Mayor’s $100k fast rail bid
GEELONG Mayor Bruce Harwood will seek $100,000 across two years to continue council’s push for fast rail between Geelong and Melbourne.
Cr Harwood’s proposal to spend $50,000 on a strategy document this financial year will be voted on today at a council meeting in Drysdale.
“The strategy document will be a key advocacy document for (our) partnership (with other regional councils) and for the state and federal governments and broader market,” Cr Harwood said.
“The strategy document will not be a business case, but set out a clear vision for regional fast rail and how the communities intend to achieve it and what that will mean for broader economic and social policy.
“With the continued popu- lation growth in the Geelong region and the increasing opportunities for employment, the need for a fast rail service has never been stronger.”
Cr Harwood is also seeking $50,000 from council’s 2019-20 budget to support the operations of the New Spirit of Progress committee, a strike force of councils who have united to take an active role in planning major projects.
Meanwhile, council’s financial management report for the second half of last year shows it expects to finish the 2018-19 financial year $61.5 million in the black.
“Capital expenditure year to date is $53.9 million against a projection of $58.2 million.”
“The cash and investment balance of $54 million is $13.1 million higher than expected at this stage of the year mainly due to unbudgeted land sales and capital spending behind schedule.”
Council has also netted $114.95 million from rates and charges so far in 2018-19, according to the report.
Planning and building permit applications have raised $870,000 for council.
Council’s finance report also shows that $70.92 million has been paid to staff so far this financial year, and residents have been slugged $110,000 for failing to vote in the 2017 council elections.
About 1400 residents have been slugged $79 each for fail- ing to vote by the Victorian Electoral Commission with the funds flowing into council coffers.
That amount may grow by the end of this financial year with a reminder fee of $24.70 being applied to unpaid infringements.
The fast rail report funding and other community issues will be discussed at council’s next community focus meeting at the Potato Shed in Drysdale tonight from 7pm to 9pm.