Supporting projects both big and small

INVESTING in major and minor built projects, focusing on core local government functions and services, and resourcing initiatives that protect the environment are the core focuses of our newly released draft budget.

There’s plenty of highlights for those living on or around the Bellarine Peninsula.

For the bike lovers among us, we’re planning infrastructure that will suit riders at all levels.

We’ve allocated $3.5 million towards the development of the Ocean Grove Bike Track which is planned to include dirt jumps, an asphalt pump track and a skills trail, catering for beginners through to more the more experienced.

We’re also proposing significant investment in the design and costing stage of the Bellarine part of the shared trails masterplan, which will greatly encourage physical activity and connectivity on the Peninsula.

For sports players, fans, and lovers of the outdoors, we also have a huge number of assets in the pipeline.

These include a multi-million-dollar contribution towards the development of stage two of the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, significant upgrades for Devlins Road Reserve, Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Collendina Reserve, Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve, the Leopold Sports Precinct, the Leopold Tennis Club Pavilion, and the Wallington Reserve.

For our swimmers, we have ongoing contributions set aside for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre through to 2027.

We recognise that renewing and upgrading existing assets in established areas is as important as providing new assets.

Since 2021-22 we have been allocating an increasing share of capital investment towards renewing and upgrading our existing assets.

In 2024-25 we will invest $59.1 million in renewal of assets, $40.3 million in asset upgrades, and $111.2 million in new assets.

We are working hard to find and make use of state and federal government grant opportunities to help fund capital projects, to help ease the burden on our own finances.

Developing the budget is one of the biggest projects Councillors undertake

each year and it involves a significant amount of work.

I’d like to thank officers for their efforts in working with us to put it together.

This budget achieves a good balance between financial sustainability and investment in facilities and services we have heard that you value.

This is just a proposed budget.

It is now time for you to have your say and make a submission.

Last year there was considerable feedback on numerous matters that Councillors heard loud and clear.

As a result, there were several key changes made to reflect the community’s wishes.

This should be a strong demonstration to the community that all submissions will be considered before the final budget is presented to Council for consideration during our June meeting.

The proposed budget is available for your feedback until 5pm on Wednesday, May 22 via geelong.link/Budget24-25

We want to hear from you on this draft budget and I encourage everybody to speak up and engage in this process.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong