What does Geelong have to offer as a place to live?

Geelong offers an unbeatable lifestyle. It has all the modern amenities of a larger city, including world-class health and community services and excellent education facilities, as well as a clean and healthy environment. It has a spectacular waterfront that is the envy of other great cities around the nation, an annual calendar of exciting recreational and cultural events, a beautiful and diverse built and natural environment, and a growing economy. Everything is within easy reach, including magnificent surf beaches and access to Melbourne, which is less than an hour by freeway.

What is the current economic climate in Geelong?

Geelong is experiencing rapid growth in many areas, including population, employment and investment. The catalyst has been our efforts to create a positive image and profile for the city through the Geelong Smart Move campaign, major redevelopment projects such as Waterfront Geelong and Geelong Boulevard, and a strong major events strategy. Over 1500 families moved to the city in an 18-month period as a result of the Smart Move campaign.

What is there to see and do in Geelong?

Geelong offers a number of special attractions, excellent recreational facilities, restaurants and cafes, and an exciting calendar of cultural and sporting events. Some of the attractions include: Waterfront Geelong on Corio Bay, featuring the exciting new Steampacket Place Precinct, Bay Walk Bollards, and many other attractions. Superb golf courses and sporting facilities, such as Geelong Football Club's Skilled Stadium and the multi function sports Arena in North Geelong. The dynamic Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), the acoustically brilliant 1500-seat Costa Concert Hall, and the Geelong Art Gallery. The largest number of listed heritage properties per head of population in Australia, including the award-winning National Wool Museum, the Botanic Gardens and Customs House. Picturesque wineries of Geelong and the Belalrine Peninsula such as Scotchmans Hill, Spray Farm, Kilgour Estate and Idyll Vineyard. Access to the beaches and coastal towns of the Surfcoast, and the famous coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

What type of housing is available in Geelong?

The City of Greater Geelong has a population of more than 190,000 with some 70% living in the urban areas. Urban growth has centred on suburbs such as Highton, Grovedale, Wandana Heights, and Waurn Ponds. The outlying areas are growing quickly and include Lara, Leopold, Clifton Springs and Ocean Grove. Geelong is enjoying a boom in residential sales and construction, with record levels of subdivisions and housing approvals. Comparable properties cost far less in Geelong than in Melbourne, so as a new resident you can buy a better home and have money left over to spend or invest. Good building blocks are widely available, local builders offer impressive quality and design, and established homes are available to suit every taste, from elegant waterfront apartments to large rural properties.

What education and health facilities are available in Geelong?

Geelong has access to the best in health, education and community facilities in Australia. There is an extensive system of government schools and world renowned private schools, including The Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School. The multiple award winning Deakin University, Marcus Oldham Agricultural College and the Gordon Institute make Geelong a world-class centre of education. Health facilities in Geelong include the largest public hospital in regional Victoria with advanced cardiac facilities, four private hospitals, six community health centres, and various maternal and child health centres and aged accommodation centres.

What employment opportunities are there in Geelong?

More than 10,000 businesses employ over 80,000 people in the region. Manufacturing and processing industries provide around 15,000 jobs, followed by retail (13,000) and health and community services (8,000). Tourism, hospitality, education, health and business services are among the fastest-growing sectors, with many employment opportunities in information technology, medical and paramedical, motor mechanics, and building trades. The current unemployment rate has fallen significantly in recent times to around the state and national average.

What are the investment opportunities in Geelong?

The City of Greater Geelong is establishing Geelong as a leading centre for business, tourism, manufacturing, health and education. The City is eager to support investment in Geelong that will generate sustainable employment opportunities and contribute to the economic wealth of the region. Council recognises and encourages projects that will reduce imports and expand our export markets. Geelong's Industry Assistance Policy provides for company-specific assistance to facilitate businesses seeking to invest or reinvest in Geelong. A Business Welcome Pack to assist new businesses in setting up in Geelong is now available.