Geelong is undergoing a jobs resurgence, with strong employment growth over the course of the last year and almost 20,000 new jobs in the region in the year to June.
According to the ABS, in the three months to June 2016, the unemployment rate in the Geelong region – which includes Surf Coast and Lara - was 5 per cent below the national and state average.
Geelong’s unemployment rate of 5 per cent is down from 6.2 per cent at the same time last year, and much lower than the 8.2 per cent at the time of the last election.
Compared with the three months to November 2014, employment in the Geelong region has increased by 23,700 people (20.3 per cent), while there are almost 3,000 fewer unemployed persons.
The trend is also encouraging for youth unemployment – with the number of youth employed at 18,200, up from 15,500 at November 2014. The number of youth unemployed has also fallen 31 per cent from 3,500 to 2,400.
The strong jobs growth in the Geelong region is consistent with a strong performance across the state, with 147,400 new jobs created since November 2014, and 111,500 of those jobs full-time.
Victoria now has the fastest full time jobs growth in the nation.
Back to Work has also had an impact in Geelong, with more than 700 claims in the region since the scheme – introduced to support those facing long term unemployment and young job-seekers – commenced last year.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“We promised we’d get Victorians back to work, and nowhere is that more evident than in Geelong – where unemployment has fallen to 5 per cent, well down on the 8.2 per cent the previous Government left us with.”
“We’re building a strong economy and driving jobs growth to create more opportunities for areas like Geelong.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens
"After four years of neglect by the Liberal Government which led to unemployment going up, strong investment by the Andrews Labor Government has led to a resurgence in job opportunities in Geelong."
"We’re fighting for Geelong's future. The recent Geelong Convention Centre announcement shows the getting it done approach of this Government."
Quotes attributable to G21 Geelong Regional Alliance Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Carbines
“Strong state government and business investment has created a positive trend in jobs figures, with projects like Portarlington Safe Harbour, Barwon Water’s headquarter redevelopment and a Worksafe facility driving jobs.”
“Support from the Andrews Labor Government for the innovative GROW project is also paying dividends, with businesses revising buying and hiring decisions to maximise local job creation, especially in disadvantaged areas.”
“The G21 region business community has experienced a noticeable positive buzz, and the improving jobs figures reflect that optimism.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020