April 2024 Council meeting recap

At Wednesday evening’s ordinary Council meeting, Ballarat City Council considered a number of items:

Establishing Formal Positions of Council Policy

A report was provided to Council with the Establishing Formal Positions of Council Policy, transposed from the Mt Alexander Shire Council policy into the City of Ballarat Council policy template, in response to a resolution of Council at its March 2024 Council meeting.

Council voted against adopting the Establishing Formal Positions of Council Policy.

Commerce Ballarat Funding and Service Agreement  

Council approved a funding and service agreement with Commerce Ballarat for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027, to the total value of $415,725 ex GST ($138,575 ex GST per annum).

The three-year agreement will ensure Commerce Ballarat will be able to continue to provide essential business support services to the region.

The funding will contribute towards the delivery of new programs and events, responding to emerging business needs since the last agreement including:

• B31 Ballarat Business Month launch event (August)
• New Forage and Feast program of events for supporting producers, growers and the hospitality sector
• Programs to assist businesses support the mental health of employees
• Themed industry-specific ‘chats’ – such as the new Tradie Network.

Lake Wendouree Boat Shed Policy

A new Lake Wendouree Boat Shed Policy was adopted which will ensure a continued guide to the management and use of the iconic landmarks.

The adoption of the new policy follows community consultation and work with various stakeholders of the Lake Wendouree Boat Sheds.

The objectives of the policy are to:  

• Clarify City of Ballarat’s role as Trustee or Committee of Management in relation to boat sheds;  
• Clearly set out the rights and obligations of boat shed licensees;  
• Protect the amenity, use and enjoyment of the Lake and surrounds by other users;  
• Provide for a fair and financially viable approach to boat shed licensing and management arrangements;  
• Provide a framework for management and use of boat sheds including repairs, alterations, relocation, and removal of the structures; and  
• Ensure compliance with related legislation.

For more information about Council meetings, visit Council Meetings | City of Ballarat.