Geelong council endorses budget following community feedback

THE City of Greater Geelong has endorsed its final 2024-25 to 2027-28 budget, incorporating several changes in response to community feedback.

The budget aims to deliver essential facilities and services while maintaining financial sustainability amid challenging economic conditions.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan thanked the community for its valuable input.

“The council considered all of the feedback very carefully and despite a very tight operating environment, we’re happy we’ve been able to meet a number of the community’s requests,” Cr Sullivan said.

“On the flipside, we know there will be disappointment that funding hasn’t been found for particular projects – unfortunately when putting together a large budget such as ours, it is impossible to fit everything in.

“On the whole, this is a well-balanced and responsible budget that will deliver an exciting list of projects, services and facilities for the community right across our region.”

Reflecting the strength of community submissions, the city’s capital projects program now includes $650,000 for a netball facilities upgrade at Richmond Reserve, home of East Geelong Football Netball Club, and an extra $1.5 million for female-friendly change facilities at Hamlyn Park, bringing the total project funding to $1.7 million.

Cr Bruce Harwood, chair of the High Performing Council portfolio,said there was a need for creativity in deriving new income sources due to rate caps.

“Discussions on this budget began last year and there have been multiple meetings, community engagement sessions and opportunities for the community to provide feedback, which the Council has heard and taken on board.

“It has culminated in a budget that has been designed to deliver an array of infrastructure projects and more than 120 services to the community.”

The operational budget includes $423,000 for North Bellarine Aquatic Centre to keep the pool open during winter, $30,000 additional funding for Geelong Gallery, $50,000 for Neighbourhood Houses, $3,000 for Barwon Sports Academy, and $50,000 for a 12-month membership for Active Geelong.

As a result of these changes, the final budget forecasts an operating surplus of $1.514 million, down from $2.07 million in the draft budget.

The city’s total budgeted income is just under $673 million, including $104.7 million in non-monetary contributions such as assets handed over by developers, which the Council will maintain.

Rates and charges are expected to constitute 48.2 percent of total income at $324.1 million, with $73.9 million coming from operating grants and $69.4 million from user fees.

Significant environmental protection initiatives include the rollout of Food Organics Garden Organics and glass kerbside bin collection services, planning for a new regional waste hub, and the electrification of the Kardinia Aquatic Centre boiler.

Community grants have increased to $4,478,500, with significant boosts for major community infrastructure and climate change projects.

The Geelong Major Events budget has risen to $2.19 million, supporting events such as the Australian International Airshow and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

To read the full budget, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/budget