Groups to lobby on key projects

NINE local organisations have joined to lobby for State and Federal funding on key Ballarat projects throughout the 2022 election campaigns.

Known as Ballarat Now and Into the Future, partners include the City of Ballarat, Committee for Ballarat, Grampians Health, Federation University, and Sovereign Hill, and they’re requesting financial support to deliver $372 million worth of works.

The projects they want to see backed are varied with a community mental health facility, the Ballarat link road, and Sovereign Hill stages on the list.

They’re also eyeing off works on a major sports and events precinct near Mars Stadium ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the FedUni Ballarat University Town, and a recycling plant.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the “interconnected, united and powerful voice” of local organisations is a strength of the region especially during an election period.

“It’s important we capitalise on the opportunity… to deliver six transformational projects,” he said.

“These nine Ballarat organisations represent health, education, the visitor economy, local government, advocacy, and business sectors… and this grid came together to decide on the projects we’d collectively support ahead of this year’s two elections.

“We’re taking this approach because we’re aligned to a shared vision, and our unified message is more likely to resonate with candidates, governments, and oppositions across the political spectrum.”

Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said a new community mental health facility in a growth-corridor is much-needed, especially after the “stresses” of the pandemic.

“We’re committed to try and bring good mental health to our community, and having the facilities to do that would be highly advantageous,” he said.

“We want to create a purpose-built facility outside of the CBD… and serve people who may typically fall through the cracks.

“This would be a space for staff to practice, a welcoming place for clients to come in without judgement and stigma, and be a strong community space for people to seek care and resources to live the best life they can.”

Sovereign Hill president Craig Fletcher said funding for phase 1B of their master plan, the Gold Pavilion, would ensure the construction of three state-of-the-art classrooms, and immersive museum spaces over the next two years.

“Sovereign Hill was born out of the community by people with a bold and passionate vision for Ballarat. We intend to be bold, inclusive, innovative, and we intend to deliver,” he said.

Australian Catholic University, Central Highlands Water, Ballarat Regional Tourism, Commerce Ballarat are also part of the group.

The six main projects in the campaign are expected to create 1762 jobs, and generate $315.6 million worth of local economic impact during the process.