Supporting our leading regional city

THERE are many things that make a city great.

These include a strong community spirit where individuals feel willing and able to get behind their causes, a thriving local business group that supports the economy, and a burgeoning creative scene where creatives are enabled and celebrated.

Geelong has all these things, and on Council we have a responsibility to continue to invest in our community groups, local businesses, and the arts so Geelong maintains and develops its reputation as a leading regional city.

In our proposed newly released four-year budget, we have allocated funds to do just that.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, so I’m thrilled that Council is moving to decrease commercial rates by an average of 5 per cent.

This will lead to a fall of around $245.72 to an average of $4,668.65 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, we can provide some relief to local businesses.

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

There is also extra funding in 2024-25 to support community-led projects, with the Community Grants allocation lifted by $431,000 to just under $4.48 million.

The value of these kinds of grants was so clearly highlighted to me last Friday when I had the privilege of attending the relaunch of a restored Montague Whaler at the Western Beach Boat Club, made possible by a $10,000 grant from the City of Greater Geelong.

This is exactly what we aim for with our grants program – preserving history, bringing the community together, and giving people the chance to learn new skills.

These boats played a significant role in the past, used by the Navy and as landing craft at Gallipoli.

There are only a few seaworthy Montague Whalers left in Australia and New Zealand, and the Western Beach Boat Club’s efforts in restoring the boat are to be commended.

The whaler will not only serve as a symbol of our maritime heritage but also help people learn and engage in the art of rowing.

Also in the proposed budget to help support and stimulate our local hospitality industry, is a 50 per cent reduction on all al fresco dining and busking fees on 2023-24 levels.

Our community’s vision for Greater Geelong is that we will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region by 2024.

To get there, we need to encourage creatives of all kinds, including our wonderfully talented street performers.

The decision to reduce busking fees emphasises this commitment and I’m proud that we can make busking more accessible.

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