Quicker deliveries on the way for Geelong shoppers

ONLINE shoppers and businesses in Geelong can expect quicker delivery times via a new dedicated freight processing facility to be constructed at Avalon Airport.

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins announced the new $8 million facility on Tuesday this week.

It will boost freight processing and handling at Avalon Airport, with packages expected to be processed at a much faster rate.

The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with advanced scanning technology in compliance with new Border Force security screening standards.

It will create six new direct jobs and hundreds of flow-on jobs in cargo handling, warehousing and distribution.

Melbourne Avalon Airport chief executive officer Ari Suss welcomed the new 24/7 freight facility.

“The establishment of this state-of-the-art freight processing facility will strengthen Melbourne Avalon Airport’s role as a critical logistics hub and the creation of a multi-modal hub for Victoria,” he said.

“This investment ensures we can meet the growing demands of e-commerce and trade, driving efficiency and creating new jobs in the region.”

Avalon Airport handled more than 10,000 tonnes of cargo from 52 aircraft in the financial year ending June 2023. The new facility will push its handling numbers to more than 100,000 tonnes each year, including both domestic and international freight.

Ms Hutchins said the State Government was thrilled to be further bolstering Geelong’s credentials as an economic hub.

“This new facility at Avalon Airport will create jobs, attract new businesses, get trucks off the road and expand trade and commerce opportunities for the whole region,” she said.

Lara MP Ella George said the facility would bring a major boost to the region by “bringing jobs for locals, new opportunities for businesses and faster deliveries for our online shopping”.

The facility is expected to open next year.