Double Dose of Support to Steer Ballarat Business Revival 

A determined City of Ballarat is on a campaign to lift the COVID-19 fully vaccinated (double dose) rate in Ballarat from 55.3% to the required 70% that will deliver a real shot at getting our hospitality and retail sectors on a sweet road to recovery. 

City leaders have welcomed the latest vaccine numbers released this week showing Ballarat has passed the 80% target for those who have received a single dose.

That data is a sign of hope for Ballarat businesses who have re-opened their doors to customers after enduring an eighth lockdown.

The City is working in accordance with the Victorian Government’s Roadmap to Recovery, as well as offering support to local businesses to ensure they have enough space to operate at full capacity within required density levels once we reach the critical 70% double vaccinated benchmark.

“We’re committed to closing streets, delegating carpark space to extend outdoor footprints, or even putting up marquees. We’re open to any suggestions that will help our city get back on its feet and people back out on our streets,” Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said.

Ongoing Council support is aimed at assisting all sectors impacted by COVID-19 including retail, hospitality and the fitness industry and includes: 

·    Waiving of fees to allow retail and hospitality businesses to trade on footpaths
·    Provision of more outdoor dining infrastructure and in-kind support for businesses to extend the city’s             dining footprint into public spaces 
·    Free use of Council-owned venues and open space for fitness and exercise classes 
·    Continuation of the City of Ballarat’s Community and Business Support Package throughout October

“This is what we have been working towards – getting Ballarat re-opened and reinvigorated. The quickest way to achieve that is to keep our vaccination rates climbing,” Cr Moloney said.

For more information on business support contact Council’s Economic Development team on economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au