Substantial community infrastructure spend a highlight of the City of Ballarat’s Draft Budget 2021/22

A substantial community infrastructure spend, including a targeted investment in cycling and transport connections, is another highlight of the City of Ballarat’s Draft Budget 2021/22.

It includes a $1.68 million community infrastructure investment, plus $6.9 million for the new Ballarat Central Library redevelopment.

The $1.68 million infrastructure investment includes:
•    $500,000 for a Sebastopol South Kindergarten expansion 
•    $300,000 for the Brown Hill Hall final works including façade work, accessibility improvements, lighting, landscaping, driveway reconfigurations, outdoor deck and energy efficiency enhancements
•    $250,000 for feasibility works at the Eastwood Complex, Wendouree Library and Brown Hill Kindergarten expansion which will include a range of concept plans and business cases to inform priorities in a new 10-year Community Infrastructure Plan to be considered by Council in late 2021
•    $75,000 for an Arts and Culture Infrastructure Audit and Art Gallery redevelopment business case
•    $65,000 for the Rowan View Preschool enhancements
•    $20,000 for the Alfredton Kindergarten yard expansion
•    A Ballymanus Community and Early Years hub – funded by developer contributions

Further works include $1.58 million for footpath renewal and construction, $700,000 for CBD outdoor dining and streetscape activation and $500,000 for a street tree planting program.

Works in conjunction with the State Government include:

•    $4.7 million for Spotlight on Sebastopol projects
•    $4.5 million for Wendouree West Recreation Reserve upgrades
•    $4.2 million for Alfredton Recreation Reserve upgrades
•    $2.8 million for Lake Wendouree lighting
•    $2.7 million for MARS Stadium stage two works

A further $691,000 has been set aside for the Ballarat Connections Active Transport Plan, which focuses on footpaths and cycling trails, while $800,000 is included for the Bicycle Strategy, which links key destinations via safe and continuous cycling routes.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said a big infrastructure investment would help stimulate local job creation and spending and create economic prosperity across the whole municipality, including increased investment in integrated transport infrastructure, footpaths and cycling paths and tracks.

“As a keen cyclist myself, I know how important it is that we invest in a wide range of transport connections such as footpaths and cycling trails,” Cr Moloney said.

“But it’s also vital we put money into all community infrastructure, which is why our investment in this area of our budget is so substantial. Our community infrastructure is what makes Ballarat such a liveable city and it is very important we maintain it to the highest possible standard we can to ensure our residents have the best possible amenities.”
 
How to Have Your Say on the City of Draft Budget 2021/22 
 
City of Ballarat CEO Evan King said residents and ratepayers had until next Monday 7 June to make a submission about the Draft Budget 2021/22. 
 
“The draft budget 2021/22 is available on the City of Ballarat website, and we want to hear your feedback. Submissions received will help shape this and future City of Ballarat budgets,” Mr King said. 
  
If you’d like to share your thoughts, you have a few options. Go to mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au, click on the draft budget link, fill out the quick online form and submit. Or you can send a submission clearly marked “Draft Budget 2021/2022  via mail to PO Box 655 Ballarat Vic 3353, or email to governance@ballarat.vic.gov.au. Submissions must be received before 9.00 am on Monday 7 June 2021.  
 
 Council will consider all submissions about the Draft Budget 2021/22 at an Unscheduled Meeting of Council to be held at 6.30pm, Wednesday 9 June 2021 in the Council Chamber, Ballarat Town Hall. If you would like to support your submission by speaking in person at the meeting, please let us know as part of your submission.