Hi Mitch
Cannot help with construction industry as not my area.
However, I do live in Geelong (well Lara actually, but close enough!).
Suburbs to look at are: Belmont, Grovedale, Highton, Wandana Heights, Waurn Ponds and of course Lara if small towns are your thing. Geelong West and Newtown for a central location, but they are pricier because of this. There's a new build estate going up at the minute at Armstrong Creek, but the infrastructure (shops, schools, etc.) is not there yet and it is a bit further south of Geelong. realestate.com.au will give you some idea of prices.
We like (and prefer) Geelong to the hustle and bustle of Melb CBD and its spralling suburbs. It has good a rail link to Melb, and a stones throw to the country and beaches.
Other websites to look at: whatsonigeelong.com.au geelongadvertiser.com.au geelongaustralia.com.au
Good luck