Why Geelong?
Geelong is Victoria’s largest provincial centre and its fastest growing region. The Geelong Region supports a population of approximately 278,000 residents, with this number expected to reach 398,000 by 2031.
Geelong is a major urban growth locality within the broader Melbourne metropolitan context and is home to over 15,000 business enterprises and a labour force of 120,000 people.
What to Expect
Geelong is a city OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Our objective is be open and flexible, to facilitate rather than regulate and to adopt a partnership approach to all economic development activities.
Investment decisions are complex and multi faceted based on a combination of facts, perceptions, feelings and relationships. We understand this and feel it is important to let investors know what to expect when considering Geelong.
What you can expect:
- Strong leadership and collaboration between all levels of government and regional stakeholders concerned with your investment.
- Removal of barriers to investment and streamlining of regulatory processes wherever possible.
- Linking you with growth opportunities and government funding.
- A client management approach to handling your investment.
Proven Results
Geelong has a proven track record when it comes to facilitating major investment. Some recent examples include:
- Delivery of the first stages of the $380 million Geelong Ring Road
- Facilitation of the $150 million redevelopment of Westfield Geelong
- Successful relocation of the Transport Accident Commission's headquarters from Melbourne to Geelong (the largest relocation of a government body in Victoria’s history).
- The Geelong Investment and Innovation (GIIF) – the Federal and State Government together with Ford Australia – providing $25 million that will stimulate $65.8 million of new investment and create an impressive 560 jobs in the region.
Retention of Viridian - iconic Geelong glass manufacturer - saving approximately 70 jobs.