The City has reviewed and updated its Special Rates and Charges (SRC) Policy to ensure it is clear practical and easy to understand.
We’ve strengthened the threshold for community support. At each stage of engagement we now require 60 per cent evidence of support from responding property owners up from the previous 51 per cent. This ensures that a clear majority is demonstrated before moving forward.
SRC schemes are a shared funding model where Council works with property owners to deliver infrastructure upgrades such as sealed roads footpaths kerbs and channels and stormwater drains. They enable projects to be delivered more efficiently overcoming budget and timing constraints and benefiting both individual properties and the broader community. The policy also allows for services such as marketing promotion and economic development
The policy was created to support community requests for upgrades and higher service levels that fall outside the City’s budget and standard service provisions. It sets out the rules for how SRC schemes are used as required under Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 and ensures decisions are fair transparent and consistent.
To find out more about Special Charge schemes and how they are used at the City visit: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/src
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
We’re listening to our community and investing in improvements that make a real difference.
Many homes were built to meet the standards of their time but as our city grows and expectations change we’re committed to delivering better infrastructure and services for everyone.
City Planning portfolio chair Councillor Andrew Katos
We want to ensure our process is fair and transparent with input from all benefitting properties including the City which contributes on behalf of the broader community benefit.