MAKING A GEECHANGE

GEECHANGE NO WONDER MORE PEOPLE ARE MAKING A

MELBOURNE: Pollution, traffic, crowds GEELONG: Beaches, jobs, schools

THE number of Melburnians escaping the rat race and making the “Geechange” continues to climb.

In 2017-18, 8522 people moved from Greater Melbourne to the Geelong region, new ABS data has revealed.

It’s an increase of more than 1600 from the previous financial year — in 2016-17, 6894 people left Melbourne for Geelong.

According to ABS migration data for 2017-18, there were 15,535 arrivals in the Geelong region, including on the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

There were 11,028 departures, resulting in a net migration of 4507.

Geelong had the fourthhighest net migration gain nationally, following the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne’s west, according to the ABS data.

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said it was no surprise people were making the Geechange. “We’ve all known what a

great place this is to live for many years and now others are realising it,” Cr Harwood said.

He said the region had several appealing lifestyle factors. “Our close access to the beautiful natural environments of the beach, the bay and the bush is a major one,” he said.

“We’re close enough to Melbourne that it’s easily accessible, and housing here is still more affordable.

“Local job opportunities are increasing with our growing local economy.

“We’re a great place to raise a family with excellent schools, recreation and health facilities.”

He said the calendar of major events and growing food and drink scene meant there was plenty to keep all ages entertained. “As a clever and creative City of Design, people can also see that we are planning for the future by leading the discussion on fast rail connectivity to Melbourne.”

Cr Harwood said the 2.6 per cent growth rate in 2017-18 was consistent with population forecasts in council’s recently adopted settlement strategy.

“These figures highlight the importance of council’s continued push for a fast rail connection to Melbourne, as well as the need for the new northern and western growth areas,” he said.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Robyn Waters said Geelong was booming in terms of amenities.

“In the 1850s Geelong had become such a prosperous city, due to its strategic port, primary production and manufacturing base, that it almost took over Melbourne in terms of wealth,” Ms Waters said.

“Today, almost 170 years later, Geelong could again steal the mantle from Melbourne as Victoria’s property hotspot. The infrastructure investment that political parties have promised to Geelong, such as better

transport and road links, will ensure that it remains a hot ticket item for property investors.”

Ms Waters said Geelong recorded a 10.8 per cent annual increase in its median house price and 12.9 per cent in its median unit price comparing December 2017 with December 2018.

Standout performers were Bell Park, Corio, North Geelong which all recorded increases of almost 20 per cent. That may be attributed to their closer distance to Melbourne’s CBD and median house prices below $600,000, Ms Waters said.

“Armstrong Creek, Breakwater, Grovedale, St Albans Park, and Whittington also recorded high annual

changes,” she said.