Budget bid highlights strain on Geelong services

THE City of Greater Geelong has urged the Victorian government to prioritise major regional infrastructure and community investment in the 2026-27 state budget, warning rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on services across the municipality.

In its formal budget submission, the city has called for transport upgrades, urban renewal projects and improved community infrastructure, alongside targeted policy reforms to better support the local delivery of statewide initiatives.

The submission, co-signed by Geelong mayor Cr Stretch Kontelj and chief executive Ali Wastie, highlights the scale of demand being driven by Geelong’s continued growth and the need for sustained partnerships with the state government.

“Our city is growing rapidly, which is creating significant demand for infrastructure, housing and other services,” Cr Kontelj said.

“This budget comes at a very important time for us, as the right investments now can make a significant impact on liveability in the years to come.”

The key priorities outlined in the submission include transport infrastructure upgrades across the municipality, with particularly attention on connections to Avalon Airport, including the need for improvements to Beach Road.

The city is also seeking investment in central Geelong urban renewal, enhanced sports and recreation facilities, initiatives to support community health and wellbeing, and reforms to ensure statewide programs can be delivered locally in a fair and sustainable way.

Ms Wastie said collaboration across all levels of government remained central to achieving long-term outcomes for the region.

“There are so many examples that show what is possible when the various levels of government work together, and the upcoming Victorian budget offers even more opportunities to do that,” Ms Wastie said.

She said the city was also advocating for all its priorities to all the candidates in the lead-up to November’s state poll.