The Mount Alexander Shire, centred on Castlemaine and Maldon, is 120 kms north west of Melbourne. It has a strong manufacturing and engineering base. The main industries are food processing and steel fabrication. The shire also offers extensive health services for the elderly and is the location of two prisons. The main industries include meat and meat product manufacturing, agriculture, Industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing.

	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11	2009-10
Expenditure ($)	34.541m	35.573m	27.058m	23.642m
Revenue ($)	42.432m	37.689m	28.104m	23.685m
- Charges ($)	16.849m	15.691m	14.155m	12.630m
- VGC Grants ($)	4.011m	3.917m	3.829m	3.667m