Future Geelong 2025: How connectivity will shape region’s growth and success

Geelong is growing fast. Experts say connectivity will be key to making it a thriving, liveable city. Here’s how leaders plan to keep Geelong connected.

GAD Future Geelong splash art

Geelong is changing.

The closure of heavy manufacturing industries has forced economic diversification.

The CBD is being revitalised.

And the renewable transition is reshaping the landscape of the city and its surrounds.

The region’s population is estimated to reach about 500,000 in the next 25 years.

The growth is expected to accelerate demand for new skilled workers.

To confront that growth, Greater Geelong bears the highest housing target in Victoria, with 128,600 new homes planned by 2051.

Behavioural scientist Bri Williams admits change is difficult for many.

But she says communities can “really thrive when we work together”.

“When you know how to change behaviour, you can change your world,” she said.

Ms Williams will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Future Geelong event, to be held at GMHBA stadium on March 24.

Now in its third year, Future Geelong promotes ambitious ideas and advocates for changes that will lead Geelong into the future.

This year’s campaign, which launches today, focuses on the importance of connectivity as the region requires major investment in social and urban infrastructure to ensure the people who call this region home remain connected and continue to thrive.

Geelong convention centre during constructions. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Williams says it is important to engage people throughout change to make it “really easy to act”.

There are three “innate” barriers to change, Ms Williams says: apathy about the need for change, too much change can be overwhelming, and scepticism about the change itself.

“Whenever we’re trying to connect to people in a new idea or new infrastructure or new technology or new businesses … it all comes back to how do we get people to embrace this,” she says.

Geelong’s leaders and experts admit the unprecedented growth presents challenges.

But they say it offers opportunities too.

One of the Geelong region’s most senior leader sees connectivity as fundamental to not only Geelong’s identity, but also the opportunities ahead of us.

Deputy prime minister Richard Marles at last year’s Future Geelong event. Picture: Alan Barber

Deputy Prime Minister and member for Corio Richard Marles says people from Geelong who work in Melbourne “understand that connection on a daily basis”, as do businesses that have the Melbourne market “on our doorstep”.

Beyond that, Mr Marles says, Geelong’s connection to the nation through the convergence of a highway, national rail access, an airport and a seaport presents a “massive opportunity”.

“One of the great things about Geelong is our size, there is a sense of community in Geelong which goes to our internal connection, which I don’t think you see in a larger city,” he says.

“It is a fantastic base from which any company can operate; project into Melbourne, project into the country, project into the world.”

Leading industry figures also see the future of Geelong as a connected city, and one “that embodies the story of good growth”.

Michael Johnston from the Committee for Geelong says: “We are a city that has grown in population, grown and diversified our local economy, and grown in recognition on a national and global stage.

“But we have grown well. We have protected the core things that makes Geelong unique, a lifestyle city. We have protected our community feel.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says the council’s long term mission is for Geelong to be recognised as a “clever and creative city-region”.

He sees the way to maintaining our community through growth is with “the power of human connection”.

“We get all of this done through the connectivity of our community leaders, working together and tirelessly advocating for Geelong,” Mr Johnston says.

City Hall will also play a crucial role in our future, supporting and advocating for business, unlocking transport and infrastructure, and keeping people socially connected throughout the process.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj says that the council’s long-term vision for Geelong is to be internationally recognised as a “clever and creative city-region” that is forward-looking and cares for its people and environment.

“Keeping people socially connected is vital for our community’s health and wellbeing, which is central to everything we do as a council,” says Mr Kontelj.

“Connectivity is crucial for this clever and creative future and is part of everything that we do.”

Originally published as Future Geelong 2025: How connectivity will shape region’s growth and success