Growing Geelong’s Defence Industry

The recent announcement of a teaming agreement between Linfox and Lockheed Martin Australia marks a major step forward for the Geelong region. Lockheed Martin’s decision to lease warehousing space at Avalon Airport signals the beginning of a transformative Defence initiative, one that could see a manufacturing facility established to support the rollout of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) program.

This development is more than a strategic Defence investment; it represents a generational opportunity for Geelong. The GWEO program is central to Australia’s sovereign capability ambitions, and securing its footprint at Avalon promises significant economic benefits through job creation, local investment, and long-term regional uplift.

Geelong is already recognised as a centre of advanced manufacturing excellence. From our traditional manufacturing legacy with Ford and Alcoa to the emergence of high-tech Defence manufacturing through Hanwha Defence Australia’s $170 million H-ACE facility, our region has consistently demonstrated its capacity to deliver complex, high-value industrial projects. The GWEO opportunity would reinforce this standing, attracting further investment, creating downstream supply opportunities for local businesses, and drawing highly skilled technical jobs to the region.

Avalon Airport offers a compelling case to be a major Defence precinct. Its proximity to key Defence installations, including the Point Wilson explosive ordnance pier, provides strategic logistical advantages. Located on Commonwealth land with an international airport, close to a seaport, national rail freight network, and national highway 1, Avalon is ideally positioned to support rapid development and integration with national infrastructure.

The site benefits from direct access to a large and capable industrial workforce, shaped by Geelong’s strong manufacturing heritage. Positioned between the fastest growing metro (Wyndham) and regional (Geelong) populations in Australia, there is a ready and growing workforce.

Avalon also offers developable land, existing infrastructure, and a proven track record in Defence development. These are all essential ingredients for meeting the GWEO program’s ambitious timelines. Its capacity to accommodate integrated freight logistics, air cargo operations, and supply chain connectivity further strengthens its case.

Importantly, Avalon’s evolution into a growing industrial and Defence precinct reflects years of strategic planning and disciplined execution. The success of recent projects demonstrates Avalon’s readiness to deliver at pace and scale. And this will continue as the employment precinct grows.

The Committee for Geelong continues to advocate for initiatives that deliver long-term value to our region. Growing our Defence industry is a prime example of what’s possible when vision, capability, and opportunity align.

Last week’s announcement is a critical and significant next step.

But there are more significant steps to come. And, if realised, will not only reinforce Geelong as Victoria’s home of Defence industry, but enable business growth within the Avalon precinct and throughout our region.

Geelong is ready.

Avalon is ready; and it’s the right choice.

Photo: Geelong Advertiser