The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will establish a new Centre of Excellence in Geelong in collaboration with Deakin University, which will upgrade the site of the former Ford Discovery Centre to accommodate the new ABS centre.
The announcement was made yesterday by Premier Denis Napthine who revealed that the Victorian Coalition Government provided funding to Deakin University and facilitation support to the ABS to secure the project that is expected to generate 250 new jobs in Geelong.
The Napthine Government is supporting the project in line with its recently announced ‘Victorian Jobs in the 21st Century’ statement.
“This project will provide 250 jobs, which is great news for regional Victoria and for Geelong as it transitions to a more diversified economy,” Dr Napthine said.
“In addition to attracting a significant Commonwealth agency to regional Victoria and facilitating the upgrade of a major office site in Geelong, it is anticipated that the project will enable further collaboration between ABS and Deakin University. This is also part of our vision for a bustling and vibrant Geelong CBD. We believe one of the best ways to reinvigorate the heart of Geelong is to attract more people into the city centre,” Dr Napthine said.
The ABS welcomed the agreement and looks forward to working with the Victorian Government and Deakin University to establish a new ABS office in Geelong.
“This is an exciting and positive initiative, which will deliver a number of strategic, operational, and financial benefits to the ABS,” said Acting Australian Statistician Jonathan Palmer.
“We see significant value in having a regional presence and this agreement presented favourable terms and aligns with Australian Government priorities.”
