Have workers shifted home forever? Macedon Ranges Shire could soon find out

Councillors will this week decide whether to endorse what could become a long term test of how much work practices really have changed since the start of the pandemic.

It hopes residents of the shire on Melbourne's doorstep will want to keep working from home at least some days a week.

Many rural shires on the edges of cities struggle to keep residents in town during their working day, potentially dampening economic growth in their municipalities.

So keeping workers at home could be a boon.

It will not be without its challenges though, the draft report warns.

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They include making sure technology infrastructure in towns throughout the shire match community expectations, more education opportunities and helping business communities in different geographic areas work more closely together.

It also warns that economic growth cannot come at an environmental cost in a region known for both produce and its natural beauty.

It will be a balancing act for elected officials that could prove "politically challenging, particularly in the face of short-term opposition," the draft policy states.

One particularly thorny issue from past experiences have been bids to build telecommunications infrastructure, the draft warns.

Those plans have sometimes stalled because of community opposition, which has come at a cost to some businesses and jobs.

"There is a need for leadership, advocacy and partnership to drive a regional response," the draft states.

The shire's planning policies also already inhibit some things that could improve the economy, especially in rural areas.

Some constraints could pose an opportunity to increase investment in rural land to improve sustainable practices, and keep drawing tourists.

"Decisions that strongly align to the objectives of a sustainable Macedon Ranges, and progress broader objectives around equity and opportunity, should be core to Council's business," the draft says.

The plan calls on the council to review its procurement practices to buy local, with some estimates suggesting that every dollar it spends has a multiplying effect of almost double somewhere else in the municipality.

It must also lead by example because it is one of the area's biggest employers and already advocates for and fosters the economy, the draft says.

The draft economic plan warns that the shire's economy is not built to keep everyone home all day.

"There also needs to be recognition that many people will only be able to access certain jobs and opportunities outside Macedon Ranges," it says.

Councillors will discuss the draft when they meet on Wednesday night.

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