Our 2020-21 annual report, providing a comprehensive account of the organisation’s performance during the 2020-21 financial year, is now available to the community.
The report details the Council’s efforts to support the community through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to provide facilities and services essential to health and wellbeing.
In a joint message, Mayor Stephanie Asher and CEO Martin Cutter highlight the move to a strong strategic focus on sustainability as a key feature of 2020-21.
Through a series of new initiatives, the Council has entrenched environmental, financial and social sustainability as the core focus of everything we do – something that will be especially important as we tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by population growth.
Our progress has included the adoption of a landmark Sustainability Framework and supporting action plan, and the creation of a Sustainability Advisory Committee featuring top local experts.
With the committee’s input, we have set a range of ambitious sustainability targets that will drive our performance across all operational areas for at least the next 10 years.
The report summarises the community and business support provided during the pandemic, including:
- waivers on a range of permit fees;
- special COVID-19 assistance grants and support programs;
- fast-tracking permit applications;
- supporting the expansion and activation of outdoor dining areas;
- establishing the Arts Industry Commission; and
- removing the Central Geelong Special Rate.
The mayor and CEO note that the council recognised its responsibility to direct significant attention and resources towards relief and recovery initiatives, rather than targeting an operating surplus.
While this has largely contributed to an operating deficit of $9.4 million for the financial year, it was appropriate and really the only course of action.
Alongside a detailed recap of the council’s strategic decisions and initiatives, the annual report also captures the extent and variety of the organisation’s work servicing the community.
In a brief snapshot of numbers, it reveals that during the 2020-21 financial year, City of Greater Geelong staff or volunteers:
- provided 440 youth programs online during COVID lockdowns;
- swept 5000km of streets;
- processed 27,141 tonnes of garden organics into compost;
- delivered 46,000 meals to residents;
- maintained 154,483 street and park trees; and
- welcomed 210,207 visitors to City-managed leisure centres and outdoor pools.
The annual report also includes the City’s Annual Financial Statement (released to the community previously), detailing a $121.2 million capital works program to provide new facilities such as sporting fields and pavilions, childcare centres, playgrounds and community halls.
