<h2>Summary of Ballarat Council Meeting - 28 May 2025</h2> <h3>Key Decisions &amp; Outcomes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Opposition to ESVF Mandate</strong>: The Council formally opposed the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), criticizing the financial burden it places on ratepayers. They advocated for the responsibility of collection to shift from local councils to the Victorian State Government.</li> <li><strong>Quarterly Financial Performance</strong>: The Council received and endorsed the quarterly financial report, highlighting adjustments to the LED street lighting project funding, using unallocated savings and operating cash instead of borrowing.</li> <li><strong>Recognition of Olympians</strong>: Adoption of a revised policy to recognize Ballarat's Olympians, updating the previous policy from May 2023.</li> <li><strong>Establishment of Delegated Committees</strong>: The Council restructured its committee framework, dissolving some committees and establishing a new Grant Allocations Delegated Committee comprising all Councillors.</li> <li><strong>Community Asset Committee Membership Update</strong>: Revised memberships for several community asset committees were endorsed, acknowledging changes and new additions to each committee.</li> </ul> <h3>Detailed Descriptions</h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Opposition to ESVF Mandate</strong>: The Council expressed strong opposition to the ESVF, highlighting its impact during a cost-of-living crisis on Victorian ratepayers, including farmers and businesses. They committed to advocating for the transfer of collection duties to the Victorian State Government and planned to communicate their stance to relevant government officials.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Quarterly Financial Performance</strong>: The financial report for the quarter ending March 2025 was presented, showing strategic financial management, such as reallocating funds to the LED street lighting project. This adjustment aimed to optimize resources without increasing debt.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Recognition of Olympians</strong>: The Council adopted a policy to honor Ballarat's Olympians, building on previous initiatives to celebrate local athletes' achievements on an international stage, fostering community pride and recognition.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Establishment of Delegated Committees</strong>: The restructuring of committees aimed to streamline council operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure effective governance. The newly formed Grant Allocations Committee will oversee the distribution of grants, ensuring robust community support mechanisms.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Community Asset Committee Membership Update</strong>: Changes to the Buninyong Town Hall, Brown Hill Hall, and Warrenheip Memorial Hall committees reflected an evolving community engagement strategy, recognizing the contributions of outgoing members and welcoming new participants.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Community Impact</h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Economic Relief Efforts</strong>: The opposition to the ESVF, coupled with advocacy for financial reallocation, reflects a focus on alleviating economic pressures on residents.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Enhanced Public Services</strong>: The financial strategy around the LED street lighting project aims to improve urban infrastructure without additional fiscal strain, enhancing public safety and environmental sustainability.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Cultural and Recreational Engagement</strong>: Through the recognition of Olympians and revised committee memberships, the Council continues to support cultural heritage and community participation, fostering a vibrant local environment.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Other Notable Items</h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Public Transport Advocacy</strong>: Discussions included the importance of public transport improvements, highlighting completed reviews and ongoing community advocacy for better services.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Community Events and Engagement</strong>: Councillors participated in various local events, such as National Reconciliation Week activities and National Volunteer Week, showcasing council's commitment to community involvement.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Tech &amp; Innovation Notes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Digital Engagement</strong>: The commitment to transparency and accessibility was demonstrated through the decision to publish advisory committee meeting records online, improving community access to council proceedings.</li> </ul> <p>This summary provides an overview of the Ballarat Council's decisions and discussions aimed at promoting community well-being, economic stability, and civic engagement.</p>