Ballarat. Now and Into the Future. Harnessing the Power of a United Voice

The Ballarat. Now and Into the Future campaign aims to amplify Ballarat’s voice in the lead up to the 24 November State election.

Eight of Ballarat’s leading organisations have combined their influence to lobby all sides of politics, seeking support for key projects which will deliver jobs, stimulate economic growth, innovation and research, and help meet the needs of Ballarat’s rapidly growing population.  

Ballarat. Now and Into the Future partners speak for more than 7000 employees, 600 businesses and 105,000 residents. They are: Australian Catholic University, Ballarat Health Services, City of Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat, Committee for Ballarat, Federation University, Sovereign Hill and Visit Ballarat.   

The Ballarat. Now and Into the Future projects fall into three categories – connectivity, economy and community.  These are the projects that need to be delivered now. Their combined worth is $228 million.

Economy:

Beyond 50 – Sovereign Hill - A $50 million upgrade to celebrate the museum's golden anniversary in 2020  Her Majesty's Theatre - a $20 million upgrade that will take this much-loved theatre well into the next century 

Community:

BIRCH – Ballarat Innovation and Research Collaborative for Health - a $19 million innovative health care research hub which will service the broad Grampians region through tele-education   An Aviation Emergency Services and Innovation Hub at the Ballarat Airport - this $50 million hub will become a centre of aviation emergency service innovation and excellence 

Connectivity:  

Ballarat Link Road - this $80 million arterial link road will improve travel times and reduce congestion  Warrenheip Station - at close to $22 million this will help deliver a '59 minute service' between Ballarat and Melbourne 

Ballarat is growing rapidly, it’s one of the fastest growing municipalities in the State – we’re planning for that growth with projects that improve connectivity, create jobs and improve livability.  Ballarat is well positioned to welcome new residents, it’s affordable and accessible; we need to provide the health and transport infrastructure to support that growth.    

These projects speak to Ballarat’s strategic importance. The people of Ballarat deserve an equitable share of state government infrastructure spend.

‘Into the Future’ our City needs a stronger focus on Regional Integrated transport (i.e. a 59-minute express service between Ballarat and Melbourne, a free public transport trial in the inner city, a CBD park and ride) and we need to build Ballarat as a ‘Knowledge City’. 

These are the strategic priorities our stakeholders will continue to lobby for in the future.  

For more information head to www.ballaratnow.com