What is the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas?

The Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas were identified in the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Area Framework Plan 2020. 

The Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas are a key part of the strategy to address population growth and meet housing and employment demands. The Northern and Western Geelong Growth Area Framework Plan supports this work, setting out a strategic framework for the development of land across two large growth areas in Greater Geelong’s north and west.  

With the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Area Framework Plan now in place, precinct structure plans (PSPs) form the next layer of planning. They translate the Framework Plan’s higher-level vision into more detailed, precinct specific plans that guide how land will be developed, including the location of housing, town centres, community facilities, schools, roads, parks, sporting reserves and other enabling infrastructure. 

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) now part of the Department of Transport and Planning and the City of Greater Geelong are preparing seven precinct structure plans to help unlock 40,000 new homes. These include:

State-led:  

• Batesford North  
• McCanns Lane / Merrawarp 
• Batesford South 
• Heales Road East  

Council-led:  

• Creamery Road 
• Elcho Road West and Heales Road West (now known as Elcho Road West) 
• Elcho Road East