Infrastructure investment and support programs to drive the region’s
economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 emergency are at the centre of
the City of Greater Geelong’s Proposed Budget 2020-21.
The Council has tonight
resolved to release its Proposed Budget for public feedback.
A core focus is a $161.2
million capital works program, which will provide a critical boost to local
investment, strengthen local employment and provide essential facilities and
services that our community relies on.
The Proposed Budget retains our
commitment to the four-year Council Plan, while committing significant funding
towards initiatives that will help the region rebound from the global
coronavirus crisis and supporting jobs and flow-on economic activity by
maintaining momentum on projects that will play a critical recovery role in the
longer-term.
The capital works program also aims
to provide fair and equitable access to places, spaces and services where they
are most needed.
This targeted investment is
complemented by our initial $4.9 million COVID-19 support package and a $4
million community grants program that will provide further direct assistance to
those in need.
The aim of presenting a
break-even budget in 2020-21 was modified following facility closures and the
implementation of support packages and other relief initiatives to support the community,
business, sporting and arts sectors.
The Proposed Budget now
forecasts a recurrent deficit of $8 million, with the modified financial
position allowing us to increase our capacity to assist those in need.
While Council had an option to
delay its release of the Proposed Budget, City leaders were committed to providing
certainty about forward investment in service and infrastructure programs.
To underpin this level of
investment and recovery and relief efforts, the Proposed Budget includes an
average residential rate rise of 1.9 per cent.
This is under the Victorian
Government’s rates cap of 2 per cent.
The rating system has also been
made fairer by the removal of the flat municipal charge on all properties.
The Council has created a
significant financial hardship policy which provides residents experiencing
financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic the ability to access waivers
on fees, charges and interest on all debts and/or put their rates payments on
hold.
