BALLARAT\u2019S reputation as the craft beer capital of Victoria could be enhanced after funding was approved for the 2020 Ballarat Beer Hop event at the City of Ballarat council meeting on Wednesday, 20 November.<\/p>\n
A grant of $25,000 was approved to a group of six Ballarat business to hold the event over two days during Easter.<\/p>\n
Cr Daniel Moloney said while the applicants anticipated an economic benefit of only $100,000, he was pleased that the group was willing to work with council.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should give it a try for another year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Jim Rinaldi said it will fill a void over Easter which has traditionally been a slow time for hospitality businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s better than nothing, hopefully it will grow in the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Mark Harris, who voted against the resolution said he saw it \u201cas a self-promotion by a consortium of businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also in opposition Cr Des Hudson said he struggled with the benefit of this type of event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a commercial risk that the businesses involved should carry themselves just like other local small businesses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ballarat open for Beer Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n Organisers of the Ballarat Beer Festival, who predict 20,000 attendees at the event to be held in February, had their application for a one-year grant of $11,840 approved by council.<\/p>\n They expect an economic impact for the city of just over $400,000.<\/p>\n Speaking in favour of the resolution Cr Daniel Moloney said 70 per cent of the people who come to the festival are from out of town.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we are serious about these types of events we have no reason not to support it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Also supporting the application Cr Jim Rinaldi said if Ballarat is open then they should come in.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we afford not to have it when the value to the city is so great,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Cr Des Hudson, who didn\u2019t support the proposal said, \u201cWe ask organisations who are recipients of community grants to make their events self-sustainable after three years, so why are we supporting this commercial venture?\u201d<\/p>\n The motion was passed with Cr Hudson and Cr Mark Harris voting against it.<\/p>\n Rockabilly rocks on <\/strong><\/p>\n The rock \u2019n\u2019 roll rockabilly festival known as Rock Ballarat will take the place of the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival, at least for the next three years, after councillors unanimously approved a Strategic Partnership valued at $80,000 over a five-year period.<\/p>\n Cr Samantha McIntosh said the community and tourists loved this type of themed event.<\/p>\n \u201cRock Ballarat is a different format to its predecessor and will include Civic Hall and Armstrong Street,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a great event that really entertains the crowds.\u201d<\/p>\n After the presentation from the organisers, Cr Jim Rinaldi wished them every success.<\/p>\n \u201cThis type of festival has been in the city for a long time and I am happy to support this new version,\u201d he said. \u201cIt creates activity and excitement on the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n Council takes over Buninyong\u2019s Royal Park <\/strong><\/p>\n The recommendation for the municipality to seek appointment as Committee of Management for Royal Park in Buninyong, from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, was carried unanimously.<\/p>\n In order for the council to proceed with its commitment to upgrade the park\u2019s facilities it requires management authority over the site formalised by a Committee of Management appointment.<\/p>\n By way of its Sport and Active Living capital budget it will construct two soccer pitches with LED lighting and female friendly facilities.<\/p>\n Deputy Mayor Cr Belinda Coates commended the work of the Friends of Buninyong Royal Park who currently manage the area.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are an actively involved community group,\u201d she said. \u201cIt would be great to see them consulted as we go forward with the works.\u201d<\/p>\n