A bold economic development plan designed to foster an entrepreneurial and innovative Geelong region and catapult us onto the national and international stage has been endorsed by Council.
'Geelong on the Rise: A Clever & Creative International City 2024-34' aims to deliver a more sustainable, innovative, resilient and future-focused economy that is based on circular economy principles and defines new trends.
The plan aims to attract 55,000 new jobs to the region, increase our Gross Regional Product by $9.7 billion, and provide opportunities for our residents, whose numbers are forecasted to grow by an additional 120,000 by 2041, reaching nearly 400,000.
Actions are centred around positioning Geelong, collaboration and support, talent attraction and development, and planning and advocacy, such as:
- Promote Geelong as a global business and innovation district.
- Attract investment from around the world.
- Deliver vibrant arts and cultural experiences and world class events.
- Proactively support the development of industry clusters.
- Support local businesses to thrive.
- Take a place-based approach to the delivery of thriving retail precincts and city centre.
- Promote our lifestyle and liveability to attract talent.
- Support workforce development, training and skills innovation.
- Support programs and initiatives that seek to reduce disadvantage.
- Plan well so there is sufficient land supply.
- Advocate for key enabling infrastructure.
Geelong on the Rise has been shaped by more than 100 local businesses, industry representative groups and key stakeholders who helped to identify our competitive advantages, opportunities, barriers, and challenges.
Public consultation over April and May this year saw the majority of respondents agree that the plan meets the needs of our city, with surveys completed by residents across the region.
Community members were particularly interested in the plan's future-focused commitment, emphasis on people and industry, promotion of a clean economy, international appeal, and its creative aspects.
The plan reflects additional considerations suggested by respondents, including decarbonising transport, attracting more events, ensuring effective resource utilisation with tangible benefits, and enhancing liveability.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
It is time for Geelong to rise and take its rightful place on the national and international stage.Greater Geelong boasts the fastest population growth in Victoria and second fastest in Australia, the largest regional economy in the state, and the fastest jobs growth of all regional cities.
We need to keep the momentum going and leverage the knowledge, creativity and strengths of our community and industries to develop a more resilient and adaptive economy.
Opportunities for future growth span advanced manufacturing, defence, healthcare, visitor economy and events, agribusiness and food manufacturers, transport, logistics and fulfilment, professional business services, clean economy, and creative industries and digital technologies.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
Geelong on the Rise will help to grow, diversify and future-proof our economy.We've honed in on our region's unique strengths, capabilities and key industries where we have competitive advantage that can be leveraged to deliver an international scale clever and creative city.
Geelong on the Rise is supported by a detailed action plan for Council and partner delivery over the next 10 years.
