Rates, charges on the way up

Hamish Heard
Geelong councillors have looked to the heavens to justify a 6.9 per cent slug for ratepayers.
City Hall blamed the drought and a $69.7 million capital works program as the main culprits for rates growing an average of $62 per household, almost triple the rate of inflation.
Council also expected revenue from fees and charges to rise dramatically, with a 12.2 per cent increase set to sting users nearly $5 million more than last year.
Council economic development portfolioholder Shane Dowling said the 2007/2008 budget allocated money to fund more than $60 million worth of new projects.
“The budget allocates a record amount to capital projects while also funding projects specifically developed to respond to the drought,” Cr Dowling said.
Big ticket items in the capital works program included $8 million to replace Leisurelink and $5 million for a Bellarine Aquatic Centre at Ocean Grove.
Sports reserves throughout the municipality would share in a $6 million makeover fund while a further $2 million would go to local parks.
“Sports and recreation facilities are important for strengthening community ties and providing opportunities for our young people,” Cr Dowling said.
Other projects included $10 million for roads, with $2.3 million for Geelong’s resurfacing program, and $2.5 million to improve eastwest traffic through the city.
Funding for initiatives to help the region cope with drought added $2.4 million to the tally.
“The drought has hit harder than the experts’ most conservative predictions, so council has had to adapt quickly to ensure the budget provides adequately for drought relief measures,” Cr Dowling said.
Watersaving initiatives included renovation of sports ovals, planting of droughttolerant plants and use of recycled water at Kardinia Park.
Community services funding included $26.4 million for aged and family services including day care and child health.
Council also set aside money for a $1.1 million community arts program and more than $400,000 for improving safety in central Geelong.
Childcare fees will increase by $12 a week.