Budget delivers ‘balance’

AFTER the “most challenging year in living memory”, it has been a significant week for the City of Greater Geelong, with council considering two key documents guiding where money will be spent and which community projects will go ahead.

The Draft 2021-22 Council Budget and the city’s Our Community Plan 2021-25 both went to this week’s council meeting for consideration after being on exhibition for a month for people to consider and share their views.

The Submissions Review Panel met on June 2 to consider a total of 126 written submissions received from the Greater Geelong community, which was estimated to include about 265,000 residents in 2020.

Submissions included 75 specific budget requests; 33 indicating support for projects listed in the draft budget for next year; 15 providing general feedback or specific to the Community Plan; and three opposed to listed budget projects.

Everyone who had their say in writing was invited to speak to the panel about their submissions, with 28 people taking up the offer earlier this month before council finalised the budget and Community Plan.

In presenting the 2021-22 Budget, COGG mayor Stephanie Asher and CEO Martin Cutter said the budget had been developed “against the backdrop of the most challenging year in living memory from both a social and financial standpoint”.

Council acknowledged that large, ongoing debt would not be sustainable and the budget needed to balance financial responsibility with the region’s ongoing pandemic recovery, Greater Geelong’s rapid population growth, continued investment in community services, new facilities and infrastructure.

Major initiatives in the draft budget included the design and construction Armstrong Creek West Community Hub; design and commence construction of the Northern Bellarine Aquatic Centre and implementation of the city’s Social Housing Plan 2020-2041 – Year 2.

Other initiatives proposed for funding included:

• Construction of a new library in Drysdale
• Leisurelink 50m pool replacement
• Community Infrastructure Grants Program
• Design and construct Lara Early Years Library and Community Hub
• Sports lighting upgrade program at seven different reserves across the region
• Develop business cases for the cultural venues – Potato Shed, National Wool Museum and Geelong Gallery
• Design and construct Barwon Heads Arts and Community Hub
  Waurn Ponds playground, skate park and BMX track upgrade
• Redevelopment of Eversley Street community facility to a multipurpose community hub
• Emergency messaging system in seven childcare facilities to maintain staff and child safety
• Kardinia Park Precinct Master Plan
• Install dog friendly parks and off leash areas in Geelong West/Newtown and St Albans Park/Newcomb areas, and Sporting grounds and facilities upgrades.