Ballarat council promote "significant" capital projects

Mayor Des Hudson said in a statement this was the council investing in "what makes Ballarat a great place to live, work and invest" and said the projects would provide huge benefits by encouraging a healthier, more connected, and more inclusive community.

Council has promised a $144 million program in the 2023-24 budget, and a further $60 million worth of projects in planning.

The projects include the Her Majesty's Theatre refurbishment, with $10 million from the state government and $4.8m and the Ballarat Central Library refurbishment, with $500,000 from the state government and almost $7m from council.

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Council's infrastructure and environment director Bridget Wetherall said the theatre and library projects was a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

"Many of these initiatives will seek to change the face of the area, so while we're getting on and doing business-as-usual - roads and minor facilities and other capital works - these initiatives are larger and more transformative," she said.

Ms Wetherall said a lot of the projects were a long time coming, with some projects almost at the finish line and others just getting started.

Other projects include the Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park Link Lighting project which has $2.5 million from the state government and $670,000 from the council, the $18.6 million Bridge Mall redevelopment, and Sebastopol Community Hub development with federal funding of $4.5 million and $6 million from the council.

The expected population of City of Ballarat is anticipated to increase by at least 50,000 by 2041.

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