New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows West Wimmera had the highest population decline in Victoria in 2013-14, losing 2.5 per cent.

The second-highest loss in Victoria was Buloke, with 2.1 per cent, followed by Yarriambiack Shire with 1.9 per cent.

From June 2013 to June 2014, Yarriambiack lost 146 people, West Wimmera lost 104 people, Northern Grampians lost 60 people and Hindmarsh lost 50 people.

Horsham Rural City was the only Wimmera municipality to have population growth, gaining 26 people.

West Wimmera Mayor Annette Jones said declining population was a major concern and a priority for council.

‘‘West Wimmera Shire is not alone. Our concerns are shared by many small rural communities across Victoria and beyond,’’ she said.

West Wimmera launched its Target 10,000 strategy last year, which aims to increase the shire’s population to 10,000 people by 2050.

‘‘Council is attempting to stem the tide of population loss and to also significantly increase our numbers,’’ Cr Jones said.

‘‘We are focusing on economic development, attracting new businesses and working with our youth to encourage them to stay within the shire.’’

Cr Jones said many rural shires also had an ageing society that relied on volunteers.

‘‘A declining and an ageing population has long-term implications for many organisations, for example the Country Fire Authority,’’ she said.

‘‘In our schools, once pupil numbers drop below 200 there is a significant funding cut, which inevitability affects the broader school environment.’’

Northern Grampians chief executive Justine Linley said the biggest issue the shire faced regarding population was not decline but change.

‘‘An increasing ageing demographic and national and state government policy changes – particularly the reduction of funding for core human services including home and community care – have implications for the types of services we offer, or can afford to offer, in the region,’’ she said.

Yarriambiack chief executive Ray Campling said declining population had negative effects on council.

‘‘It particularly affects our rate base and our ability to generate income to maintain services,’’ he said.

Mr Campling said council had tried to promote the opportunities and positives associated with relocating to Yarriambiack Shire.

‘‘Council has participated in the Regional Living Expo in Melbourne and organised open day weekends at Hopetoun, Murtoa and Warracknabeal,’’ he said.

‘‘Population decline is definitely a major challenge but we all need to work together to promote the benefits of living in a fantastic part of the country.’’

Hindmarsh chief executive Tony Doyle said population decline was the single biggest economic challenge for rural communities.

‘‘It affects all levels of the economy, not just retailers trying to keep their doors open, but health services and schools struggle to provide the same level of service with less people,’’ he said.