IT seems the rest of Australia has finally caught up with something those of us in Geelong and the Bellarine have known for a long time: this is an exceptional place to live.<\/p>\n
The latest Regional Movers Index has named Greater Geelong Australia\u2019s second most popular destination for people moving from capital cities to regional areas, behind only Queensland\u2019s Sunshine Coast.<\/p>\n
Our region received 4.9 per cent of net capital-to-regional migration, a strong result at a time when more Australians than ever are choosing to leave the capitals for regional communities.<\/p>\n
For all of us who already call this region home, it is not hard to understand why.<\/p>\n
Geelong offers the kind of lifestyle many people are looking for. You can build a career, access quality health care and education, enjoy major events and cultural experiences and still be close to incredible beaches, wineries and beautiful parks and open spaces.<\/p>\n
For Bellarine residents, that lifestyle is particularly special. From Portarlington through to Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale, the peninsula offers beautiful coastlines, strong local communities and a thriving visitor economy that supports local jobs and businesses.<\/p>\n
As chair of the city\u2019s economic development portfolio, I am particularly pleased people are choosing the Geelong region not just for our enviable scenery, but also because of the significant opportunities to work, study, invest and build a future.<\/p>\n
Recent data has shown that Geelong remains Australia\u2019s fastest-growing job market, with a record 147,234 local jobs and annual growth of 4.3 per cent since 2020.<\/p>\n
Manufacturing has been a major driver, adding 1,235 jobs in the 12 months to June last year, while health care, social assistance, education and training added another 1,451 jobs.<\/p>\n
This is the second year in a row that manufacturing has been the region\u2019s strongest performer, with employment levels returning to those seen 15 years ago, before the closure of Alcoa and the Ford manufacturing plant.<\/p>\n
Geelong has worked hard to build a more diverse and resilient economy.<\/p>\n
Today, businesses such as Godfrey Hirst, Viva Energy and Hanwha are part of a growing manufacturing sector, while Barwon Health, Deakin University, The Gordon, the TAC, WorkSafe, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the NDIS provide major employment across health, education and government services.<\/p>\n
Our events calendar is another part of the appeal and this month\u2019s Tastes of Greater Geelong program is a fantastic example of that strength.<\/p>\n
Across Geelong and the Bellarine, local producers, chefs, wineries, breweries and hospitality venues are showcasing the quality and creativity that have helped establish our region as one of Victoria\u2019s most exciting food and wine destinations.<\/p>\n
A couple of weeks ago thousands of people descended upon Portarlington for the National Celtic Festival, and during July, visitors will return for events including Eclipse: In Bloom at Geelong Botanic Gardens.<\/p>\n
These events bring visitors and spending to the region, while also contributing to the vibrancy of everyday life for locals.<\/p>\n
The growing number of Australians choosing Geelong is a welcome vote of confidence in our region.<\/p>\n
Our responsibility is to make sure we keep creating the jobs, homes, services and infrastructure that allow people to enjoy the lifestyle that brought them here in the first place.<\/p>\n