Geelong’s draft budget released, seeking community input

THE City of Greater Geelong Council has released its draft budget for 2024-25 to 2027-28, calling for community feedback to refine its proposals.

Over the next four years, the council plans to invest $752.6 million in capital works, including upgrades to sporting facilities, community centres, and parks throughout the region, funded through a mix of council funds, government grants, and developer contributions.

The draft budget proposes a rate increase to the maximum limit set by the Victorian government of 2.75 per cent.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said many sleepless nights had been had, trying to work out how to do more with less.

“With inflation still rising at a faster rate than the 2.75 per cent rate cap, we’re no different to most local governments in facing a challenge to balance our books,” Mayor Sullivan said.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Council meeting this week Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken described the budget as “sombre and testing,” noting the $2.1 million surplus was just one significant weather event away from being washed away.

“The budget lays bare the difficult financial position that the council is operating under and shows that’s going to continue for the next four years.”

“All we actually need is one weather event in the city of greater Geelong and we are in deficit with our budget over the next four years.”

Aitken also said wage costs and employee costs were far too high and the City had $190 million worth of borrowing, with no reduction in the borrowing levels that the council is undertaking.

“And that is a sombre message to the Geelong community about how we are managing their finances too.”

Councillor Belinda Moloney said the community was currently experiencing trying times with costs of living pressures.

“A lot of people are doing it really tough,” Ms Moloney said.

She said that by participating in the feedback, residents would help council better understand priority areas.

The budget includes additional funding for community projects, with the Community Grants allocation increasing by $431,000 to nearly $4.48 million.

It also outlines support measures for the local economy, such as reduced commercial and industrial rates and halved fees for alfresco dining and busking.

Highlighted projects in the capital works program include upgrades to Landy Field’s pavilion and athletics facilities, the redevelopment of Chilwell Library, and flood mitigation efforts in Kyema Drive, Lara.

The budget also proposes the introduction of a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection service, with a significant investment earmarked for environmental protection initiatives.

CEO Ali Wastie said the council was committed to maximising ratepayer value. “Thanks to sound financial management and strong leadership from our Council, we have a draft budget that maintains or increases the level of investment in all of the areas we believe our community sees as very important,” Ms Wastie said.

“We are continuing to focus on the things that are core to our role as a local government, while also making budget decisions that highlight our aim to cement Geelong as Australia’s premier regional city,” she explained.

The draft budget details are available for review on the council’s website, with community members encouraged to provide feedback online or attend the upcoming budget submission panel hearing on 3 June 2024.

Community feedback on the draft budget is open until 22 May 2024, with several in-person sessions scheduled throughout the region to discuss the proposals and gather public input.