<h2>Summary of Ballarat Council Meeting - September 24, 2025</h2> <h3>Key Decisions &amp; Outcomes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan Completion Costs</strong>: The Council clarified the approval of an additional $4.7 million for the Bridge Mall redevelopment, bringing the total to $23.3 million.</li> <li><strong>Hockey Field Location Debate</strong>: A motion to explore alternative locations for new hockey fields at Prince of Wales Park was defeated, maintaining the current plan.</li> <li><strong>Adoption of Key Plans</strong>: Council adopted the Asset Plan 2025-2035, Financial Plan 2025-2035, Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2031, and Road Management Plan 2025.</li> <li><strong>Intermodal Freight Hub Advocacy</strong>: Council resolved to advocate for solutions to maintain rail connectivity crucial for freight transport from Ballarat to the Port of Melbourne.</li> <li><strong>Budget Adjustments</strong>: Approved $24.35 million in carryovers to the 2025/26 budget for ongoing projects and unexpended grants.</li> </ul> <h3>Detailed Descriptions</h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan Completion Costs</strong>: The Council confirmed an additional $4.7 million was allocated to the Bridge Mall redevelopment, which was initially budgeted at $18.6 million. This increase was recognized during the 2023-24 Mid-year Budget review due to rising project costs. The redevelopment has led to significant local economic benefits, including reduced shop vacancies and new business openings, fostering a safer and more vibrant community space.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Hockey Field Location Debate</strong>: A motion proposed by Cr Damon Saunders to consider alternative sites for hockey facilities was defeated. The current development will proceed at Prince of Wales Park, which aligns with the City’s Active Women and Girls strategy despite community concerns about noise and proximity to residential areas.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Adoption of Key Plans</strong>: The Council adopted several strategic documents: The Asset Plan focuses on infrastructure maintenance and development over the next decade; the Financial Plan outlines fiscal strategies until 2035; and the Health and Wellbeing Plan aims to enhance community health initiatives. These plans are crucial for guiding future investments and policy decisions.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Intermodal Freight Hub Advocacy</strong>: The Council committed to advocating for the preservation of critical rail connections between Ballarat and Melbourne. This involves liaising with government bodies to address potential disruptions due to changes in the freight rail network, ensuring Ballarat remains a logistical hub.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Budget Adjustments</strong>: Council approved financial adjustments, including $24.35 million in carryovers for projects and grants. This adjustment ensures the continuity of funded projects into the next fiscal year and aligns with strategic priorities.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Community Impact</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Infrastructure and Economic Growth</strong>: The completion of the Bridge Mall redevelopment and strategic plans like the Asset and Financial Plans are set to improve local infrastructure and drive economic growth, enhancing community amenities and services.</li> <li><strong>Recreational Facilities</strong>: Despite debates, the decision to proceed with the current plan for new hockey fields at Prince of Wales Park will support local sports development, particularly for women and girls.</li> </ul> <h3>Other Notable Items</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Library and Inclusion Strategy Updates</strong>: Reports on the progress of the Libraries Strategic Plan and the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan were received, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance community services.</li> <li><strong>Community Engagement</strong>: Public participation included discussions on sports facilities and urban development, demonstrating active civic engagement.</li> </ul> <h3>Tech &amp; Innovation Notes</h3> <ul> <li>No specific technology-related initiatives were discussed during this meeting.</li> </ul>

<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>