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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The draft budget proposes a rate increase to the maximum limit set by the Victorian government of 2.75 per cent.<\/p>\n
Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said many sleepless nights had been had, trying to work out how to do more with less.<\/p>\n
“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,\u201d Mayor Sullivan said.<\/p>\n
Speaking at Tuesday\u2019s Council meeting this week Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken described the budget as \u201csombre and testing,\u201d noting the $2.1 million surplus was just one significant weather event away from being washed away.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe budget lays bare the difficult financial position that the council is operating under and shows that\u2019s going to continue for the next four years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that is a sombre message to the Geelong community about how we are managing their finances too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councillor Belinda Moloney said the community was currently experiencing trying times with costs of living pressures.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people are doing it really tough,\u201d Ms Moloney said.<\/p>\n
She said that by participating in the feedback, residents would help council better understand priority areas.<\/p>\n
The budget includes additional funding for community projects, with the Community Grants allocation increasing by $431,000 to nearly $4.48 million.<\/p>\n
It also outlines support measures for the local economy, such as reduced commercial and industrial rates and halved fees for alfresco dining and busking.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
CEO Ali Wastie said the council was committed to maximising ratepayer value. \u201cThanks 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,\u201d Ms Wastie said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019s premier regional city,” she explained.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n