Community members will have more say in the council budget than ever before from 2026.
City of Greater Geelong will implement a new approach next year, giving the public the chance to shape the budget from the beginning of council’s process rather than near the end.
A budget discussion paper will be released to the community for consultation in mid-February, with members of the public able to make submissions until April.
After reviewing public submissions and comments, the City will then engage with targeted engagement from mid-April until the final budget is presented before the end of June.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the new model, which has been successfully adopted by other municipalities around the state, was about bringing the community into the budgetary process earlier.
“Council budgets are extremely complex, as the community is entitled to expect sustainable delivery for the 30 services which council provides,” he said.
“Bringing the community into the conversation earlier will help us to have a budget that is shaped by the community, for the community.”
Finance portfolio chair councillor Andrew Katos said the community should look out for the next steps after the Christmas break.
“We will be communicating further at the start of 2026 about how to get involved,” he said.
“To ensure your voice is heard and the 2026-27 budget represents you, keep following yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au.”
