From Ford’s Final Assembly to a Thriving Circular Future

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of Ford’s last vehicles rolling off the production line in Geelong. The loss of manufacturing jobs on a large scale has been a familiar story, but it has also opened the door to a new chapter in the region’s economic narrative.

Today, Geelong is on a steady growth trajectory, welcoming a diverse mix of emerging industries that were unthinkable a decade ago.

Historically, the waste and recycling market in Geelong languished, perceived as too small to warrant serious investment. Yet, with the region’s population swelling and a fresh influx of progressive companies, that narrative is shifting.

Geelong’s future hinges on forward‑thinking, integrating new industries, delivering essential services, and responding to the community’s evolving needs. The development of the circular‑economy movement is a powerful example of this, proving that sustainable practices such as recovering waste materials and reusing them can coexist with economic vitality.

With Geelong’s growing population, the region is now attracting forward‑thinking companies that divert waste from landfills, unlock material value, and foster both environmental and economic gains. As landfills in the area are slated for closure by 2030, investment in circular‑economy initiatives is not merely strategic, it is essential.

The demand for waste‑management solutions will only intensify, and the mandate is clear: we must increase recycling rates, lower landfill use, and do so without imposing additional cost burdens on residents and businesses. Yet, this imperative is impeded by rapid urban expansion. While a thriving city is welcome, we cannot sacrifice long‑term benefits for short‑term gains.

One critical element is protecting industrial land buffer zones that safeguard vital infrastructure from residential encroachment. The experience of other municipalities demonstrates how unchecked housing pressure can force the closure or relocation of essential industrial assets. Ultimately, this results in higher costs of operation that is passed on to the community and provides a deterrent for future industrial investment.

This is a complex challenge that cannot be left at the doorstep of local government. It demands coordinated action among private industry, local councils and state government to unlock opportunities and streamline approvals that slow or stop the growth of new industries.

By safeguarding the Circular Economy, we can unlock a spectrum of economic and environmental benefits for the entire community. A collaborative framework will attract forward‑thinking companies to Geelong, many of which are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, giving us a competitive edge.

The new investment will ultimately create both white and blue-collar jobs which would greatly benefit this city.

By aligning industry and government priorities, we can champion a future that delivers prosperity to this town.