The City of Greater Geelong has adopted it’s final 2025/26 budget, which includes an annual rate increase lower than the Victorian Government’s proposed cap.
Council has announced a new free parking option in the city’s CBD, intended to help local businesses and reduce cost of living.
Each vehicle will be able to access a free 2P parking session per day, coming into effect from Monday July 14.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said the final budget showed an operating surplus of $509,000, compared to a deficit in the draft.
“We delivered a surplus budget, we’ve increased the capital works expenditure, we’ve increased asset renewal expenditure, we’ve committed to no new loans for the next four years, we’ve committed to reduced debt over the next four years, and we’ve contained the rate increase to 2.5%, which is lower than the Victorian government’s proposed 3% cap,” he said.
“I challenge any level of government to that level of achievement.”
Key changes between the draft and final budget included increased funding for the Sports Lighting Program, footpath planning in Mt Duneed, and an increase in Pako Festa funding.
Wins for local sport as well, with $95,000 set to go towards safety nets at North Shore Football Netball Club and $20,000 announced for Barwon Heads Football Netball Club.
Council received a total of 380 submissions during consultation on the draft budget, something the Mayor has celebrated.
“We are the only level of government with this level of community consultation as part of the budget process, and I thank everyone for their feedback,” he said.
“We have also kept rates as low as possible, recognising that many in our community are doing it tough with the cost-of-living crisis, and we’ve removed a range of fees such as the Permit to Burn Fee.”
Other fees removed include the Low Impact Film Fee and the Community Event Permit for less than 100 people.
“I really feel that the city and the residents will be well served by this budget, but also by the direction that this budget has set for the next fear year term of this council,” Mayor Kontelj said.
