Projects
Neighbourhood Economics: Norlane and Corio

Economic growth does not benefit every community equally. In Norlane and Corio, long-term disadvantage has persisted despite broader growth across Greater Geelong.

SGS partnered with Neighbourhood Economics, with support from the Greater Melbourne Foundation, to better understand the drivers of this divide and identify opportunities for more inclusive, place-based economic development.

Norlane and Corio, located in Geelong’s north, were once closely connected to one of Australia’s largest manufacturing precincts. As the industry declined, the area experienced significant economic and social hardship. While Greater Geelong’s population and economy have continued to grow, these communities have been largely left behind.

This project combined economic analysis, engagement with regional anchor institutions and businesses, and kitchen table conversations with residents to understand how local economies shape everyday life and opportunity.

The work was delivered through three interconnected reports:

• A Postcode, Not a Destiny examined the relationship between the Norlane and Corio economies and the broader Geelong region, combining economic analysis with community and stakeholder engagement.
• State of the Economy and Opportunities explored local demographic and economic conditions, business and community perspectives, and future economic pathways for the area. The work adopted a hyperlocal approach to identify realistic and meaningful opportunities for economic transformation within the context of a growing Greater Geelong region.
• Community Wealth Building: What will it take? explored the barriers to greater adoption of Community Wealth Building approaches. The report fills a gap in the literature and draws on Australian and international experience in implementing community wealth building to develop a framework of barriers and a range of potential levers for change.

The project drew on Community Wealth Building principles — a people-centred approach to economic development focused on strengthening local ownership, participation and control over economic resources.

While grounded in postcode 3214, the work raises broader questions about inequality, economic transition and how place-based approaches can create more inclusive local economies. The project reflects SGS’s ability to combine economic analysis with community insight to tackle complex social and economic challenges.