Meeting the community’s needs

WE HAD a rather big council meeting last week, when many months of collaboration culminated in the adoption of the 2022-23 Budget.

At 120 pages, it is a significant document that aims to set the region up for success over the next 12 months and ensure community need is met through a raft of services, initiatives and programs.

We’ve prioritised strong investment in community-focused initiatives, while delivering an operating surplus of $107,000 after two years of annual deficits to support COVID-19 recovery packages.

We have a massive $206.5 million capital works program planned for libraries, LED streetlight conversions, tree planting, shared trails, arts hubs, roads and more.

I’m pretty excited to report that after feedback from the community, we’ve increased our contribution towards the purchase of the Bell Park Sports Club’s land and buildings by $500,000 to $2.23 million.

The club has proudly been providing soccer facilities for more than 60 years and continues to cater to more than 300 male and female senior and junior players.

As part of the agreement, we’re upgrading the changerooms so that they’re more accessible to the many passionate girls and women who live and breathe football.

This purchase, with the help of $821,500 from the Victorian Government, will help us make sure that the club becomes a community asset and grassroots sport continues to thrive.

Geelong is a sporting city, however, we can only hold onto these credentials by delivering and retaining facilities in key growth areas.

Each year we budget for the City’s Smart City Camera network of 100 permanent and mobile CCTV surveillance cameras, which assist in deterring anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

They are installed in locations across the municipality, such as Eastern Beach and Ryrie and James streets.

The cameras, along with wheel-stopping traffic islands, improved street lighting and prominent signage, have made a positive impact over at Limeburner’s Point.

Temporary CCTV has also been successfully trialed at Eastern Beach to deter hoon behaviour around the Hearne Parade car park.

Permanent cameras will be investigated as part of Smarter Suburbs Stage Two, thanks to a $1.8 million investment from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

An $85,000 council allocation will result in permanent fencing being installed to prevent after hours vehicle access and hoon behaviour at Eastern Park.
I’ve had the pleasure over the years of closely engaging with trader groups and associations, which always provide important insights into how small business is faring.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and create significant stimulus and employment opportunities.
We all know that our small businesses have had a rough time during the pandemic and so I’m thrilled that council is moving to decrease commercial rates by an average of 7 per cent.

This will lead to a fall of around $388.55 to an average of $5,162 each year.

Informed by community and business sector feedback, we have been refining our Rating & Revenue Plan over the years.

By aligning the Commercial and Industrial rate classes and bringing their rate in the dollar closer to the residential rate over the next four years, we can provide some relief to local businesses.

This decision demonstrates that we are keen to attract new business and investment in the region.

I hope business owners see this as a genuine attempt to support them and acknowledge how difficult it is as we transition to a new way of living with COVID.

While I’ve got your attention, I’m keen to share news of a fantastic lighting upgrade at Western Beach.

Thanks to community feedback, the City has now installed 51 new LED streetlights along the Bob McGovan Path from the Western Beach Boat Club to Rippleside Park.

Walkers, runners, pram pushers and cyclists can now enjoy a safer experience in the darker hours.

What’s more, the lights are energy efficient, longer lasting and brighter than your usual streetlight. It’s a win-win!

As always, if you have any inquiries about Council related matters, please feel free to contact me on [email protected] and I will endeavour to help.

Cr Eddy Kontelj
Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong