<h2>Summary of Ballarat Council Meeting - December 11, 2024</h2> <h3>Key Decisions &amp; Outcomes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Yarrowee River Reserve Road Discontinuance</strong>: Council approved the discontinuance of a portion of Gladstone Street, Golden Point, following community consultation with no objections.</li> <li><strong>Chisholm Street Reserve Petition</strong>: Council received a petition concerning access during 2025 planned works and referred it to the CEO for further consideration.</li> <li><strong>Airport Road Discontinuance and Renaming</strong>: The discontinuance of part of Airport Road was approved, with future plans for renaming the eastern side to ‘Aviation Close’.</li> <li><strong>Audit and Risk Committee Remuneration</strong>: A resolution was passed to increase the remuneration for committee members by 7% in December 2024 and 3.5% in December 2025.</li> <li><strong>Ballarat West Growth Area Stakeholder Reference Group</strong>: Council adopted the Terms of Reference for this group to guide the development of the area.</li> </ul> <h3>Detailed Descriptions</h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Yarrowee River Reserve Road Discontinuance</strong><br /> The council decided to discontinue a section of Gladstone Street in Golden Point. This decision followed a community consultation process started after a resolution in June 2024. There were no objections raised, allowing the statutory process to proceed smoothly. This move is part of broader infrastructure management, ensuring optimal use of public spaces.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Chisholm Street Reserve Petition</strong><br /> A petition with 82 signatures was tabled regarding access concerns during upcoming works in 2025 at Chisholm Street Reserve. The council acknowledged the petition and tasked the CEO with addressing the issues raised, ensuring that community access remains a priority during the construction phase.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Airport Road Discontinuance and Renaming</strong><br /> The council moved forward with plans to discontinue a section of Airport Road, facilitating further development of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). Additionally, a proposal to rename the eastern segment of the road to ‘Aviation Close’ will undergo 30 days of community consultation, ensuring local input is considered in the renaming process.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Audit and Risk Committee Remuneration</strong><br /> The council voted to adjust the remuneration for the Audit and Risk Committee. The resolution included a 7% increase in December 2024, followed by a 3.5% increase in December 2025. This adjustment reflects the council’s commitment to fair compensation for committee members' contributions to governance and oversight.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Ballarat West Growth Area Stakeholder Reference Group</strong><br /> Adoption of the Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Reference Group was confirmed. This group will play a crucial role in reviewing the Precinct Structure Plan and Development Contributions Plan, guiding sustainable growth in the Ballarat West area, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring development aligns with community needs and environmental standards.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Community Impact</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Infrastructure Improvements</strong>: The discontinuation of roads and new naming initiatives are designed to improve traffic flow and service delivery in Ballarat, particularly around the rapidly developing Ballarat West area.</li> <li><strong>Community Engagement</strong>: Petitions and public consultations highlight ongoing community involvement in council decisions, ensuring that resident concerns and suggestions are addressed.</li> <li><strong>Economic Development</strong>: Changes like the Airport Road discontinuance and the establishment of the Ballarat West Growth Area Stakeholder Reference Group are expected to boost local economic growth and infrastructure development, fostering new business and employment opportunities.</li> </ul> <h3>Other Notable Items</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Public Question Time</strong>: Significant discussions included concerns about the Buninyong Botanic Gardens tree removal and the maintenance of Pioneer Park, with the council committing to further review and community consultations.</li> <li><strong>Recognition and Community Events</strong>: Councillors acknowledged historical events like the 170th anniversary of The Eureka Stockade and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre’s 30th birthday, highlighting community heritage and engagement.</li> </ul> <h3>Tech &amp; Innovation Notes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Sustainable Development</strong>: The focus on rezoning areas to Urban Growth Zones and updating the Health and Wellbeing Plan indicates a strategic approach to integrating sustainable practices into city planning and community health initiatives.</li> </ul>