Budget season has arrived across Geelong and the Surf Coast.
City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast shire’s have released theirs for community submissions.
Geelong’s budget includes spending for the next four years, with more than 750 million dollars expected to be spent.
It’s set to include flood mitigation works in Lara, a new bike park in Ocean grove and a female friendly changeroom upgrade at Queens Park in Highton.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said council wanted to deliver for the region, but they also understood it was a tough time for everyone.
“We’re pleased that we’ve managed to deliver a small operating surplus while budgeting for a long list of exciting community facilities, continuing to support services our residents really value, and making important investments for our future,” he said,
“The budget is responsible and will help us remain financially sustainable, but happily there’s also lots in it for the community.”
The Surf Coast budget includes more than 52 million dollars for projects including a Great Ocean Road bike route and Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
Mayor Liz Pattison said community assets like roads and footpaths would be prioritised.
“More than $13m will help make it easier and safer for people to move in and around their communities,” she said.
“As well as important sealed and unsealed road renewal across the shire, Coombes Road will be widened from Ghazepoore Road to Messmate Road ($2.2m) and numerous footpaths will be upgraded, such as Moggs Creek’s Boolooral Reserve, Anglesea’s Paringa Nature Reserve, and Willis Street in Winchelsea.”
Submissions can be made to council through a number of resources, including online.
