With its eastern reaches less than an hour from Melbourne, the Central Highlands region offers residents a viable commute for those wishing to work in the city.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a fresh start, the region is renowned for its career prospects in manufacturing and agriculture, and continues to grow in health, retail, education, tourism, property, financial services and construction.

The Victorian Government is ensuring Central Highlands communities continue to be great places to live work and invest, by delivering a range of improvements to public transport, country roads, tourism infrastructure and health facilities, and through initiatives such as Free TAFE for priority courses.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 provides $5.7 billion for regional initiatives, taking the Government’s total investment in regional Victoria to more than $36 billion since 2015.

Locals will  benefit from a restoration of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat, enhancements to Sebastapol’s streetscape and free public wifi in Ararat. The Government is also investing in the Western Rail Plan to reduce crowding, support population growth and enable fast rail on the Ballarat line, and upgrading lighting at Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park in Ballarat.

Learn more about why the shires, towns and cities in Victoria’s Central Highlands are great places to live, work and invest below.