Leaders from across Greater Geelong and Wyndham City have joined forces to advocate for major investment in Avalon Airport and its surrounding industrial precinct in the lead-up to the 2026 Victorian Election.
The City of Greater Geelong, alongside the City of Wyndham, Committee for Geelong, Committee for Wyndham, and Geelong Chamber of Commerce are calling for targeted investment to unlock the full potential of Avalon Airport as Victoria's second international airport.
The airport and industrial precinct have the potential to drive significant economic growth for both Greater Geelong and Wyndham.
The priorities include investment from the Victorian Government to position Avalon as Victoria's second major airport, with a view to attracting new airlines and routes, along with a three-year program of matched funding and a private-public partnership.
Development of enabling infrastructure for the airport's surrounding Avalon Employment Precinct is also a priority, and could be achieved through the establishment of a $1 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund.
The airport also requires enhanced connectivity, which could be achieved through an upgraded Beach Road between the M1, the airport and its commercial precinct, along with delivery of the Avalon Airport Rail Link in the longer term.
Established in 1953, Avalon has evolved into a versatile aviation and logistics centre, regional industrial hub, and employment precinct, and, with its strategic location and capability to support large aircraft, it is well-placed to become the state's second major airport.
Jetstar has operated passenger flights from the airport since 2004 and will commence international flights to Bali from March 2026. Meanwhile, FlyPelican operates passenger flights to Canberra.
The airport also hosts the biennial Australian International Airshow, attracting over 195,000 attendees and showcasing innovations in aerospace and defence.
The group calls on Victorian election candidates and the Victorian Government to commit to ensuring Avalon becomes the catalyst for growth that Victoria urgently needs.
Avalon Airport Chief Operating Officer Dave Moreland:
Avalon Airport stands at the forefront of Victoria's international future; emerging as a dynamic passenger and freight gateway that is reshaping aviation and visitation, expanding industrial capability, and creating thousands of new jobs.With the right investment, Avalon will unlock world class global connectivity, build a thriving industrial and logistics hub, strengthening Victoria's global competitiveness, while providing significant economic benefits to the region.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
With the right investment, Avalon will become our State's second international airport, driving jobs, freight capacity, and connectivity for millions of Victorians.This is about unlocking economic potential and ensuring regional Victoria thrives alongside metropolitan Melbourne.
City of Wyndham Mayor Josh Gilligan:
Wyndham and Geelong are among of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and Avalon Airport is central to connecting our community to the world.
Committee for Geelong CEO Michael Johnston:
Avalon is already an important freight and logistics hub, and one that can grow to be of state and national significance. Strategic investment will not only support aviation and freight but also deliver innovation and industry growth across Geelong and beyond.
Committee for Wyndham CEO Leanne Down:
Government support will unlock critical infrastructure, attract global businesses, and ensure our communities share in the prosperity of this transformative expansion.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford:
This investment will supercharge trade, tourism, and employment, making our region a powerhouse for Victoria's economy.
