Mayors Message Thursday 29 July 2021

Mayor’s Message Thursday 29 July 2021

Ballarat has shown tremendous patience and commitment once again during this lockdown. To all the businesses and frontline services continuing to deliver to our community, thank you.  

Two of the great strengths of Ballarat are its sense of community and the growing diversity that is enriching the city as a place to live. From the arts to food, fashion, sport, small business and industry we are continuing to build an enviable lifestyle with so many opportunities.

A key development in the past week that is going to further these strengths has been the development of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.  

The objectives of the Committee will be to advise Council on how to communicate, engage and consult with LGBTIQA+ communities as well as how to build community cohesiveness and inclusivity. 

Council is currently seeking expressions of interest for up to 10 vacancies on the inaugural LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee for a two-year term.

Next week will see the distribution of the 2021/22 Rates Notices with an easier payment option of ten monthly instalments available via Direct Debit. After holding rates to a zero per cent increase in 2020/21 this year’s rates will reflect the rising costs associated with delivering the crucial infrastructure and services needed to support the growing Ballarat community.

This critical revenue, combined with both State and Federal grants, will support more than 80 City of Ballarat services and 120 plus capital works projects to be delivered by Council this financial year. Rates also help fund the maintenance of over $2 billion in public assets under Council management.

In closing, I would urge everyone to support our local businesses and help them regain lost ground from this latest lockdown.

Mayor

Cr Daniel Moloney