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.
