Economic Development Plan 2026-2030
Greater Geraldton is building momentum. New investment, population growth and major infrastructure projects are creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting jobs and strengthening the City’s future. The City region has a diverse economy built around port and airport infrastructure, health and education services, agriculture, mining, construction, logistics, tourism, small business and emerging renewable energy opportunities.
With growth comes new challenges. Housing demand and prices have risen, while power, water, land servicing, workforce availability and infrastructure capacity can constrain new development and investment. The task is not to create momentum from a standing start; it is to convert existing growth and investment into stronger local outcomes while addressing the constraints that could slow progress.
Through extensive consultation with regional stakeholders, we heard a clear message that people want a City that is investment-ready, supports business growth and takes a practical approach to challenges such as housing, workforce shortages and infrastructure constraints.
The City is now seeking feedback on the draft Economic Development Plan 2026-2030 to ensure it meets these wants and needs.
Read the draft DRAFT Economic Development Plan 2026-2030.
How to provide your feedback
Community members, business and industry are invited to provide their feedback on the draft Plan by clicking on the feedback form button below.
Submissions close at 9am on Monday 26 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the City need an economic development plan?
Greater Geraldton is experiencing population growth, new investment and major infrastructure activity. The Plan gives the City a clear and coordinated framework for responding to these opportunities, supporting local businesses and addressing barriers such as housing, infrastructure, workforce availability and investment readiness.
Is this the first plan the City has developed?
No. The City has previously collaborated on several key pieces of economic development work, including Geraldton – From a Local to Global Regional City, the Greater Geraldton Economic Development Strategy 2013-2023 and the Geraldton Jobs and Growth Plan 2020-2023. The new Plan builds on this earlier work and responds to Greater Geraldton’s current opportunities and challenges.
What is the purpose of the plan?
The Plan sets clear economic priorities and practical actions for the City over the 2026-2030 period. It clarifies where the City will lead, enable, facilitate, advocate or monitor, while recognising that many economic outcomes depend on collaboration with government, industry and regional partners.
Does the plan also cover the Region?
The Plan is focused on actions and outcomes within the City of Greater Geraldton local government area and the matters the City can reasonably influence. However, it recognises Geraldton’s important regional role and includes collaboration and advocacy with regional organisations, government agencies and industry partners where broader Midwest issues affect Greater Geraldton’s economic development.
What are the key focus areas of the Plan?
The Plan has five focus areas:
- Investment-Ready Geraldton
- Housing and Accommodation for Growth
- Industrial Land and Enabling Infrastructure
- Local Business, Supply Chains and Value Capture
- City Centre, Tourism and Destination Confidence
Together, these focus areas address the practical conditions needed to support investment, business growth, local employment and confidence in Greater Geraldton.
How was the plan developed?
The Plan was developed through a staged process incorporating a review of existing strategies and economic information, internal and external key stakeholder workshops, consultation with Council Members, review by City officers and the Executive, and targeted feedback on the draft. Potential actions were then assessed against their impact, deliverability, alignment with the City’s role and the City’s capacity to implement them.
How will the plan be implemented?
Actions will be sequenced over the four-year period, with annual priorities determined based on impact, available capacity, dependencies and changing economic conditions. Progress will be reviewed annually as part of this prioritisation process, with more frequent monitoring and reporting undertaken throughout the year to track implementation and measure outcomes.
Next Steps
Feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered before the Plan is finalised and presented to Council for adoption.
The timing of Council consideration will be confirmed once the consultation process has concluded and any required amendments have been completed.