Lots of ideas for Ballarat North

SATURDAY’S rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or slowdown the suggestions of the Ballarat North residents at the launch of the council’s Emerging Communities program.

The city was asking the community, what do you think would make Ballarat North a better place to live?

On the table is an initial $100,000 funding to help make the answers a reality.

Caitlin Davis, President of Committee for Ballarat North said the overwhelming response was for landscaping, green space, trees and dog parks.

“These are the suggestions we’ve heard constantly over the past six months,” she said. “The plans the committee have created cover all these ideas, so we are off to a very good head start for this program.”

Jay Morrison, fellow committee member, said the launch drop-in session, was a great opportunity for the community to come together.

“The council have been very supportive and now the residents can have their ideas heard,” he said.

The session was designed for the council to gather the suggestions for analysis and for prioritising.

Ian Cunningham, President of the Ballarat North Senior Citizens Club said the area around the Community Centre and Midlands Recreational Reserve was not engaging enough.

“I think we need more seating and more shade to regenerate the area,” he said. “I’ve put a lot of stick notes on the map today and noticed a lot of others with the same ideas.”

Once the information is collated it would be circulated back to the Ballarat North community for comment and approval.

Ms Davis said the Emerging Communities program will benefit both the residents and the businesses in the neighbourhood.

“Upgrading the area will bring more customers,” she said. “I see kids at the water park head over to the service station for an ice cream.

“People who come to the Golf House pub or lunch or dinner, could take a stroll around the walking paths.

“Our committee’s concept is based around a budget of $100,000 so we see it as very achievable.

“We encourage the Ballarat North community to step up and support the program.”