Greater Geelong residents have until Monday 1 February to have their say on possible cost savings and where Budget investment should be directed ahead of the development of Council's 2021-22 Budget.
In response to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Council delivered an estimated $16.9 million worth of much-needed ongoing relief and recovery assistance to the community in the form of grants, rent and fee waivers, free parking and many other initiatives.
Disruption to City facilities and services, along with the major support packages delivered by Council, has significantly contributed to a 2020-21 forecast deficit of $33.4 million.
In December a community feedback hub was launched to capture the initiatives and measures that will help ensure Council balance financial responsibility with supporting the community, as it continues to focus on COVID-19 recovery for the region.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, Finance portfolio Chair, encouraged Greater Geelong residents to submit their ideas for consideration.
"I encourage community members to submit their cost savings ideas that are modest, non-capital suggestions that could be considered immediately or in upcoming budgets," Cr Aitken said.
"It's important we hear from Greater Geelong residents on this matter so that we may make decisions to achieve medium to long-term financial balance that is guided by the community."
Cost saving ideas will be assessed by the Council Expenditure Review Panel, which was established following a successful Notice of Motion by Councillor Anthony Aitken.
The Panel will submit its recommendations to the CEO by 31 March 2021.
