Ash Bolt
The City of Greater Geelong has released its annual report, showing the impact another COVID-19- affected year has had on the city’s finances.
The annual report was released at last week’s council meeting, with the report showing the city made a surplus of $56.6 million in the last financial year.
The surplus was heavily influenced by a $15.8 million increase to rate revenue and a $22.6 million increase in grants received, mainly from the state government as part of its COVID-19 recovery program.
The report showed there was an operating recurrent deficit of $9.4 million, although that was a decrease on the previous year’s $17.8 million, largely due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
In a joint message mayor Stephanie Asher and chief executive Martin Cutter said putting a strong strategic focus on sustainability was a key feature of the city’s financial year.
“Through a series of new initiatives, the council has entrenched environmental, financial and social sustainability as the core focus of everything we do – something that will be especially important as we tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by population growth,” they said.
“Our progress has included the adoption of a landmark Sustainability Framework and supporting action plan, and the creation of a Sustainability Advisory Committee featuring top local experts.
“With the committee’s input, we have set a range of ambitious sustainability targets that will drive our performance across all operational areas for at least the next 10 years.”
The report highlighted the support provided during the pandemic, which included waivers on permit fees, COVID-19-related grants and support programs, support for the expansion of outdoor dining areas, establishing the Arts Industry Commission and removing the Central Geelong Special Rate.
Cr Asher and Mr Cutter said the council recognised its responsibility to direct significant attention and resources towards relief and recovery initiatives, rather than targeting an operating surplus.
“While this has largely contributed to an operating deficit of $9.4 million for the financial year, it was appropriate and really the only course of action,” they said.
The annual report also revealed during the 2020-21 financial year, City of Greater Geelong staff or volunteers provided 440 youth programs online during COVID lockdowns; swept 5000 kilometres of streets; processed 27,141 tonnes of garden organics into compost; delivered 46,000 meals to residents; maintained 154,483 street and park trees; and welcomed 210,207 visitors to city-managed leisure centres and outdoor pools.
The full report is available at: geelongaustralia.com.au/annualreport
