Geelong aerial photos: comparison shows city, region’s growth as experts reveal the lessons learnt

Planning experts have revealed what has been learnt from Geelong’s growing pains so the region can cater for the next population boom. Amazing aerial photos have exposed the scale of our growth.

The population across the Greater Geelong area has skyrocketed over the last decade, with the pandemic encouraging more people to call the region home.

In the 2020-21 financial year, the Surf Coast Shire became Victoria’s fastest growing population at 4.4 per cent and was closely followed by the City of Greater Geelong which grew by 1.8 per cent.

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Just a decade ago, the region appeared as a much sleepier coastal pocket but has since been transformed into a number of booming townships with a greater demand than supply.

See how the region has changed over the years.

Greater Geelong

As Victoria’s largest regional city, Greater Geelong has experienced sustained population growth over the many years with an increasing for housing.

Director of City Planning and Economy Gareth Smith said Greater Geelong’s estimated resident population grew by 4,725 people to 269,508 in the year ending in June 30, 2021.

“Internal migration was the largest component of population in Greater Geelong, with a net increase of 4,305,” he said.

The majority of the population growth has been directed towards Armstrong Creek which spans over 2500 hectares, with a new growth area forming in the Northern and Western parts of Geelong near Lovely Banks and Batesford, an area which spans over 5500 hectares.

“The Armstrong Creek growth area is already home to more than 24,000 residents and will reach a population of up to 60,000 people,” he said.

“The Northern and Western Growth Areas are the largest greenfield planning project and will eventually house 110,000 residents — which is the current population of Ballarat.”

In a bid to be more sustainable, Mr Smith said council has focused on carbon positive developments, sustainable transport, tree canopy coverage and inclusion of social and affordable housing.

“We are working with other levels of government to secure funding and the delivery of key infrastructure for growth areas such as public transport, roads, sporting fields and schools,” he said.

“It’s critical that developments are carefully sequenced so that we have connected neighbourhoods while keeping pace with population growth.

“This means ensuring residents have excellent transport connections and access to local employment and services.”

Surf Coast Shire

The Surf Coast Shire has identified two townships — Torquay and Winchelsea — to bear the brunt of its population growth.

This comes as controversy continues around whether protected settlement boundaries around Torquay will be implemented that will further determine whether Spring Creek will be developed against much of the community’s wish.

Surf Coast Shire’s general manager for place making and environment, Chris Pike, said Torquay’s next designated growth area is on Messmate Road.

As for Winchelsea, Mr Pike said the town will see a population of 10,000 by 2050, a significant increase from its current population of 2,000.

“Excluding Torquay, our coastal townships are constrained by physical boundaries, such as the ocean and national and state parks which present a bushfire risk,” he said.

Mr Pike said delivering the important infrastructure and services that will be required for the growth areas will be partly sourced through developer contributions, rates- including those paid by the owners of new homes- and other levels of government.

“We’re part of a bigger picture where growth in places like Winchelsea and Torquay supports national and statewide population increases,” he said.

“State and federal governments have a big role to play, whether it’s helping fund the new Surf Coast Cultural Centre, improving walking and cycling paths or expanding services such as health care and education.

“Other challenges we face as our towns grow include protecting the character of our townships and addressing the lack of affordable housing options.

“It’s also vital we manage growth in a sustainable way so that it isn’t at the expense of our environment and considers our changing climate.”

Borough of Queenscliffe

Despite being the smallest council area in the state, the Borough of Queenscliffe has experienced its own population surge.

In 2016, the census revealed 2,853 people were living in the region, which has now risen to an estimated 3,054 people in 2021 according to property id.

Chief executive officer Martin Gill said while he is happy to welcome new neighbours, the region was under immense pressure to keep up with the needs of the community.

“Rapid development on the Borough’s doorstep is putting pressure on our sports grounds, parks, and infrastructure, but doesn’t provide a source of rates revenue for the Borough to pay for necessary upgrades,” he said.

“These pressures are why Council is calling on the Victorian and Federal Governments to invest in community infrastructure in the Borough of Queenscliffe.

“Sports facilities like Royal Park need upgrades to support growing interest in local sport, a Point Lonsdale bike park and youth precinct would give a growing number of young residents a dedicated space to be social and active, and upgrades to our walking and cycling network will help new residents get around without placing more pressure on congested roads.

“Council has committed funds to all of these projects to ensure our community can handle the needs of a growing population on our doorstep – now we need other levels of government to join us and ensure our community isn’t overwhelmed by a growing regional population.”

Originally published as Geelong aerial photos: comparison shows city, region’s growth as experts reveal the lessons learnt