Runway, recycling, roads and library on council priority list

UPGRADES to Ballarat’s roads and airport, along with plans for a recycling facility as well as a library and learning centre, headline a list of projects requiring investment from the city’s council.

The City of Ballarat launched its Advocacy Priority Projects Pipeline on Thursday 5 February.

Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said the project list had been sent to ministers, shadow ministers and Ballarat MPs ahead of the 28 November state election.

Cr Hargreaves said the list would also be sent to candidates and addressed with them in meetings between now and the November poll.

Some of the major projects nominated include seeking funding to upgrade the airport’s runway; a circular economy precinct in the Ballarat West Employment Zone, anchored by a materials recovery facility that could sort up to 30,000 tonnes of recyclables; duplicating Dyson Drive and upgrading Ballarat-Carngham Road; and $23 million for a library and learning centre in Wendouree.

The council has identified more than 40 projects as part of its pipeline.

Cr Hargreaves said the list would ensure Ballarat had “a strong voice in the lead-up to the state election”.

“As one of the fastest-growing regional centres in the state, our city is facing increasing demand for services, infrastructure and investment to support our growing population and economy,” the mayor said.

“With ongoing high construction costs, investment from other levels of government is critical to the successful delivery of the projects our community needs.

“These projects will deliver real benefits for our residents – from extending the Ballarat Airport runway to enable the continuation of critical aeromedical and emergency services to vital improvements to key transport corridors in Ballarat’s fastest growing suburbs.”

The mayor said advocacy for projects “can take multiple election cycles to attract funding”.

“In the case of the Ballarat Airport, last year City of Ballarat successfully secured Federal Government investment through the Regional Airports Program to re-purpose the Ballarat Airport Terminal building as an Emergency Services and Aeromedical Transfer Facility,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“However, we still need further funding to upgrade an existing 1260-metre section of the main airport runway that was built at the start of World War Two and needs replacement.

“We will continue working closely with all levels of government to ensure Ballarat’s needs are front and centre, and to achieve the best possible outcomes for our community.” More information on the pipeline can be found at ballarat.vic.gov.au/about-us/advocacy-priority-projects