Ballarat councillors pass roads and drainage focused budget

Mayor Des Hudson also said over 60 per cent of ratepayers will have an increase lower than the 3.5 per cent rate increase.

With some minor changes after community feedback, the City of Ballarat 2023-24 budget was passed on Wednesday night.

The budget covers hundreds of millions in capital works such as the $10 million Bridge Mall Redevelopment, more than $9 million for Her Majesty's Theatre works and the classic three Rs of local government: roads, rates and rubbish.

Cr Hudson said the council had managed to navigate a high-inflation period and end up in a "healthy financial position."

While an increase may leave some residents grumbling, the council defended the 3.5 per cent rise, saying it was well under the CPI increase of 7.8 per cent.

During the debate on Wednesday, councillors highlighted the "worthy projects" within the document.

Cr Hudson said key areas were roads and drainage.

"We've heard this from the community," he said.

Councillor Belinda Coates mentioned the budgets lowballed funding for climate action.

"(It's a) business-as-usual budget," she said.

"Under-resourcing our ability to go in as high and fast as issues are facing us."

Cr Coates wanted to see a follow up regarding public submissions for climate action.

The Bridge Mall Special Rate and the 2023-24 rates and charges were all passed.