Let there be light

MINISTER for Regional Development Jaala Pulford’s announcement of $272,000 worth of funding for outdoor exercise equipment around Lake Wendouree on the Steve Moneghetti Track at Lake Wendouree last week was a curtain raiser.

The main attraction was Ms Pulford declaring a re-elected Labor Government would deliver $2.5 million towards upgrading the lighting around the lake as well as at nearby Victoria Park.

Victoria Park and the Steve Moneghetti Track are favourites for Ballarat runners and walkers, but a lack of lighting currently forces people inside before dark.

Ms Pulford said this upgrade will extend the hours of the day that people feel comfortable running around the lake, or walking the dog in Victoria Park.

“This is about the people who come and enjoy this space can do so for longer hours at any time of the year.”

Labour candidate for Wendouree Juliana Addison, who often walks in Victoria Park with her family and their dog said every local knows, getting out and exercising in the middle of a Ballarat winter can be hard enough.

“I am really confident that by lighting up Victoria Park we are going to see greater activity and greater use of that beautiful park.”

Ballarat’s favourite runner Steve Moneghetti said he would keep his fingers crossed when asked how he felt about election pledges from both the government and opposition to upgrade the lighting.

“I thought I would be in my wheel chair before we got lights around here. It’s nice to have that commitment from both sides. This shows that it is something the community really needs and deserves.”