What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Greater Geelong's direction is set by the community's long-term vision, 'Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future', and the Council Plan 2025–29. Each year the plan is updated and carried out through the annual budget; the Year 2 update was adopted with the 2026–27 budget and a 2026–36 Long Term Financial Plan in June 2026.
The Council Plan has six strategic objectives: core and critical infrastructure; a healthy and caring community; economic development; heritage and culture; environment and circular economy; and governance and integrity. The council reports progress in an online dashboard. When it adopted the budget, the council said 97% of the plan's 31 major initiatives were on track.
The 2026–27 budget raises average rates by the 2.75% cap and plans $171.6 million of capital works. The council says it will reduce debt by $27.5 million over the year. Named projects include Stage Two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, the final stage of the Landy Field upgrades and the Yirrama Community Hub in Armstrong Creek.
Underway now
North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, Stage Two (Linda McGill Aquatic Centre)
Construction nearly 60% complete (Sep 2026); completion expected July 2027Stage Two of the aquatic centre in Drysdale is funded in the 2026–27 budget. The council says the project is ahead of budget, so it will now include a sauna and steam room. In September 2026 the council approved the name 'Linda McGill Aquatic Centre' after a public vote; the name now goes to Geographic Names Victoria.
Source: City of Greater Geelong — Linda McGill Aquatic Centre honours Port Phillip Bay legend
Draft Public Realm Framework
Community feedback open for four weeks from 24 Sep 2026A framework to guide future investment in streets, plazas and civic spaces in local activity centres across the municipality. Council endorsed the draft for community engagement in September 2026, before a final version is presented for adoption.
Source: City of Greater Geelong — Community invited to help shape Geelong's public spaces
Geelong Resource Recovery Centre redevelopment
Interim site open at 21 Slevin Street, North GeelongThe main drop-off centre at 100 Douro Street is being redeveloped. In the meantime a smaller interim site takes the most common free recyclables.
Source: City of Greater Geelong — Geelong Resource Recovery Centre (Interim)
Planned / committed
Food and garden organics (FOGO) collection
Combined food and garden bin from 2027–28The council plans to accept food waste in garden bins from 2027–28. It is upgrading its Anakie composting facility, which it has costed at $12.5 million, and is working with Barwon Water on the Regional Renewable Organics Network at Black Rock, Connewarre.
Source: City of Greater Geelong — Future plans: food waste and glass bins
Recently delivered
Chilwell Library redevelopment
Reopened Sep 2026A $2.5 million redevelopment of Chilwell Library in Sladen Park, Newtown, with $150,000 from the Victorian Government and $2.35 million from the council. The library grew from 218 to about 345 square metres, plus outdoor decking and seating.
Source: City of Greater Geelong — Redeveloped Chilwell Library opens for the community