Premier

Avalon Airport Precinct Propels To New Heights

16 June 2017

The Avalon Airport Precinct took a major step forward with works starting on the industrial precinct, which will eventually be home to 750 new jobs, and the Cotton On Group’s purpose built distribution centre.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Member for Lara John Eren, and representatives from the Cotton On Group and Avalon Airport today to mark the start of works on this major project.

The industrial precinct will help Avalon diversify its operations and cement its future as a major freight and logistics hub capable of servicing a variety of industry sectors, as well as providing a new base for the Cotton On Group’s distribution network in Australia.

The Andrews Labor Government is backing this project with a $1.5 million investment from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to help create much needed jobs and boost the local economy.

The investment from the Labor Government will assist with the development of an initial 40 hectare site on the vacant north-west corner of the 340 hectare industrial precinct. The funds will make the precinct ready for tenants including the site fit-out of voltage electricity, gas, water, fibre optics and communications infrastructure.

The Cotton On Group is the first major tenant for the industrial precinct, who are building a new state of the art distribution centre, securing 200 existing jobs.

The new 35,000m² facility will enable the retailer to better service its 747 Australian stores and thriving e-commerce platform by ensuring faster replenishment and delivery times for its local customers.

Cotton On Group is the largest private employer in Geelong and their investment in the region is a show of confidence in regional Victoria from a growing global business.

It is estimated by 2026, the industrial precinct will create 750 direct jobs and up to 1100 indirect jobs.

Avalon Airport is Victoria’s second major airport and home to the biennial Australian International Air show, which this year attracted a record-breaking 210,664 people to Avalon.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re proud to back Avalon Airport so that it can soar to new heights and meet it’s true potential. This is about jobs and ensuring that Geelong remains a great place to live, work and do business.”

“Victoria is leading the nation in jobs and economic growth – but we’ll never rest on our laurels and will chase every opportunity to secure jobs right across the state.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren

"Since we saved Avalon Airport it’s gone from strength to strength. With a new precinct, more jobs and crucial investment from Cotton On, Avalon will really take off."

Quotes attributable to Avalon Airport Executive Chairman David Fox

“Today’s commencement of building works at Avalon’s new Industrial Precinct strengthens the Airport’s future as a key Victorian freight and logistics hub.”

“We thank the State Government for their support and we are delighted to have the Premier with us to share in this important milestone, as Avalon takes another major step forward.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Hardwick Chief Financial Officer - Cotton On Group

“As a born-and-bred Geelong retailer, we are continually looking for ways to drive economic development in the community, and we’re proud to be the first major tenant at Avalon Airport’s new industrial precinct.”

“Today marks an exciting milestone for the Cotton On Group as we break ground on our new distribution centre and we look forward to providing our team with a leading experience and world-class working environment.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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