Geelong Advertiser | Red tape and soaring costs risk Geelong housing target

Property journalist Peter Farago has reported that red tape and soaring costs are putting Geelong’s housing targets at risk, in an article published in the Geelong Advertiser and on news.com.au on 6 December 2025.

In 2025, building approvals in Geelong fell short of housing targets, with a drop of nearly 800 approvals compared to 2024. The decline was primarily in Geelong’s growth areas, especially in Armstrong Creek, where 359 fewer homes were approved. High development costs, red tape, and proposed increases in development levies have made it challenging to meet affordability targets, with land prices in some areas reaching up to $500,000. While some areas, like Grovedale-Mount Duneed, saw increases in approvals, overall, the region is struggling to meet housing demand. Developers cite rising costs, delayed planning approvals, and infrastructure challenges as key barriers. The state government has been fast-tracking approvals, but some developers argue for further interventions, similar to those in New South Wales or South Australia, to boost market confidence and support affordable housing initiatives. Geelong's housing supply is falling behind the target set for 2050, and industry leaders emphasize the need for a steady pipeline of shovel-ready land to meet construction demands.

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