Budget Process Draws Fire

Geelong council signals return to draft budget process after community criticism

GEELONG councillors have conceded a controversial overhaul of the budget consultation process failed to meet expectations, as they adopted a $746 million spending plan for the coming financial year. Several councillors, including deputy mayor Eddy Kontelj and Cr Melissa Cadwell acknowledged the process would likely need to be revisited after council opted not to publicly exhibit a draft budget before its adoption. For the first time, residents w…

Budget process draws fire

For the first time in its 33-year history, the City of Greater Geelong has adopted a budget without presenting a draft document for public evaluation and feedback. Geelong council unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget on Tuesday 23 June, which will deliver an operating deficit of $14.2 million, a cash surplus of $2.4 million and reduce council debt from $156.5 million in 2025-26 to $129 million. The budget delivers a number of major projects, …