Geelong council will be keeping a close eye on this afternoon’s state budget with its wishlist in hand.
Transport and infrastructure projects top the city’s list including a push for a commuter connection between Lara and Avalon Airport and a review of the Geelong bus network.
Implementation of the Central Geelong Freight Program that would divert heavy vehicles from the city also rates a mention along with funding committed during the 2022 election for projects such as Stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.
Pre-budget announcements from the Andrews government have been designed to ready the state for tough economic news, with public service job cuts, tax hikes and program delays all flagged.
Much of the states eye-watering debt levels are attributed to billions in borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Premier says now is the time to start paying back what’s expected to be a $166b deficit by 2026.
“It’s a very challenging budget,” the Premier said last week.
“And that does involve some difficult choices, but it is the right thing to do.”
Shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell says new taxes and charges are not the answer.
“The independent budget watchdog has confirmed billions of dollars in vital community services are all on the chopping block in what will be a horror state budget,” he said.
The Geelong council is facing its own economic pressures with an $8m deficit forecast and it’s already slashed 19 jobs from its executive arm, ahead of its draft budget that contains infrastructure delays and trimmed funding to services.
Image: City of Greater Geelong