City unveils reform-focused budget

THE City of Greater Geelong’s “imperfect” 2025-26 draft budget has been released for public exhibition, following a tense meeting on Tuesday that saw several councillors criticise the time they were given to scrutinise the document.

Chief among the complainants was Cr Anthony Aitken, who put forward a request, seconded by Cr Melissa Cadwell, that the release of the budget be deferred for a further seven business days to allow councillors adequate time to review the proposed budget.

“I feel the most ill-informed that I’ve ever been,” Cr Aitken said.

“The lateness at which the budget process has started…[has] meant that the current budget as it stands does not reflect my values… and doesn’t, I believe, reflect the values of the community that I represent.”

Although the motion was swiftly voted down, Cr Aitken then proposed six amendments to the draft budget, including a reallocation of sponsorship funds from the Give Where You Live Foundation to Active Geelong and a freeze on the city’s marketing allowance.

Each of these amendments were also rejected in turn, with the council ultimately deciding to prioritise the document’s release to the public, while further discussions continue between councillors about its inclusions in the coming weeks.

“I would rather the budget goes out today, in a state that I’m not over the moon about, and have another 300,000 people be able to look at it transparently and tell us what they think about it, because they will pick up a lot more than just 11 people,” Cr Chris Burson said during the debate.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the proposed budget was focused on achieving “structural reform” of the city’s finances and aimed to reduce its projected four-year debt from a forecasted $204.7 million to $142.2 million by June 30, 2029.

To facilitate this, roughly $15 million in “non-core assets” have been identified for sale, including the former Geelong Saleyards site in North Geelong. Each of these assets will first be put through a community consultation process.

The pending decision on in-home aged care services and the May 3 federal election result are also expected to impact the budget’s final form, with Cr Kontelj optimistically describing the draft as “the worst-case scenario”.

A four-year freeze on borrowing has also been proposed, while spending on asset repairs is set to increase from $234 million to $315 million.

The budget also presents a 2.5 per cent rate increase – half a per cent lower than the 3 per cent cap set by the Victorian government – a decision Cr Kontelj said was mindful of cost-of-living pressures.

Council officers estimate the decision will save ratepayers $1.1 million.

“In tough economic times, council’s main priority is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our region, and this budget takes significant steps toward achieving that goal,” Cr Kontelj said.

“We are committed to delivering essential services and renewing infrastructure without burdening our community with excessive debt.

“This budget, our first as a council, will ensure we can continue to deliver much-needed services and infrastructure for our community while prioritising long-term fiscal responsibility.

“This will create capacity to adapt to future economic challenges and opportunities, with decisions we make now set to shape our region’s finances over the next decade and beyond.”

Feedback on the budget can be submitted at geelong.link/Budget2025-26 until May 21.