The Greater Geelong Council will meet on Tuesday night (27 June) to consider a number of changes to its 2023-24 budget, following consideration of community feedback.
A report to be voted upon during the meeting includes the following changes to the draft budget, recommended by the Council's Submissions Review Panel:
- Additional funding for the Geelong Regional Library Corporation of $356,000, taking the City's total allocation for libraries to $14.304 million, a $596,000 increase on 2022-23;
- Funding of $565,000 in the City's operating budget to enable Kardinia Aquatic Centre to remain open during the winter season; and
- Funding of $47,500 to Life Saving Victoria to support lifeguard services on coastal beaches.
A total of 955 submissions were received during the community feedback period, with the highest number of submissions regarding libraries funding and the Kardinia Aquatic Centre.
Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland:
The increased figure for libraries would ensure all Greater Geelong libraries, including the new Drysdale library, will maintain existing operating hours.Our community has made it clear that the City needs to step in to protect library closures proposed by the GRLC from occurring.
Whilst it is disappointing that at this stage the GRLC have determined not to assist the City by allocating a portion of the $2 million in free cash reserves they hold on behalf of the City towards maintaining libraries opening hours, we will advocate to the GRLC that they maintain services and jointly advocate with us to the state government to restore state funding for libraries to the 50:50 it has been in the past.
The GRLC declined to meet with City officers and the municipal monitor to collaborate on an outcome together.
Ms Phyland:
Following our analysis of the GRLC's costs based on an email they provided us, the City has determined that a total $14.304 million contribution – a significant $596,000 more than the current year – will allow all libraries to maintain their current hours.Our contribution to libraries per resident was already amongst the highest in Victoria, and an additional $356,000 would reinforce the value the Council places on libraries.
If the proposed changes are endorsed by the Council, the final budget would have a narrow forecast surplus of $345,000 in 2023-24, down from the initial $1.28 million projected under the draft budget.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
This has been a difficult budget from the outset given the rising costs we are facing.There were many tough decisions and we understood that parts of the draft budget would not be popular.
We've heard the feedback, carefully considered all submissions, and our final budget will now be determined by a vote during Tuesday night's meeting.
I'd like to thank the Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland for her and her team's tireless and unfaltering work to turnaround the City's budget position, through very difficult circumstances.
The meeting will be at City Hall starting at 6pm and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed.
The Council's proposed budget was available for community feedback between 26 April and 24 May.
Those wishing to provide their feedback in person were invited to attend Submissions Review Panel hearings on 6 and 7 June.
