Mayor's Message 30 December 2022

As 2022 ends we look back on a highly productive year and one that presents so much opportunity for 2023.

Last year saw the investment in some key plans, providing strategy and goals for Ballarat’s future. We also started to really tap into the value of community consultation and collaboration.

The City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025 continues to guide and shape the City of Ballarat’s direction and was a product of the extensive Ballarat: Our Future community consultation process, commenced in the first half of 2021. It provides clear priorities for our city around environmental sustainability, a connected and inclusive community, sustainable growth, a city that conserves and enhances its natural and built assets, supports a strong, innovative economy and a council that provides leadership and advocates for its community.  

Another significant highlight amongst our future planning for the City of Ballarat has been Ballarat. Now and Into the Future 2022; an influential co-operative campaign initiative driven by Council between nine key Ballarat organisations representing health, education, tourism, commercial, local government and advocacy sectors. The visionary project aligns to the Council Plan 2021-2025 with benefits focused on jobs, local investment, improved health outcomes, transport connectivity, increased opportunity in the tertiary sector and enhanced offerings for visitors. The significance of this project is estimated to deliver a $372 million boost to the Ballarat economy.   

Our commitment in 2022 to advocate for tourism and events of world prominence for Ballarat has seen the progression of the Central Victorian Goldfields’ World Heritage bid through a regional local government partnership as well as the securing of several Commonwealth Games events in 2026 which will not only showcase Ballarat to the world, but also help accelerate several local infrastructure projects.  

Last year established an exciting path forward for Ballarat, supported and guided by a community invested strategic plan. Ballarat has not only continued to meet the needs of a growing city during a time of constant change and challenges, but it has also created the foundation and opportunity for Council going forward. 

As a new year begins, I am very excited as your mayor to continue the momentum into 2023 with your consultation and collaboration. We are all made of Ballarat, and we can all be very proud of what we are achieving together. Happy New Year!

Mayor

Cr Des Hudson