No extra rate raise sought

City of Ballarat council meeting briefs

THE City of Ballarat will advise the Essential Services Commission that it does not seek to variate the municipality’s rate cap of a maximum of 2 per cent for the 2020-2021 financial year.

The decision was made by council at the meeting on Wednesday, 29 January.

The rate cap only applies to general property rates and municipal charges, not to service rates or service charges.

Cr Daniel Moloney brought to attention the services provided by the municipality in coming years.

“I’ll be preparing a number of options, so council can understand the full impact of possible rate increases next year,” he said.

If council did want to apply for a higher rate cap, they would have to notify the ESC before 31 January and even then there’s no guarantee that body would approve it.

The rate cap, which is set by the State government, will remain at 2 per cent, with all councillors voting unanimously.

Polocrosse participants project payout

Polocrosse Victoria’s Tourism Event Grant application will receive more than double the recommended council funding.

The 2020 Australian Polocrosse National Championships has received a one-year $13,000 grant, instead of the suggested $5520.

It is estimated the event brings to more than $430,000, alongside 3000 participants and spectators to the city.

Cr Grant Tillett supported the increased grant and was adamant that the tournament’s economic worth meant that it required more funding.

“This event has somehow been misunderstood, in relation to its significance within this community,” he said. “I’d like to put in $26,000.”

Cr Belinda Coates said the council has not had time to consider a different proposal or different amount of funding.

“I don’t see a strong case at the last minute to change the officer recommendation,” she said.

The motion was passed with Cr Coates and Cr Mark Harris voting against it.

Ballarat race receives generous gift

Ballarat’s annual athletics competition has been approved of a one-year grant.

The Ballarat Gift received funding worth $13,000, which will go towards the Victorian Athletics League to cover costs associated with running the event.

The motion was passed by all councilors besides Cr Mark Harris, who expressed his concern for the grant.

“I do feel uncomfortable again with that amount,” he said. “I’d be happy with… a much smaller cash amount.”

Considered the second biggest gift in Australia behind the Stawell Gift, the Ballarat tournament attracts 1200 entries and interstate participation.

The annual gift has been running since 1949 and in 2020, the event is estimated to bring more than $210,000 to the municipality.

The races are held at the City Oval and is set for 8 and 9 February.

Dry zone set for Summer Tour

An alcohol-free area will be established during the Red Hot Summer Tour event, aimed at managing antisocial drinking behaviour.

Council voted all in favour to designate the North Gardens, Lake Gardens and Victoria Park as a dry zones for 2020, as well as all Red Hot Summer Tour dates in future.

However, the licensed area managed by the event will not be affected by the restriction.

Cr Des Hudson stressed the importance of ensuring that the “event is a dry event and therefore family friendly.”

The alcohol-free area is based on recommendations by Victoria Police and is considered an important tool by the organisers of the Summer Tour.

Signage will be placed within and around the dry zone to inform event goers and the public of the no drinking rules.

The Red Hot Summer Tour will take place on Saturday, 28 March from 12.30pm, with the dry zone in effect from 11am that day for 12 hours.