Mayor's Message - Friday 5 May

This week we have placed the Bridge Mall Built Form Review out for community review, so we urge you to have your say on the future scale of development within the Bridge Mall Precinct.   

This Built Form Framework aims to retain the existing heritage character of the area whilst supporting a lively precinct with an appropriate scale of urban development. 

Currently the existing built form controls that apply in the area are out of date, having been implemented and not changed since 1997. To re-align the intent for the area, the plan has been reviewed and is now ready for the community’s feedback.   

To review the document, ask a question or provide feedback you can visit the City of Ballarat’s MySay page (mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au)  

There are also four drop-in sessions at 16 Bridge Mall, Ballarat on 24, 25 and 26 May between 11am – 3pm and Saturday 3 June between 10am – 12pm.  

Finally, we presented the City of Ballarat’s Budget 2023/24 last week which I believe is financially prudent and reflects our laser-like focus on growth, renewal and the delivery of projects and services.   

I’d encourage all residents to read the Draft Budget and provide feedback. The document is publicly available now and will remain so until 5pm Friday 19 May. Residents can access the Draft Budget at the City of Ballarat Customer Service Centre, Town Hall and via the MySay website.   

There is one public session remaining for the community to ask questions about the budget. This will be held on Tuesday 9 May 5-6pm, online. To register or provide questions in advance please email jasonclissold@ballarat.vic.gov.au 

Members of the community who provide feedback on the Draft Budget can also request to be heard at the Unscheduled Council Meeting on Wednesday 7 June at 6.30pm.   

Following the public exhibition period, the Draft Budget 2023/24 will go before Councillors at the scheduled June Council Meeting.