Lifestyle resource attracts thousands

SOAKING up the summer break along the Great Ocean Road, it’s difficult not to acknowledge just how valuable a lifestyle resource the Surf Coast is to the Geelong region.

I’m writing my thoughts on development in Geelong and the Surf Coast while holidaying in Lorne, the jewel of the Great Ocean Road and a Mecca for thousands of visitors from Melbourne and across the state.

I’ve been enjoying the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club, where many members of the local community and from Geelong and Melbourne congregate.

There’s been a lot of media attention to the price difference between Geelong and Melbourne for housing lots, which is running now at $100,000 in Geelong’s favour.

This is going to put a lot of pressure on prices in Geelong as strong demand continues in the market.

I’m very hopeful that prices can stay within reach of people looking to build their homes in the Geelong region in the New Year, and not make that dream unaffordable.

We’re presently investigating initiatives to try to do our bit to keep land prices within reach, especially as Geelong’s population grows with the arrival of new industries and government agencies.

There’s no doubting that this region is one of the most attractive in Australia for new homebuyers. Prices are very competitive compared to Melbourne, the lifestyle is excellent, schools and hospitals are very good, shopping, restaurants and cultural activities are all good too.

It’s not surprising to hear in Lorne that coastal property queries are really pumping at the moment.

One agent described the market as white hot. With Melbourne’s population bursting at the seams, and growing by 140,000 people a year, more and more people will be looking to live in the Geelong region in 2018.

The challenge is to make sure that housing does not move beyond the reach of mum-and-dad buyers who want to build homes and bring up their families in our great community.