The number of people working in central Geelong has jumped by more than a third since 2011.
Plus, more than 100 new businesses are being registered in central Geelong every year.
The total employee count has grown from around 20,000 in 2011 to more than 27,000 in 2017, according to Census of Land Use and Employment data.
Since the opening of NDIS and WorkSafe it is estimated that the figure is now at least 28,000.
This correlates with the growing number of businesses in the city centre, which according to the Australian Business Register has leapt from 1,527 businesses in 2016 to 1,910 in 2019.
The significant growth in employment has coincided with the changing profile of businesses in central Geelong, moving towards a more diverse mix of business types including professional, personal, government, education and health services.
Tech businesses and tourism services as well as cafes, bars and restaurants are also flourishing in the transforming city centre.
There are now more opportunities than ever for employment in the City, as developments continue and government investment ramps up.
The figures were collated as part of preparations for delivering the next round of projects in the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan.
The partnership between the Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong, Revitalising Central Geelong continues to boost Geelong's reputation as a creative, sustainable and inclusive city, in line with our UNESCO City of Design designation.
Funding through the Geelong City Deal will contribute $27.85 million towards a number of Revitalising Central Geelong projects, including stages two and three of the Malop Street Green Spine and redevelopment of the Lt Malop Street Arts and Culture precinct.
The Green Spine will provide a botanical link between the city's two existing green spaces, Johnstone Park and Eastern Gardens. Stage 1, between Yarra and Moorabool street, is complete. Stage 2, between Gheringhap Street and Moorabool Street, will begin in 2020.
The following comments can be attributed to City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood:
It's important for the overall health of Geelong that our CBD is thriving and sustainable right through this century and beyond.
These figures are a good indication that the partnership is on the right path and it's being reflected with investment of public funds. As the revitalisation works progress, central Geelong will strengthen its appeal as a great place to live, visit and do business.
The following quote can be attributed to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens:
These numbers show that as Geelong has grown, importantly so have jobs. And that's what drives this city's economic growth, and benefits local businesses in the area.
