Mayor's Message - Thursday 9 June

This week I would like to outline several exciting developments announced for Ballarat at the last Council Meeting.  

Leading the key items was an environmentally sustainable design project which has been a collaborative effort with 31 Councils across Victoria to really set some principles around how we can make future houses in Ballarat more environmentally sustainable. An investment now in this area will pay significant dividends for future housing and occupants.  

The Council also acknowledged the release of the Community Infrastructure Plan for public consultation. This is a 15-year plan that covers off on 15 major capital projects. Within that plan there are many future considerations for education and community infrastructure needs, not just throughout Ballarat but particularly for the North and West of our city.  

Another initiative announced at the meeting was a commitment to a memorial for victims of sexual assault. The plan will be to have a memorial that is both sensitive and reflective at one of the Victoria Park lakes. Council intends reaching out to other levels of government for support and to also talk about the potential for a significant national memorial at the site.  

The last item of the evening was regarding Stage 2 of the Fernery and to having a broader masterplan for the Botanical Gardens which would incorporate progressing the next stage as soon as possible with some landscaping around the Fernery. This was a particularly welcomed initiative to get the wheels moving once again on a key asset in one of Ballarat’s most frequently visited tourism precincts.  

Finally, we recently had the launch of the Ballarat Winter Festival and what a magical line-up of entertainment is on offer this year. It really is a great time to get together with family and friends and support our local businesses. You can find and book all your fun activities at www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au