Mayor's response to Victorian state budget

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan has made the following statement in response to the release by the Victorian Government of its 2024-25 state budget on 7 May.

Mayor Trent Sullivan:

We understand the Victorian Government is facing a challenging economic climate and that controlling debt was to be a key focus of its 2024-25 budget.

However, with Greater Geelong continuing to grow rapidly and playing an increasingly important role in the broader Victorian economy, the lack of new investment for our region is concerning.

For Geelong to retain its liveability in the future we need the state government to start delivering major infrastructure upgrades in the short term, particularly relating to transport. We need immediate investment to increase the frequency of services in our existing rail and bus networks. The $63 million allocation for a South Geelong rail tunnel is very welcomed but falls short of what our region requires.

We are keenly awaiting greater detail on the state’s plans for Commonwealth Games legacy infrastructure, which was missing from this budget.

There is a glaring need in Geelong for a facility capable of hosting major events, elite level indoor sport such as basketball and netball, as well as grassroots competition.

We were pleased that the Government listened to the community and cancelled the 25-metre swimming pool at Armstrong Creek as it did not service the community needs of the area. We requested the funding be redirected towards the development of a Regional Indoor and Events Centre for Geelong which is much needed. We are disappointed to see this not listed in the budget, especially at a time when women’s participation in sport continues to grow and our communities aspirations to showcase elite athletes in Geelong has never been stronger. Council will continue to do its share by working in lock step with our key partners and community to see the much needed Regional Indoor Sports Centre realised. This is vital for our region as a whole and remains a priority project.

While 74 social and affordable houses have been announced as part of the development of the planned Games Village site at Waurn Ponds, we are hoping to see detail on further local sites earmarked by the government for inclusion in the Big Housing Build. So far this has not been forthcoming and the need for housing is only getting greater.

There are some welcome measures in this state budget aimed at alleviating cost of living pressures, which our community will appreciate.

The investment in two new schools in Armstrong Creek that will serve close to 1200 students is very welcome for this rapidly growing area. 

We look forward to working with the government to identify further opportunities for new schools and kindergartens across our region.