TAC RELOCATION A MAJOR BOOST TO GEELONG ECONOMY

26 Feb 2009

Media Release: Thursday, 26 February 2009 

The Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) new Geelong headquarters was officially opened today, in the largest relocation of a government body in Victoria’s history.

Premier John Brumby said the new office would help create new jobs and drive economic growth in the region.

“We are taking action to deliver jobs and lock in the future of Geelong,” Mr Brumby said.

“In a major boost to the local building industry activity, more than 800 people worked on the construction and fit-out of the new TAC over the past two years.

“And with 650 employees now based in the new Geelong headquarters, the TAC is expected to generate about $59 million each year in economic benefits in for the local community.

“For example more than 160 TAC employees have purchased homes in the Geelong area so far as a direct result of the relocation with a further 30 employees renting locally.

“This project delivers on our Government’s commitment to ensure regional centres are well-placed to continue to grow and thrive in the future.”

The decision to relocate the TAC from Melbourne to Geelong formed a central part of Moving Forward, the Victorian Government’s $502 million blueprint to make regional and rural Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family, released in November 2005.

Minister for the TAC Tim Holding said the relocation had been delivered on time and on budget.

“I congratulate the TAC and the local community for this successful relocation project, bringing new jobs and new opportunities to the region,” Mr Holding said.

Mr Holding said the TAC delivered excellent operational performance outcomes during the transition to Geelong including:
•    The payment of $775.3 million in support services for more than 40,000 clients;
•    Achieved highest ever client satisfaction score of 7.52;
•    A performance from insurance operations result of $398 million; and
•    And a reduction in projected claims liabilities of $88 million.

TAC chief executive Janet Dore said the TAC’s move to Geelong had been executed with meticulous care by everyone involved.

“I am proud to lead an organisation which has handled such a major transition so smoothly,” Ms Dore said.

The TAC headquarters now employs 650 workers at 60 Brougham Street, Geelong.

The building has a five star Green Star rating and a 4.5 star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating in recognition of the building’s low impact on the environment.