Geelong's Economy

There has never been a better time to live in Geelong, with a massive economic boom and rapid growth in population, employment and investment. This is largely a result of the Geelong Smart Move campaign, an effort to create a positive image of the city, and major redevelopment projects such as the Waterfront precinct. It is estimated that over the past 18 months, over 1500 families have made the move to Geelong.

Employment opportunities are rapidly increasing, particularly in the areas of tourism, hospitality, education, healthy and business services. Currently more than 10,000 businesses employ over 80,000 people in the area of Greater Geelong. The region's major employers include the Ford Motor Company engine plant in Norlane, aircraft maintenance at Avalon Airport, the head office of retail chain Target, the Bartter chicken processing plant, Alcoa's Point Henry aluminium smelter, and the Shell oil refinery at Corio.

Geelong has a number of thriving shopping precincts, most notably Westfield Bay City and Market Square, in Central Geelong, with smaller centres in the outer areas such Belmont Plaza, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, Bellarine Village and Corio Village Shopping Centre.

Quickly becoming a leading centre for business and manufacturing, Geelong encourages investment projects that will expand export markets, and provides company-specific assistance to businesses interested in investing in Geelong.