This briefing paper shows that since 2001 Geraldton has had a growing and diverse economic base, particularly in the 2006-2011 period. Several industry sectors are specialised activities, giving Geraldton a competitive and comparative advantage. They are large employers thus contributing to the economic base of Geraldton. Administrative & support services, construction, manufacturing, health care & social assistance, other services, real estate services, transport & warehousing experienced above average growth across both periods. Agriculture, financial & insurance services (and INS) experienced below average job creation over the same periods. In contrast, accommodation and food services, arts & recreation services, public administration & safety, professional and technical services, and retailing, experienced less than average employment growth between 2001-2006 and above average growth in the 2006-2011 period.

In the 2001-2006 period, City of Greater Geraldton had comparative advantage in the following sectors:  Agriculture  Retail  Mining  Electricity, gas, water & waste services  Construction  Education & training  Transport, postal & warehousing  Accommodation & food services  Wholesale trade  Other services  Industries inadequately described

In the same period, City of Greater Geraldton had competitive advantage in the following sectors:  Construction  Education & training  Transport, postal & warehousing  Other services  Mining  Electricity, gas, water & waste services

In the 2006-2011 period, City of Greater Geraldton had comparative advantage in the following sectors:  Retail  Agriculture  Mining 6  Education and training  Transport, postal & warehousing  Construction  Electricity, gas, water & waste services  Other services  Industries inadequately described

In the same period, City of Greater Geraldton had competitive advantage in the following sectors:  Construction  Retail  Transport, postal & warehousing  Other services  Public administration and safety