The Regional Economic Development Strategy Action Plan identifies and guides collective work on the priorities and opportunities that will drive economic growth in the Barwon region and actions to be undertaken over 2025-26 to progress outcomes.
The plan is guided by Barwon’s Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) which identify strategic directions to further drive growth and prosperity in regional Victoria.
The partnership has identified 3 priority sectors in the Action Plan to drive the region's economic growth:
- Manufacturing, including advanced manufacturing, food processing and defence, offering high-value jobs and strong private investment and export potential.
- Clean economy, including renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable fuels, driven by strong industry momentum.
- The Visitor economy, a fast-growing sector with potential for significant yield increase, supporting small business and year-round jobs.
These sectors offer the greatest opportunities to boost the economy.
The Action Plan focuses on 3 key areas to help the region’s economy grow even further:
- Infrastructure and planning, which includes, housing, transport and employment along the Geelong Rail Corridor.
- Activating new business sites and precincts, including more investments to upgrade the Avalon Airport precinct as an employment and advanced manufacturing hub.
- Skills and workforce transition, including expansion of The Gordon's Renewable and Clean Energy Training Hub (Stages 2 and 3) and new training opportunities.
The Action Plan is underpinned by caring for country, through partnership with Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar, ensuring growth is sustainable and grounded.