Geelong investment attraction strategy launched

Thursday, 09 June 2011

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum today launched an investment strategy that could attract more than 10,000 jobs in Geelong.

Mr Drum said the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) prospectus highlighted the wealth of opportunities for industrial development in Geelong.

The GREP (formerly the Heales Road Industrial Estate) comprises around 500 hectares of industrial-zoned land, of which about 327 hectares is currently undeveloped.

The GREP is 40 mins drive from Melbourne and strategically located close to public and private sector infrastructure, including road, rail, air and port, and its development will generate investment, export and job opportunities for Geelong and the whole state.

The precinct, which is six kilometres from the Port of Geelong and 12 kilometres from Avalon Airport, offers direct access to a skilled workforce that is readily available in the districts of Lara, Corio and Norlane.

The 16-page prospectus has been produced by the City of Greater Geelong, which owns 129 hectares of undeveloped land at the GREP.

The prospectus promotes Geelong's lifestyle, skilled workforce and proximity to Melbourne, GREP's strategic location and access to road, rail, sea and air transport, the precinct's competitively priced land and the range of infrastructure and services available to facilitate development.

Deputy Premier Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong had worked closely to facilitate new investment in the GREP.

"City of Greater Geelong Council estimates the GREP, when fully occupied, has the potential to generate up to 10,000 direct jobs and 12,000 jobs for the region indirectly," Mr Ryan said.

"A recent investment at the GREP is RPC Technologies' $17.7 million pipe manufacturing plant, which has created 112 new jobs."

For a copy of the GREP prospectus visit www.grep.com.au