The Greater Geelong community is invited to have its say on proposed funding changes to City of Greater Geelong-run programs and services.
In response to rapidly rising costs and a need to remain financially sustainable, all aspects of the City’s operations have been examined in developing the Council’s proposed 2023-24 to 2026-27 budget.
To help achieve a budgeted surplus and protect as much as possible of the Council’s core community services, the following programs are not funded in the proposed budget:
- Regional Industry Sector Employment (RISE) program
- Central Geelong Marketing program
Until 2021, the Central Geelong Marketing program was funded via a special rate paid by CBD businesses and guided by a Central Geelong Marketing Committee.
Based on feedback from businesses, Council voted to scrap the special rate in May 2021 and dissolve the committee. The program has been wholly funded via the Council budget for the past two financial years.
The City will continue to facilitate and promote activities and events held in central Geelong through its Place Management team.
The RISE program was initially funded via GForce, with Council taking on funding responsibility in 2020.
Without funding assistance from external sources it is not financially sustainable for the City to continue to deliver the program.
In addition, the budget proposes a return to seasonal operating arrangements for the Kardinia Aquatic Centre.
Based on attendance numbers and the facility’s running costs, ratepayers are subsidising each swim at Kardinia Aquatic Centre during winter by $22.50.
The centre operated as a seasonal facility until the COVID pandemic, when the Council allocated extra funding to open it during winter due to capacity restrictions at its indoor pools.
These decisions will generate savings during the 2023-24 financial year that will help to achieve the budgeted $1.28 million surplus.
They’re among several measures taken to help the Council balance its books, including placing a number of previously budgeted capital projects on hold.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
Hard decisions have had to be made to help the City remain financially sustainable.
It is no secret that we are facing a very challenging economic climate with costs rising at a much faster rate than our income.
This budget must be financially responsible while protecting as much of our core service delivery as possible.
We encourage the community to have its say on the proposed budget.
You can have your say here until 24 May.
Anyone providing feedback will have the option of appearing in person before a Submissions Review Panel on 7 June.
All feedback will be considered before the Council considers the final budget during its 27 June meeting.
