Homestead site gets path plan

THE HISTORIC site of the first resident of Ballarat, Yuille Homestead, along with its adjoining Yuille Park, have been confirmed as part of the Spotlight on Sebastopol project.

Announced last week, the Yuille Park plan is worth $1.2 million and part of a wider plan to upgrade connections to and along the Yarrowee Trail.

Designs for the project have commenced and include improving the site’s carpark, upgrading existing walking tracks and the installation of new park furniture and shelters with works are expected to begin in 2022.

While the funding for the project is coming via the State Government, the City of Ballarat is carrying out the works and has appointed Melbourne-based landscape architecture and urban design practitioners Urban Initiatives to undertake the initial design phase.

The project falls under the umbrella of the $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol program, initiated as an election pledge in 2018.

“I am incredibly passionate about this revitalisation of Sebastopol and look forward to seeing the Yuille Homestead receiving the treatment deserving of an important historic site,” said Michaela Settle, Member for Buninyong.

“Sebastopol is a vibrant community and the $1.2 million investment along the Yarrowee River will help to put the spotlight back on this proud neighbourhood.”

“This project has been identified by locals and people on the ground. The Victorian Government is listening to communities and delivering to ensure we can make Sebastopol and Ballarat an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney welcomed further progress in the Spotlight on Sebastopol project.

“Council is delighted to be working with the State Government and alongside the Sebastopol community to deliver projects that will revitalise one of the oldest suburbs in our municipality and upgrade community spaces that are important to residents,” he said.

Other projects as part of Spotlight on Sebastopol include $500,000 for increased tree planting in the suburb and a $150,000 for the Connecting Sebastopol program, which includes a community committee.

The Yuille Homestead site is considered historically significant as it marks the site of the “first” resident of Ballarat – 19-year-old Scottish settler William Cross Yuille, who set up his digs on the Yarrowee Trail in 1838.