Post Council Meeting recap

Annual Report  
 
Ballarat City Council resolved to note the City of Ballarat Annual Report 2021/22 at last night’s Council Meeting.   

The Annual Report documents the City of Ballarat’s activities, outlines highlights and challenges relating to The City’s performance, and provides an overview of the city’s financial position for the 2021/22 financial year.  

The report also marks the first year of progress and work towards the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021–2025.  

Highlights from the 2021/22 year include:   

• The establishment of the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025, this was a product of the extensive Ballarat: Our Future community consultation process conducted in the first half of 2021 

• The co-operative campaign for investment advocacy, Ballarat. Now and into the future 2022 an initiative by Council between nine key Ballarat organisations representing health, education, tourism, commercial, local government and advocacy sectors. The significance of this project is estimated to deliver a $372 million boost to the Ballarat economy  

• Securing $11.5 million for the Ballarat Animal Shelter 

• The Sebastopol Community Hub’s Australian Government funding of $4.5 million 

• Alfredton Community and Early Years Hub (Ballymanus) $2.25 million from the Victorian Government 

• Planning and design of the Bridge Mall redevelopment with a City of Ballarat investment of $15 million with the first works commencing late 2022. 

Ballarat Net Zero Emissions Report – Endorsement  

Council adopted the Ballarat Net Zero Emissions Plan at last night’s Council meeting.   

The draft plan, which went on public exhibition throughout August, received a total of 47 submissions. 

Most of the submissions were supportive of the plan, including a push for a greater sense of urgency to address climate change. 

The plan features Council’s resolution to achieve an aspirational community-wide target of reaching net zero emissions in the municipality by 2030.  

The plan identifies five key areas of action including business, homes, new developments, transport, and waste, and identifies the role of stakeholders, including the City of Ballarat,  developers, households and individuals, community, business and industries in progressing towards net zero emissions. 
 

Ballarat Library Tender  

At last night’s Council Meeting, Council resolved to enter into a contract with H Troon Pty Ltd for an adjusted tender sum of $5,689,031 to redevelop the Ballarat Central Library. 

Ballarat City Council approved an additional $489,031 to be allocated to the project from the inflationary provision established at the September Council meeting.  

The redevelopment will include adjustments to the layout to maximise public space and create efficient fit-for-purpose areas.