There are still concerns on how the City of Greater Geelong will balance its budget, despite announcing extra funding for services.
The council announced on Friday afternoon extra funding of more than $960,000.
That includes extra money for the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, allowing Kardinia Aquatic Centre to remain open over winter and support for Life Saving Victoria’s lifeguard services on local beaches.
The Australian Services Union held a rally in Geelong West on the weekend, and says it is worried the council may still cut services and frontline jobs.
It will continue to hold a demonstration outside Tuesday’s council meeting, where the budget is expected to be endorsed.
Meantime, Councillor Ron Nelson has put forward a motion to be discussed at the meeting.
He wants Mayor Trent Sullivan and the CEO to write to local Labor MPs, after their support for increased Library funding by the government.
The motion says state funding for public libraries has not kept up with inflation or the state’s growing population.
A recommendation includes calling for a state commitment of $20 million over four years to extend the Living Libraries capital program, and establish a formal partnership agreement between the government and councils for joint strategic planning for public libraries.
Picture: A rally was held in Geelong West on the weekend [ASU]
