The draft Maffra Structure Plan, aimed at shaping the way the town grows over the next 20 years amid an increased demand for housing, has been released for public comment.

The document will provide Wellington Shire Council with a planning framework for Maffra's future growth and development.

It addresses residential land use and infrastructure needed to support population growth, as well as identifying land for future commercial, industrial and community services and facilities.

While there is high demand for housing, new residential development in Maffra has been limited by drainage issues and development costs, resulting in a shortage of available land to the market.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said with the recent boom in people shifting to regional areas in search of a country lifestyle, Maffra's future growth needed to retain quality of life for local residents.

"We have to make sure that towns like Maffra don't lose all the characteristics that attract people to live there in the first place, while at the same time we do have to plan for changes to allow for more housing and population growth," Cr Bye said.

"This plan will guide future residential development in Maffra and in turn help Council to make the best decisions about infrastructure and services to manage that growth.  It will give us a lot more certainty and a clear vision for Maffra's future."

Cr Bye urged members of the public to view the draft Maffra Structure Plan and provide feedback during its exhibition period until 5pm on Monday 17 January 2022.

Following the public exhibition period and feedback received, the final Structure Plan will be implemented via the Wellington Planning Scheme.

To view the plan, visit the Your Wellington Your Say website at your.wellington.vic.gov.au/maffrastructureplan or visit Maffra Library or Wellington Shire Council's Customer Service Centre in Sale.

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