City spending millions on works

THE City of Ballarat has reiterated several capital works programs that are currently underway or about to start were approved for funding in the 2023/24 budget.

A statement released on Monday by the municipality said the program includes $144 million worth of previously announced projects, with $60 million more in the planning stage.

They include the ongoing Her Majesty’s Theatre redevelopment, the Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park lighting project and a planned overhaul of the Bridge Mall.

Funds will also go towards the currently underway Ballarat Library renovation, the Ballarat Airport runway upgrade and extension, the Ballarat Animal Shelter rebuild, the development of a Sebastopol Community Hub and upgrades to Marty Busch Reserve.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson said that the range of projects demonstrates the City’s commitment to the future of Ballarat.

“I am proud to lead a council that is committed to delivering a better Ballarat for today, tomorrow and for future generations to come,” he said.

“I am also very grateful to the State Government and Federal Government who are working in partnership with us on many of these projects.”

Municipal director of infrastructure and environment Bridget Wetherall said working on iconic projects, such as Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Ballarat Library is an exciting opportunity.

“A lot of us live here in Ballarat and we take real pride in what we can help deliver,” she said.

“Many of these initiatives will seek to change the face of the area, so while we’re getting on and doing business-as-usual, roads and minor facilities and other capital works, these initiatives are larger and more transformative.

“You can really touch and feel and get involved, and I think that’s what makes these initiatives different in my view.”