Ballarat’s Beer Bonanza set for 2020 – City of Ballarat Council briefs

BALLARAT’S 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.

A grant of $25,000 was approved to a group of six Ballarat business to hold the event over two days during Easter.

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.

“We should give it a try for another year,” he said.

Cr Jim Rinaldi said it will fill a void over Easter which has traditionally been a slow time for hospitality businesses.

“It’s better than nothing, hopefully it will grow in the future,” he said.

Cr Mark Harris, who voted against the resolution said he saw it “as a self-promotion by a consortium of businesses.”

Also in opposition Cr Des Hudson said he struggled with the benefit of this type of event.

“It’s a commercial risk that the businesses involved should carry themselves just like other local small businesses,” he said.

Ballarat open for Beer Festival

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.

They expect an economic impact for the city of just over $400,000.

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.

“If we are serious about these types of events we have no reason not to support it,” he said.

Also supporting the application Cr Jim Rinaldi said if Ballarat is open then they should come in.

“Can we afford not to have it when the value to the city is so great,” he said.

Cr Des Hudson, who didn’t support the proposal said, “We 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?”

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

Rockabilly rocks on

The rock ’n’ 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.

Cr Samantha McIntosh said the community and tourists loved this type of themed event.

“Rock Ballarat is a different format to its predecessor and will include Civic Hall and Armstrong Street,” she said. “It is a great event that really entertains the crowds.”

After the presentation from the organisers, Cr Jim Rinaldi wished them every success.

“This type of festival has been in the city for a long time and I am happy to support this new version,” he said. “It creates activity and excitement on the streets.”

Council takes over Buninyong’s Royal Park

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.

In order for the council to proceed with its commitment to upgrade the park’s facilities it requires management authority over the site formalised by a Committee of Management appointment.

By way of its Sport and Active Living capital budget it will construct two soccer pitches with LED lighting and female friendly facilities.

Deputy Mayor Cr Belinda Coates commended the work of the Friends of Buninyong Royal Park who currently manage the area.

“They are an actively involved community group,” she said. “It would be great to see them consulted as we go forward with the works.”

Governance error admitted and rectified

Issues have been raised recently by past Mayor John Barnes regarding the Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer endorsed in August 2016.

Council officers investigated Mr Barnes’ concerns admitting that a timeline had not been met after the endorsement of the instrument.

The error in question has been rectified and the correct governance procedures are now in place.

An Instrument of Delegation is issued for a position within the council not a specific person. It allows the person in the position at any given time to act on the council’s behalf.

Cr Mark Harris said, “This was not a golden moment in our governance and administration.”

Cr Des Hudson who was Mayor at the time, said we made the mistake and we have to set the record straight.

“We need to take a kick in the pants for this,” he said. “However, while we didn’t meet a timeline there was no use of delegation for personal gain or advantage.”

The motion to revoke the Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer endorsed in August 2016 and initiate a new one to take effect immediately to remain in force until varied or revoked was passed with all councillors in favour.