City seeks ideas to shape direction of next budget

THE City of Greater Geelong has opened public consultation as it puts together the first draft of its budget for the coming financial year.

Each year, the city uses several plans to determine the allocation of funding.

These are:

The Four-Year Council Plan, which sets the city’s goals

The Budget, which decides how much to spend each year to reach those goals

The Rating & Revenue Plan, which identifies how to generate sufficient revenue

The Long-Term Financial Plan, which considers future revenue, and

The 30-Year Long-Term Vision, which plans for changes such as population growth, climate impacts and major projects.

Submissions to these plans are reviewed to help shape the way the city funds community initiatives in addition to essential services such as recycling and waste collections, road network maintenance, child and family services, park upkeep, major events and environmental conservation.

Regarding the allocation of funding, the city stated it was “essential” to remember the city “must fund all services to some degree, making community input vital in understanding priorities”.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj highlighted the significance of community feedback.

“We are committed to ensuring that our community’s voice is heard in the budgeting process,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Your feedback is crucial in helping us allocate funds effectively to meet the needs of our growing city and make sure we deliver the basics to the best of our ability.”

Cr Andrew Katos, chair of the council’s finance portfolio, said rising costs meant funds within the city’s present financial capacity would have to be carefully allocated to address the community’s changing needs.

“The input from our community is invaluable in shaping a budget that not only addresses current needs but also plans for a financially sustainable future.

“We encourage everyone to participate and share their thoughts.

“Let us work collaboratively to ensure that the 2025-26 Council Budget aligns with the values and aspirations of our diverse community.”

The data collected will form a shortlist for council to review in mid-to-late March, with the final budget to be adopted in June.

For more information and to provide feedback before 11.59pm on March 14, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/2025-26budgetideas