Home building approvals in Geelong have risen 34 per cent over the past year to August, close to levels last seen in the 2022 Covid boom, according to KPMG analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. The pipeline now sits at around 4000 new homes. KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said the rise shows growing confidence in the city's long-term growth, but stressed that approved projects must now move through to construction. Lara has overtaken Armstrong Creek as the region's top approval area, with the activity shifting north.
More than 25 free and low-cost events for children up to 12 will run across Greater Geelong from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. The program spans Ocean Grove, Armstrong Creek, Waurn Ponds, Lara and Norlane. A highlight is a Halloween dance party at Lara Community Centre on Friday 30 October, with music, games, costumes and spooky surprises. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated more than $20,000 through its 2026–27 Children's Week Grants program to help local organisations run activities.
Stage 2a of the $318.18 million Barwon Heads Road upgrade is on track to open mid next year, six months ahead of schedule. The work between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek adds extra lanes, shared walking and cycling paths, and upgraded intersections. Major work on Stage 2b, from Lake Road to the Lower Duneed Road roundabout in Connewarre, begins in November. Federal and Victorian governments are funding the project. Officials say the upgrades will ease congestion for the 44,000 vehicles expected daily by 2031.
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City of Greater Geelong workers have removed a makeshift bike jump in Armstrong Creek, citing safety concerns. Officers removed the jump at Creekward Drive on Monday, after assessing it for risks. Chief executive Ali Wastie said bike jumps are hard for emergency responders to reach and cause environmental damage. Officers reported aggressive behaviour from community members during the initial inspection, which Ms Wastie described as unacceptable. She urged parents and riders not to build or use illegal bike jumps, pointing to the City's recreational facilities.
The City of Greater Geelong has begun removing makeshift bike jumps in Armstrong Creek, citing safety and environmental concerns. Four jumps had been taken down by midday on Monday, and temporary fencing was installed around part of the site near Dooliebeal Reserve. City chief executive Ali Wastie said the jumps were in hard-to-reach areas, making access difficult for emergency responders. Local father Rhett Bardon described the children's efforts as resourceful and called for a dedicated bike park. A petition has been launched seeking a park closer to the growing suburb.
Greater Geelong will host more than 25 free and low-cost activities for children aged up to 12 during Children's Week, running from 24 October to 1 November. The program spans sport, music, dance, crafts, train rides, cultural experiences and playgroups across suburbs including Ocean Grove, Lara and Norlane. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated $20,343 to local organisations through its Children's Week Grants for 2026–27. A Halloween Dance Party at Lara Community Centre on Friday, 30 October, starting at 5pm, is one planned event. The full program is available online.
Councils across Victoria will share $3 million in funding for local road safety projects aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists. The Transport Accident Commission grant program is funding projects across 39 councils. Initiatives include raised pedestrian crossings, shared paths, footpaths and radar-enabled signs that display vehicle speeds. Minister Paul Hamer said the grants would help councils make local streets safer. Figures provided with the announcement show 41 pedestrians and six cyclists have died on Victorian roads so far this year.
Thirteen housing projects across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia are preparing to release new land, house-and-land and home options this month. Projects include Heath Rise in Leppington, Cobbitty by Mirvac, Ashbury in Armstrong Creek and Everleigh in Greenbank. Buyers are advised that release dates and lot availability can change, so they should check directly with each developer for registration times and current stock.
Buyers looking for a new detached house have 28 new projects to consider across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Options include shovel-ready homesites, house-and-land packages and newly completed turnkey homes. Sovereign Hills in New South Wales and Riverlea in South Australia are among the new releases this month. Listed on realestate.com.au over the past month, release status and availability may change, so buyers should confirm details with each project team.
Cyclists across the Geelong region are being asked to rate their local roads and paths during the October Biketober campaign. Participants can log rides and earn prize entries, and this year they can also rate how comfortable their routes feel. The push comes as Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong seek state funding for a separated cycling link between Torquay and Geelong, estimated to cost $13 million. The shire is also seeking an extra $2.8 million for the highest risk section between Blackgate Road and Lower Duneed Road.
Stockland has launched Halcyon Greenhaven, a 345-home over-55s community in Armstrong Creek, 10km from Geelong. The development is part of a $741 million investment in three Halcyon communities across Greater Geelong, reflecting the region's growing appeal to older Australians. The community features eight contemporary home designs, a clubhouse with wellness facilities, and easy access to shopping centres and wetlands. Juliane and Garry are among the first buyers, moving from Queensland to Geelong for its milder climate and relaxed lifestyle.
The federal government has allocated $16 million to construct 29 new homes for women and children escaping family violence in Geelong and Armstrong Creek. These dwellings, to be completed within two years, will provide accommodation for individuals at risk of homelessness. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasised the importance of safe housing for vulnerable Australians. The announcement coincided with the opening of a 77-apartment social housing development in Newtown, funded by the Housing Australia Future Fund. This project increased the site’s capacity from 22 to 77 apartments, with some units prioritised for crisis housing.
