Budget spending measures welcomed

THE City of Greater Geelong has welcomed increased spending in some programs in the 2023/24 Federal Budget but would like more detail on others.

Following the budget’s release last week, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the $65 million allocated for the Geelong City Deal in the coming financial year would help some of its key projects move forward.

“It is pleasing that the city will receive $3.44 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (Phase 4).

“The funding will give us an opportunity to deliver important road and community facilities improvements.

“There are also a number of new funding programs, such as the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, that we are keen to understand the criteria and eligibility for.”

Cr Sullivan noted the budget had an increase of $2.8 billion in rail infrastructure funding for Victoria compared to 2022-23.

“Council continues to advocate for investment in rail that services Geelong, and are awaiting further detail from the Victorian State Budget later this month.

“More generally, it is positive to see investments to address cost of living pressures.

“These initiatives, across areas such as housing and Medicare, will help vulnerable members of our community.”

Organisations including the Regional Australia Institute, Regional Capitals Australia, Regional Cities Victoria and Peri-Urban Councils Victoria welcomed many of the initiatives, including the Regional Investment Framework, which will see all regional investments being required to meet standards of merit and integrity, to maintain trust and confidence in government.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Paul Guerra said the surplus in the budget was “a good news story”.

“The allocations for business are modest, but the chamber is pleased to see funding towards energy cost relief, renewable energy transition, business asset write-offs, cyber security, innovation, the defence sector and increasing female workforce participation.”