The six Mission Fit performance indicators – “people”, “planet”, “performance”, “positivity”, “power” and “place” – are underpinned by 51 interconnected data-based metrics.
Urbis found the Geelong region’s comparative strengths are “positivity” and “power” (both ranked 7.5 out of 10), informed by a strong visitor economy, business confidence, institutional leadership and a longterm vision.
The research indicates the immediate focus should aim to close the gap between the “performance” scores of urban Geelong (7.0 out of 10) and surrounding rural townships (5.5 out of 10) through infrastructure investment that supports talent and wellbeing and increases intra-regional connectivity and mobility.
Mr Anson said he believed it was Geelong’s time to shine with major federal and state funding for the Geelong Fast Rail, ongoing project delivery under the $370m Geelong City Deal, and new local policy support for major population growth centred on the central city and Geelong’s growth areas.
Urbis is a prominent adviser on cities and communities, with more than 600 people located in offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast and Singapore.
Mr Anson leads a small Geelong team with the broader support of Urbis’s 200 Melbourne-based planners, economists and advisers.
“The response to our start-up in Geelong has been overwhelming and we’re on track to grow a local team of 10-12 staff over the next couple of years,” he said.
Urbis opened its Little Malop Street office in February last year but due to COVID restrictions the business held its official launch late last month.
The launch showcased some of Urbis’s recent projects including the Geelong Arts Centre, Epworth Geelong, Balmoral Quay and the Stage 5 redevelopment of GMHBA Stadium.
