irish at 9.3%. Other identified heritages include Scottish at 8.7% (against 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.3% (against 1.7%), and Maltese at 0.4% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gannawarra is 52, older than 94% of areas nationally. 16.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Gannawarra has an older demographic profile, with residents aged 65+ making up 32.7% of the population as at August 2026, compared to 24.0% in Regional Vic.. Adults aged 25 - 44 represent 15.7% of locals, below the 23.1% regional level. The estimated median age of 52 remains identical to the 2021 Census result, standing 9 years higher than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and well above the national median of 38 recorded at that time. Since the Census, the 65+ cohort has expanded from 29.8% to 32.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, no major age segment is projected to register noticeable expansion, with older cohorts, children, and younger adults all anticipated to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gannawarra
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 79 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (6,719 at the 2021 Census → 6,525 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (215031401). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.