Invest GeelongCity of Greater Geelong

Mayoral Welcomether, we have it allIf you have plans to establish or expand your business then look no further, we have it all in Geelong.

Geelong is a national showcase for reinvention.

We have mirrored global trends, embraced change and set our sights on the future. What you see today is a modern, confident 21st Century Smart City.

Our future is bright, with enormous opportunity and untapped potential. Deloitte Australia recently identified six sectors with the capacity to drive Australia’s future economic growth. These sectors are expected to grow at least 10% faster than global GDP ensuring the nation remains globally competitive. Geelong has significant presence in four of these sectors, agriculture, health, tourism and international students.

We make an ideal headquarter base for any business, given the size of our labour market,business support services and supply chain capability. Most importantly we have a proventrack record of successfully facilitating major investment.

Our strategic location, competitive advantages, business and industrial infrastructure and highlytalented people make it easy to do business from our great city.

The lifestyle, natural and cultural environment are an additional bonus.

The City of Greater Geelong has a positive attitude to development and welcomes projects that enhance the economic well-being of the wider community.

We’re excited about our future.

I invite you to be part of all the great things to come.

Darryn Lyons, MayorCity of Greater Geelong

Geelong is all about opportunityGeelong is one of Australia’s largest and most capable regional centres.The city has much to offer any business seeking to establish, grow or invest.Here are a few of the reasons why.

Located to leverage opportunityGeelong, Victoria’s regional capital, is strategically positioned only one hour from the State Capital of Melbourne. Thecity is in a prime position along Australia’s south eastern seaboard, making it easy to access national and international markets.

Robust economyGeelong is a diverse and strong economy of over 16,000 business enterprises. Our major industry strengths include knowledge, innovation and research, health and allied services, manufacturing, the visitor economy, creative industries and information communications and technology. These sectors are bursting with opportunities waiting to be realised.

Room to accommodate developmentGeelong offers abundant choice when it comes to accommodating development. There are a range of opportunities within Central Geelong, industrial areas (Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct), repurposing sites and special precincts such as Avalon Airport. There is also a diverse range of housing choice and residential development options.

Infrastructure to support successYou’ll be hard pressed to find the range of transport and logistics infrastructure available in Geelong in any other regional centre (road, rail, sea and air).Geelong’s supply chain networks and our economy’s high level of self-sufficiency delivers all the tools business need, right here.

Talented peopleGeelong’s greatest asset is its people. Our labourforce is talented and adaptable with the ability to meet diverse needs.Business has access to the skills of over 140,000 people within the region and additional markets in Melbourne, Ballarat and Colac.

Experience the Geelong way of lifeGeelong offers all the benefits of capital city living without the congestion. Housing choice, a strong commercial and retail heart, internationally recognised education facilities and comprehensive health services, are all located in a picturesque bay-side and coastal setting.

Positive Local GovernmentThe City of Greater Geelong has a positive attitude towards growth and champions projects that will contribute to the sustainable economic development of our City. We have a focus on investment attraction. If you are thinking about setting up a business or headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region, then contact us today.

Just the location you’ve been looking forProximity to markets, customers and suppliers is imperative for any business. Geelong is ideally positioned to access a broad range of markets, customers and supply chains. The City’s strategic location along Australia’s south eastern seaboard makes it easy to access national markets and to do business with the world.

Strategically located to leverage opportunityGeelong, Victoria’s regional capital, is located one hour south west of Metropolitan Melbourne. Geelong has a population of 225,000 growing at 1.7% per annum and is expected to reach 300,000 residents by 2031. Proximity to the large Melbourne market enables Geelong businesses to leverage all the benefits and opportunities of being close to a state capital without all the drawbacks of increased costs, competition and congestion.

Metropolitan Melbourne is currently experiencing the largest population growth of any Australian city, with forecasts predicting 7.7 million people by 2051. Melbourne’s outer west and north west have witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade and will continue to accommodate much of the City’s future growth.

The Victorian Government’s Plan Melbourne identifies regional centres such as Geelong as being ideally placed to accommodate significant growth into the future and capable of playing a pivotal role in easing the development pressure on Melbourne.

Geelong’s location in this strong growth corridor, makes us an ideal alternative location for business exploring options outside a capital city.

Easy access to:Melbourne Central Business District - 60minsMelbourne International Airport - 60minsAvalon Airport - 20minsPort of Melbourne (container) - 55minsPort of Geelong (bulk) - 10minsLogistics & warehousing (Laverton) - 40minsV/line services to Melbourne - every 20mins weekdaysNational standard gauge rail network

Geelong’s population is expected to reach 300,000 by 2031

Strategically locatedThe ideal south eastern seaboard locationGeelong provides a practical and highly efficient location for any business seeking a base for servicing markets along Australia’s south eastern seaboard.

Geelong provides greater reach to a population base within a 140km radius than any other Victorian regional centre, accessing markets of around 4.4 million people. Locations in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania can all be easily accessed from Geelong through a highly connected transport and logistics network.

Do business with the world from GeelongGeelong is one of Australia’s most diversified economic centres with a reputation for excellence established through modern business practices, leading edge technology and world-class infrastructure.

You can do business with the world from Geelong. National and international markets are easily accessible by road, rail, sea and air – infrastructure typically only found in capital city locations.

Prime markets in the Asia-Pacific region are within 7-10 hour flying time, which captures 20% of the world’s population. Geelong is located within a similar time zone making it easy to do business +/- 2-3 hours.

Access to domestic markets of around 4.4million people Transport and logistics capability provide seamless transit Leading edge technology Diverse economic centre Similar time zone to Asia-Pacific markets Do business with the world from Geelong Ideally positioned along Australia’s south eastern seaboard

Take advantage of our established industry strengthsKnowledge, innovation and researchGeelong is a 21st Century Smart City.

The city has embraced innovation to drive change, improve the local quality of life and increase our productivity.

KnowledgeGeelong’s education sector fosters and develops valuable skills to underpin economic growth well into the future.

Deakin UniversityDeakin University is Australia’s 8th largest university.

Its education and research activity has national and international recognition.

The University has a large local footprint boasting two local campuses (one at the Geelong Waterfront and one at Waurn Ponds), dedicated research institutions, partnerships with local organisations and industry, a large workforce and strong national and international networks.

Each year 11,000 students study at local campuses. International education is Australia’s 4th largest export earner with demand expected to grow.

Deakin University is a significant player in the international student market with offices in India, China and Indonesia.

Geelong has a large international student presence and is an attractive location for overseas students offering a friendly and safe study environment.

The GordonThe Gordon is one of Australia’s largest regional TAFEs with 19,000 enrolments each year.

The Gordon supports local industry and the community with specialist training and education. It has a strong presence in the delivery of international education offering clear pathways to university.

Marcus OldhamMarcus Oldham is Australia’s only independent agricultural and equine business management college. The College has a national and international reputation for preparing business leaders for careers in farming, agribusiness and equine management sectors.

Innovation and research

Innovation plays a critical role in driving economic growth and will ensure Geelong remains competitive in a national and global context.

The breadth of Geelong’s research and innovation capacity is significant.

Local organisations are internationally recognised for excellence in their field. CSIRO – only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory is a high containment facility that protects Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock and aquaculture industries and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. The facility is the go-to facility for biosecurity in the Asia-Pacific region. Major redevelopment is earmarked for the facility.

Deakin UniversityDeakin prides itself on solving 21st century problems through cutting edge smart technologies.

The University has a growing international presence with a strong focus on manufacturing, materials, data analytics, agriculture and health.

The Geelong Technology Precinct conducts research and development to directly benefit local business and the broader Geelong economy. Deakin is one of the few universities in Australia to develop a research focus on manufacturing.

The Australian Future Fibre Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC) is a partnership between Deakin, CSIRO and the Victorian Centre of Advanced Materials Manufacturing. The Centre undertakes research into carbon fibres and composites, functional fibrous materials, green natural fibres, nanofibres and polymers. An integral part of AFFRIC is Carbon Nexus which has captured the attention of automotive and aeronautical manufacturing globally for its research into carbon fibre.

The Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET) is a future-focused engineering and design facility housing virtual and real prototyping facilities. It allows creative design from imagination to the ultimate solution in a broad range of areas such as new wind turbines, medical devices, sustainable infrastructure, fuel efficient vehicles and robotic aids.

The Regional Community Health Hub (REACH) responds to critical health workforce shortages outside metropolitan areas. REACH uses state-of-the-art teaching technology to connect health students and practitioners in rural and regional Victoria. The development of Epworth Health Care medical training and research facility at Waurn Ponds will be the foundation for building a world-class health precinct.

Barwon HealthBarwon Health is a leading health research organisation in Victoria.

Research undertaken at Barwon Health includesmental health, epidemiology, cancer, neuroscience, intensive care, biomedical research, clinical trials, palliative care, cardiology and rheumatology.

Geelong Centre for Emerging and Infectious DiseasesThe Geelong Centre for Emerging and Infectious Diseases is a research partnership between Barwon Health, Deakin University and CSIRO with a specific focus on cross-disciplinary research to identify, monitor and develop treatments for infectious diseases and their interface with humans.

Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), Queenscliff

PIRVic conducts research into Victoria’s commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture industries. It also carries out research to ensure Victoria’s marine and freshwater fish resources and their natural habitats are managed sustainably.

Knowledge, innovation and research – exciting things to come

Research and industry opportunitiesThe sophisticated range of education and research organisations located in Geelong offer enormous potential in a range of disciplines for partnerships and collaborations particularly with industry.

Student accommodationDeakin University and The Gordon attract a large student population to Geelong. There are opportunities in Central Geelong for amenities and accommodation to support an increasing student presence.

Geelong Advanced Manufacturing CentreThe $14m Geelong Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre is part of the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centres Initiative. The Centre will unlock commercial opportunities and drive innovation by forging stronger links between businesses and industry and the science and research sector. Further funding is available to Growth Centres to develop and deliver large scale collaborative projects to build the capabilityand competitiveness of the sector.

Take advantage of our established industry strengths cont…ManufacturingManufacturing is a catalyst for strong, thriving economic centres.

Geelong enjoys a reputation as a centre of excellence for high value-add activities. Over the past two decades Geelong’s manufacturing sector has mirrored global trends resulting in a move away from traditional heavy manufacturing towards higher value-add activities. Our competitive strengths include food and agribusiness, engineering, textiles and agricultural and industrial chemicals.

Textile capabilityGeelong’s textile industry has experienced rigorous reinvention. Today the local industry is dominated by the headquarter base for one of the largest carpet manufacturers in the world.

Industrial and agricultural chemicalsLogistic advantages to supply chains and markets (by road, rail and sea) have positioned Geelong as Victoria’s prime processing and distribution point for fertiliser and fertiliser blends. More recently this includes processing of bulk crop protection product. Geelong Refinery is one of the largest and most complex hydrocarbon refineries in Australia. The facility produces half of Victoria’s petrol and other fuel needs. It is also the sole manufacturer of homopolymer polypropylene in Australia.

Adding value to food chainA clean environment, access to product from Victoria’s rich western district, the pristine waters of Bass Strait, coupled with logistical infrastructure and accessibility to major markets has consolidated Geelong’s position as a food processing bowl for Victoria and a major supply chain contributor to national and international markets. Geelong is a major growing and processing centre for meat, poultry, seafood, barley, wine and olive oil. The City is a significant supplier of seedlings to growers across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. It is also a major distribution centre for onions and citrus product to national markets.

Engineering expertiseGeelong’s engineering expertise is state-of-the-art.Local know-how delivers engineering design solutions for purpose built composite materials, precision engineering, electromechanical systems, customised steel and fibreglass fabrication and heat transfer technology. Geelong’s niche engineering expertise is supported by availability of land, adaptive skills within the existing workforce and strong connections to advanced engineering expertise.

Manufacturing - exciting things to comeArtisan food and drink Geelong is experiencing a surge of investment into gourmet foods and beverages including aquaculture, craft beers, ciders, gin, coffee, tea blends, breads and other gourmet products for domestic and international markets.

Advanced manufacturingGeelong is leading innovation in advanced manufacturing technology. Collaboration between industry and the research sector has resulted in smart research, product

development and innovative processes in carbon fibre, advanced 3D printing and associated processes.

Defence capabilityGeelong is actively campaigning for opportunities within the defence sector to provide advanced manufacturing capability and precision solutions. Geelong is well placed to service the defence sector given our existing manufacturing expertise, skilled workforce, appropriate condition testing and proving facilities and access to markets.

Cleantech Innovations GeelongCleantech Innovations Geelong is a partnership between the Manufacturing Productivity Network (State Government), the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the City of Greater Geelong through its Future Proofing Geelong program. It seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of participating manufacturing and engineering firms, those occupying or wishing to occupy green buildings and those supplying environmental goods and services.

The aim is to position Geelong as a Centre of Excellence for cleantech in Australia by attracting investment, creating jobs and building skills.

Take advantage of our established industry strengths cont…Health and allied servicesHealth and allied services are one of the fastest growing sectors of the Geelong economy with growth expected to continue well into the future based on anticipated population growth and an ageing population.

Health and allied services are important to Geelong’s economic future as they draw heavily on related sectors within the economy including ancillary professional services, research and innovation and specialist services such as information technology, legal and financial services. The sector also requires a large workforce with a broad range of skills from professional to unskilled occupations.

Allied professional insurance servicesGeelong is emerging as a growing powerhouse for a diverse range of health related insurance services. Several agencies in this sector currently headquarter in Geelong, and the State and Federal Government’s have announced plans to relocate similar organisations to Geelong. Geelong is well positioned to support private industry development and grow in professional services.

GMHBA is Australia’s leading regionally based health insurer providing private health insurance to individuals and families across Australia. GMHBA is an active contributor to building the health and well-being of communities. The Victorian Government’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) pays benefits to people injured in transport accidents and campaigns to reduce the incidence of road trauma through accident prevention programs.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency established to implement the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that supports a better life for Australians with a significant and permanent disability, including their families and carers.

WorkSafe Victoria will be relocating to Geelong from 2016. Their workforce is over 600 staff. The organisation helps avoid workplace injuries, enforces OHS laws, provides workplace injury insurance, helps injured workers get back to work and manages a compensation scheme.

Health servicesGeelong’s health sector presence is significant.

Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services inAustralia providing primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care.

Geelong is home to four major hospitals. University Hospital, a major teaching hospital (part of Barwon Health), Geelong Private Hospital, St John of God Hospital and Epworth

Geelong a new teaching hospital set to open in 2016.

Deakin University’s School of Medicine addresses workforce shortages in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas. The School provides programs in optometry, medical imaging, agricultural health and medicine and also undertakes clinical research into infection, immunity and cancer, neurosciences, metabolic/musculoskeletal medicine and rural health.

A comprehensive range of specialist and supporting services across all aspects of health and well-being can be found locally.

Health and allied services - exciting things to come

Health research precinct As the location of four large hospitals, a full range of supporting health ancillary services, a delivery centre for clinical trials and the presence of Deakin University’s medical school, Geelong has the capacity to become a designated Victorian health precinct providing leadership in health education and health related research.

Insurance centre of excellenceThe co-location of GMHBA, TAC, NDIA and WorkSafe all involved in health, personal injury and disability in the one city, provides opportunity to explore the attraction of associated services and to establish an Insurance Centre of Excellence.

Take advantage of our established industry strengths cont…Visitor EconomyGeelong is an ideal destination for tourism investment given its vast array of natural and cultural attractions, diverse visitor experiences and location advantages.

The Geelong Football Club is the only regional Victorian based Australian Football League team. Simonds Stadium is a key asset for the community hosting eight AFL season fixtures. Stage 4 redevelopment of Simonds Stadium will provide a range of new and updated services and will increase capacity at the ground to 36,000.

Geelong’s visitor economy is driven by its talented people. The local labourforce provides for experienced staff across all aspects of the industry and is able to meet workforce demands during peak visitor periods and the need for people 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.

The visitor economy is a significant driver of economic activity for Geelong.Over 4.3 million visitors make their way to Greater Geelong and The Bellarine each year. Geelong’s proximity to Melbourne makes it an ideal short-break destination, with over half of all domestic visitors originating from the metropolitan area each year.The region is strategically located on the tourist route for one of Australia’s most recognised icons, the Great Ocean Road. It also has strong linkages to its bayside counterparts on the Mornington Peninsula serviced by a car and passenger ferry.

Geelong has a strong track record of successfully delivering large scale events such as the Australian International Airshow, UCI Road World Championships, Festival of Sails (Australia’s largest keelboat regatta) and rounds of the National Triathlon Championships.

Geelong offers remarkable world-class options for conferencing set amongst some of Australia’s most inspiring destinations. Geelong facilities cater to business events of all sizes from grand venues to intimate spaces for niche events targeting local, state, national and international conferences and symposia. The conferencing sector is a growing driver in the visitor economy targeting high yield visitors.

There is significant capacity to house visitors given the comprehensive range of accommodation - hotel, motel, B&B, holiday homes, caravan parks and camping sites.On a peak holiday night in the region, the overnight population can double (upward of 500,000 people).

Visitor economy – exciting things to come

Mineral springs and wellness centreThe City of Greater Geelong is continuing redevelopment of the award-winning Geelong Waterfront by supporting private sector interest in the establishment of a Mineral Springs and Wellness Centre. A large natural mineral spring aquifer occurs between Eastern Beach and Limeburners Point.

According to the Global Spa and Wellness Industry Monitor, the industry is estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion, making it one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. A Mineral Springs and Wellness Centre would harness opportunities within the fast growing wellness industry allowing Geelong to capitalise on the benefits of having a high qualitymineral water resource in the heart of the CBD.

Waterfront developmentGeelong achieved award winning results for the revitalisation of the Geelong Waterfront during the late 1990s.

The $30 million infrastructure redevelopment by State and Local Government has to date attracted more than $630 million of private investment and is at the forefront of urban waterfront redevelopments in Australia today.

Geelong is a city of evolution and has embraced the opportunities that have been created through investment in our bay environment.

Ongoing investment will realise continued reinvigoration of our City, and plans are well underway to support investment to achieve returns for the community and investors. Cruise ship destination Geelong is increasingly becoming a day-stop destination for select boutique international cruise ships. The City’s easy to navigate waterfront and options for tours to the Great Ocean Road lend itself to cruise ship appeal.

Geelong Waterfront safe harborAs a significant destination for national yachting and the home of the Festival of Sails, the largest annual yachting regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, the Geelong bay features prominently creating diverse opportunity for investment. The Victorian Government, City of Greater Geelong and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club are currently exploringopportunities for a Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour.

Geelong exhibition and convention centreGeelong has a significant conference and business events market with enormous capacity for growth. Work is currently underway to secure a Geelong Exhibition and Convention Centre along the Geelong Waterfront to fully realise opportunities in this sector

Take advantage of our established industry strengths cont…Creative industriesGeelong has a thriving creative industries sector that champions new ideas and innovative practices.

Highly skilled creative practitioners are drawn to Geelong with its vibrant economy, unique lifestyle and diverse cultural attributes Creative practitioners operate across a range of disciplines including software and interactive content, film, TV and radio, publishing, architecture, visual arts and design, advertising and marketing services, music and the performing arts and research and development.

With emerging capability in the Information, Communications and Technology sector, Geelong is driving a digital future that will support exponential growth of creative industries.

The opportunities afforded by online connectivity in enhancing market opportunities for the creative sector is a focus for Geelong. Geelong’s creative industries foster a stream of new and the latest ideas ensuring local business is at the cutting edge of trends. The sector intuitively scopes out future opportunities as they are nimble, adaptive and less structured.

The West Fyans Street Precinct is a former industrial precinct that has been repurposed to a thriving creative hub for specialist design, digital and performing arts firms.

Opportunities are being explored to encourage further development of creative hubs across Geelong. Geelong’s Cultural Precinct is an integral part of the Geelong community and major drawcard for the City comprising the Geelong Art Gallery, Court House Youth Arts, Geelong Library and the Geelong Performing Arts Centre. The Precinct attracts over half a million visitors each year.

Creative industries - exciting things to come

Film GeelongFilm Geelong is a dedicated resource for exploring film and television opportunities.Geelong has proven itself as Victoria’s premier location destination offering a diverse, flexible and film friendly production environment – and all within easy reach ofthe world-class facilities of Melbourne.

Geelong has a successful track record in supporting film-based productions. These range from multi-million dollar feature films such as The Dressmaker (2015) with Kate Winslett and Liam Hemsworth and Lion (2016) starring Nicole Kidman, to TV series including the popular John Marsden’s Tomorrow When The War Began (2016), Dr Blake Mysteries starring Craig McLachlan and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, as well as TVCs for clients such as the AFL, Holden, Ford, the TAC and Repco.

Film Geelong works with Film Victoria to maximize opportunities for new production activity and supports the emerging filmmaking ma6rket.

Cultural PrecinctEnsuring Geelong’s iconic Cultural Precinct meets future growth demands, and features prominently in the Geelong landscape, is an important priority.

Redevelopment of the Court House Youth Arts Precinct is complete, as is the new $45 million Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Work on the $32 million, stage 2 redevelopment of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre is awaiting commencement with further redevelopment stages in the pipeline.

Work is underway to secure funding for the upgrade of the Geelong Art Gallery.

Take advantage of our established industry strengths cont…Information, communications and technology (ICT)Geelong’s ICT expertise is diverse. It is driven by solutions oriented operators that are leaders in their field.

Our major industry sectors of knowledge, research, health, insurance and manufacturing are significant drivers of innovation for the ICT sector.

Geelong’s ICT capability includes: Deakin’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR), is at the forefront of

research and application of haptics, robotics and virtual reality simulation. Smart cloud-based education solutions for the tertiary and private education

markets across Asia Pacific. Radio frequency identification technology (RFID) for the health and education

sectors, which enable a wide range of products to be tracked more efficiently. Specialised software products for timetabling solutions for the education

sector. Development and deployment of point of sale software. Asset reliability modelling software. Application of ICT in the sports technology field and wearable sensors. As a sizeable and discrete population, Geelong is an ideal centre to trial new

technologies destined for the health and education sectors.

ICT – exciting things to come

Education, health and well-being

There is capacity for Geelong to further develop integration of our growth sectors particularly in education, health and well-being.

Large organisations such as Deakin University, four major hospitals, ancillary service providers and the increasing growth of the insurance sector will encourage inventive thinking by local digital solutions operators.

Two specific areas of endeavour include:• Wearable sensors and computing• Virtual reality and simulation

Geelong offers real opportunity to produce disruptive products and services. Applications in sports technology have enabled consumer products that deliver greater choice and variety in terms of product attributes and method of purchase.

Digital GeelongThe City of Greater Geelong has endorsed and is implementing Digital Geelong, an initiative designed to position the City as a leader of embracing new technologies.Digital Geelong champions leadership of strategic partnerships with key industry and government bodies to ensure Geelong is recognised as a 21st Century Smart City.

Geelong: a unique business location

Strategically Located Proximity to large population centres in Geelong and Melbourne Situated in a growth corridor Ideally positioned to access markets across Australia and the globe Time zones that make it easy to do business Greater value for money land and premises Less congestion and competition

Geelong Expertise Knowledge, innovation and research Manufacturing Health and allied services Visitor economy Creative Industries Information, communication and technology

Experience the Geelong way of life Housing diversity Easy travel times in and around the city Strong employment market Internationally recognised primary and secondary education Vibrant arts and culture community Diverse recreational choices Excellence in health care

Easy to do Business Transport and logistics Highly talented people Extensive business and industrial infrastructure Comprehensive business support Optimal supply chain networks Well established industry networks Strong advocacy and leadership Accommodate growth

Central GeelongRepurposing sitesResidential developmentIndustrial developmentAvalon Airport precinctIdeal headquarter location

We make it easy to do business in GeelongTransport and logisticsGeelong is strategically placed at the hub of a well developed transport network, ensuring prompt delivery of supplies and the dispatch of product to local, state, national and international markets.

All modes – road, rail, sea and air – can be utilised.

RoadGeelong is located on Australia’s national road network, Highway-1 which circumnavigates the country joining all mainland state capitals. The six-lane Princes Freeway provides fast, efficient links between Geelong and Melbourne.

The 75km journey takes 60 minutes allowing easy access to Melbourne’s central business district, Port of Melbourne (shipping container terminal) and large wholesale and distribution centres in the western suburbs (Laverton). The Princes Freeway connects with the Western Ring Road directly to Melbourne International Airport and the Hume Freeway to Sydney.

The Geelong Ring Road provides fast and efficient north-south access around Geelong and the local road network provides easy mobility in and around the city and its suburbs. Geelong enjoys highway links with the other major regional centres in Victoria including Colac (55 minutes), Ballarat (1 hour), Bendigo (2.5 hours) and Hamilton (3 hours).

RailGeelong is a major freight hub for the Pacific National Rail Network allowing goods – ranging from bulk shipments to parcels – to be widely and efficiently distributed within Victoria and interstate. Many Geelong firms take advantage of this distribution channel to reach their markets.

The national standard gauge rail network passes through Geelong enabling easy accessto the rest of Australia.

V/line offers regular passenger services to Melbourne and easy connection to suburban, state and interstate lines. Melbourne is less than 60 minutes away by train. Services between Geelong station and Southern Cross station, depart every 20 minutes weekdays.

The Victorian Government has recently committed $115 million for new stabling and maintenance yards for V/Line trains at Waurn Ponds. The new depot will also focus on training and education by developing programs for apprentices in rolling stock and training the next generation of train and tram engineers.

AirAvalon Airport is Victoria’s second airport.

The Airport, owned and operated by the Linfox Group, is located 50 kilometres from Melbourne and 20 kilometres from Geelong. The Airport is situated on 1,840 hectares of land. It includes 55,000 square metres of hangar accommodation, a runway capable of landing A380s and other large aircraft, is curfew free and has a passenger terminal capable of handling over 2 million passengers a year. The Airport offers ready access to the Australian markets with daily flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Avalon offers first port of entry rights (Australian Customs and Quarantine), air traffic is light and weather conditions favourable.

SeaThe Port of Geelong is a bulk and break-bulk handling facility located on Corio Bay providing direct access to Bass Strait. It is Victoria’s second busiest port, handling 12.1 million tonnes of trade each year in a variety of bulk cargoes including petroleum products, grains and woodchips.

The Port offers a range of shipping berths around Corio Bay with a draft of up to 12.3 metres. Facilities include 4 common-user berths at Refinery Pier for bulk liquids and gases, 3 common-user berths for bulk and break at Lascelles Wharf, 4 berths for woodchips, bulk and general cargo at Corio Quay and 3 berths for bulk grain at Bulk Grain Pier (with access to dual gauge).

Geelong’s strategic location provides industries with a distinct advantage to accessing raw materials and distributing value-added products to interstate and international markets. The Port of Geelong Development Strategy supports effective growth and development of the Port into the future.

We make it easy to do business in Geelong…. Continued

Highly talented people Geelong has an impressive range of talent to meet business needs.

Our large, flexible and highly talented pool of over 140,000 people, make it easy to do business. Geelong offers a full complement of skills across industry types including high level professionals, technicians, trades people, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.Geelong’s workforce boasts lower staff turnover rates compared with Melbourne.

The Geelong and Melbourne labour markets are strongly inter-related. Each day around 12,000 workers commute to Melbourne for work, whilst an additional 4,000 make their way to Geelong. Employers can draw on a range of skills from both centres. There are also employment synergies with other regional centres such as Ballarat and Colac.

Our community is multicultural with just under 10% of the population born in a non-English speaking county. Companies with a national or international focus can choose from a range of additional language skills.

Geelong has highly competent training organisations in a range of specialist fields able to deliver all types of formal, practical and onsite training to meet business needs.

We make it easy to do business in Geelong…. Continued

Comprehensive business and industrial infrastructure

Geelong’s business and industrial infrastructure provides the ideal environment for commercial, residential or industrial projects.

The City has optimal supply chain networks, capacity to accommodate growth and business services to support growth.

Capacity to accommodate developmentCentral GeelongUniquely located on the shores of Corio Bay, Central Geelong is the city’s central business district, driving retail and commercial activity.Central Geelong is rising to the challenge of being more than just a traditional central business district but also a strong social, residential and cultural centre catering to residents, students, visitors and events.

The Central Geelong Taskforce has delivered a Central Geelong Action Plan that outlines priorities for the next decade and beyond to reinvigorate Central Geelong to create a vibrant, liveable and dynamic city with a strong sense of identity and community. It plans to deliver transformational change, building on strengths and maximising opportunities for investment. The outcome will be more people living, working, learning and playing in Central Geelong with improved infrastructure and investment.

The revitalisation of Central Geelong as a strong, vibrant and thriving mixed-use precinct is important to Geelong, the region and to the future growth of Victoria.

Repurposing sitesGeelong is a city of reinvention. Geelong is proud of its history from a major export centre of wool to all parts of the world in the 1800s, to a thriving manufacturing hub during the 1900s and the 21st Century Smart City that it is today.

The City’s historical economic footprint is reflected in the urban landscape.

A number of organisations seeking centrally located innovative spaces have successfully repurposed sites to suit their individual needs. These redevelopments have been catalysts for urban change over the past decade.

There is a variety of building stock available for redevelopment in business, commercial and industrial areas

Residential developmentGeelong is growing rapidly. Each year around 2,000 approvals are issued for new residential homes with over 20 years of zoned residential land supply to accommodate growth. A diverse range of housing choice is available locally.

Geelong has a number of residential growth areas including the City’s southern suburbs around Armstrong Creek and Wandana Heights, urban townships of Lara and Leopold, bayside suburb of Clifton Springs and coastal town of Ocean Grove.

Opportunities for urban renewal of existing sites within Central Geelong, the Geelong Waterfront and inner city precincts, attract keen interest.

Industrial LandGeelong has ample room development in a Greenfield site, or repurposing of an existing site.

Land supply in Geelong is buoyant and has price advantages over comparable areas in Melbourne and other state capitals.

The Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct located to the City’s north, provides unique strategic logistic advantages. It boasts excellent access to Geelong (15 minutes) and Melbourne (45 minutes), the Port of Geelong (10 minutes) and Avalon Airport (10 minutes).

The precinct, located at Lara, is Geelong’s major Greenfield precinct and regarded as one of Victoria’s prime areas for industrial development. It is a magnet for high-quality, value add activities, particularly those requiring large, single-storey plant locations, buffer zones or environmental safeguards.

Geelong has a broad range of light and heavy industrial accommodation to supportdevelopment.

Armstrong Creek residential and employment precinctThe Armstrong Creek Precinct is Geelong’s major growth front estimated to accommodate up to 60,000 people when complete.

The precinct includes a Major Activity Centre providing for schools and community facilities and has two dedicated employment precincts, the North East Industrial Precinct and the Western Industrial Precinct.

The area will provide for large scale employment into the future.

Avalon Airport precinctAvalon Airport is a significant asset for Victoria. Its importance has been endorsed by all levels of government and there are agreed options for its future.

A new Master Plan for the airport identifies ongoing opportunities in the area of airport operations such as expansion of domestic and international terminals, options for lengthening of the existing runway as well as a possible second runway and development of airfreight facilities.

The Master Plan also provides for a range of non-aviation related developments including hotel, film and television productions, retail, commercial, industrial uses and recreational facilities.

Ideal headquarter or regional baseMany companies have chosen Geelong as a base for their headquarter operations and it’s easy to understand why.

A large and highly talented pool of people with lower staff turnover than a capital city location, ample space to accommodate development with competitive land prices, a positive business environment, a sophisticated network of business and support services, proximity to Melbourne and easy access to training facilities.

Comprehensive business supportAs Victoria’s regional capital, Geelong is self-sufficient when it comes to expertise.

A wide network of highly developed professional, technical and support services operate locally, ranging from industry specific expertise such as engineers, architects and construction contractors, to business management services such as accountants and solicitors.

Local businesses have a wide range of choices when it comes to agencies designed to get their business moving including personnel recruitment, job placement agencies and information technology consultants.

Geelong business has a strong social conscience and is keen to champion opportunitiesthat bring about positive social change.

Social procurement is high on the agenda. Key stakeholders have joined forces with local business to investigate the economic and social benefit afforded through the power of purchasing. Although work is in its early stages, support from local business has been extremely positive.

Geelong businesses are participating in international initiatives such as B-Corporations that require business to operate in a manner that is conducive to social and environmental change.

Optimal supply chain networks Geelong has a comprehensive supply chain of over 16,000 businesses to drive operational efficiencies.

Our solid supply chain network also ensures organisations remain competitive at a local, national and international level.

Well established industry networks Geelong has recognised business and industry networks that operate with a strong sense of collaboration and referral.

These organisations champion industry specific issues and provide diverse assistance tosupport business.

There are a variety of networking opportunities available in Geelong’s busy business calendar.

We make it easy to do business in Geelong…. Continued

Strong advocacy and leadershipIn collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of Greater Geelong works closely with the Federal and Victorian Governments to advocate for and attract strategic infrastructure that is integral to major economic centres in Australia.

The City of Greater Geelong has been scoping a number of high profile projects that will allow the City to leverage opportunities. In recognition of the importance of these projects to Geelong, the Victorian Government has established the Geelong Authority to secure these projects for the Geelong community.

From global to local, Geelong is well placed to offer investment solutions for international investors.

The Victorian Government has progressive inward investment incentives and a long history of welcoming business migrants who are looking to establish new businesses or engage in local investment activity. Victoria continues to be a destination of choice for half of all business migrants to Australia.

The City of Greater Geelong works in partnerships with the Victorian Government to assist with inward international investment enquiries. Geelong’s diverse economic industry sectors are well positioned to capitalise on opportunities afforded through Free Trade Agreements.

Experience the Geelong way of lifeGeelong has a lifestyle that’s hard to beatAs one of Australia’s largest urban centres, Geelong provides the perfect environment to balance work and home-life.

Geelong’s property market is buoyant and there are a number of lifestyle choices on offer – inner city, suburban, waterfront, coastal and rural. Geelong’s housing stock offers exceptional value for money in comparison to equivalent properties in Melbourne.

Geelong’s most unique asset is accessibility. For a large vibrant city, movement in and around the city and its hinterlands is easy. Congestion, delays, and time wasted in traffic are not part of the Geelong way of life.

Travel times between Central Geelong, the coast, parklands and sporting facilities is all within 20 minutes. A surf, sail or walk along the beach before or after work is all possible.

Geelong has a healthy economy and employment market. The Region prides itself on being responsive to market trends and proactive when it comes to the ever changing work environment.

Geelong’s primary and secondary education sector includes amongst the best facilities in Australia. To name a few, Geelong Grammar School, The Geelong College, Kardinia International College, Christian College, St Josephs College, Sacred Heart College and Belmont High School.

There’s a wide choice of formal and informal recreational activities including golf, sailing, surfing and windsurfing plus an enormous number of clubs and community groups.

Geelong is a “foodies” paradise. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out (gourmet eateries and wine bars), theatre, movies, the arts, community events and entertainment.

The City boasts more than 16,000 businesses, which include an abundance of retail outlets – most major national outlets have a presence in Geelong.

A comprehensive range of healthcare providers and community organisations service residents across all age groups and needs.

In essence, Geelong offers the best of both worlds – all the advantages of city living without the congestion.

Are you exploring opportunitiesfor your business?

Contact

Enterprise Geelong to learn more.

100 Brougham StreetPO Box 104Geelong Victoria3220 Australia

T/ +61 3 5272 4888

F/ +61 3 5272 4855

E/ info@enterprisegeelong.com.au

W/ enterprisegeelong.com.au

Enterprise Geelong @Enterpriseglg

Central Geelong• Repurposing sites• Residential development• Industrial development• Avalon Airport precinct• Ideal headquarter location