Better roads, footpaths and drains in Draft Ballarat Budget

MEDIA RELEASE   -   Date: Monday 20 May 2013

Ballarat’s construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and drainage across Ballarat will also receive a boost in the 2013/14 Draft Budget that was released for public feedback today.
Roads, footpaths and drainage are among the broad range of transport infrastructure projects and initiatives to receive more than $17 million in Ballarat City Council’s 2013-14 draft budget.
The list of works includes $10.8 million for infrastructure renewal projects and planned capital upgrades across Ballarat.
The draft budget also includes strong investment into maintaining urban and rural roads, with $6.3 million towards maintenance of urban roads and rural roads, signage, line-marking, pothole repairs, bridge rehabilitation, kerb and channel and drainage.
The Draft Budget also includes the development of a Sustainable Transport Strategy that includes local planning for roads, public transport and alternative transport options, as well as an investigation into the provision of a multi-storey car park funded through a public-private partnership or PPP model.
Major road renewal projects include $1.1 million for works at Cuthberts Road in Alfredton, from Learmonth St to Towong Street, and $875,000 for the second stage of works at Tait Street in Sebastopol, from Hill Street to Hamish Street.
The rural road improvements are secured for the first time with $1.1 million quarantined to deliver improvements where they’re needed most across the rural roads network.
$1.5 million will go to fixing and maintaining roads across the municipality.
Works on Humffray Street, from Cobden to Barkly Street will receive $730,000.
$650,000 will go towards the  renewal of gravel roads, while $500,000 is included for footpath construction.
Council’s program of new and replacement bus shelters has been doubled to $150,000 in the coming year to deliver better facilities for public transport users.
The draft budget includes provision for $560,000 in major road patching, while a total of $850,000 has been allocated for drainage works.
A total of $200,000 will go towards bridge rehabilitation, while kerb and channel renewal will get $220,000.
Cyclists will benefit from $590,000 in new and improved cycle ways throughout the city.
Council has identified set aside $250,000 in the Draft Budget to improve one of Ballarat’s most popular cycling routes along Wendouree Parade.
The draft budget includes $250,000 to realign the section of Wendouree Parade at the entrance to the Ballarat Tramway Museum to allow a safer crossing of the tram tracks for cyclists.
$340,000 has been also set aside for the construction and maintenance of bike paths across the city.
Maintenance standards will also be significantly boosted with an additional $450,000 to be invested annually. Over the four year period, an additional $4.5 million will be injected into ensuring service standards and maintenance levels meet the expectations of our current and future residents.
In what will be an enormous year for roads and infrastructure works across the municipality, works will also commence on the construction of the $38 million Western Link Road funded by the Victorian Government.
Mayor of Ballarat, Cr John Burt said this is one of Council’s biggest ever budgets, with $72 million to be invested into infrastructure projects in the coming financial year.
Cr Burt said “we wanted to deliver more for Ballarat and at a higher standard. We are pleased that this Draft Budget will deliver solutions to many of the projects and issues the community have told us are important”.
“Service and maintenance standards will be boosted during this term by an additional $4.5 million into that area”
“We’ve quarantined funds for rural roads, doubled our annual investment into bus shelters and increased our investment into cycle paths. Additionally we will invest into the cycle way along Wendouree Parade.”
“This is a Draft Budget that enables us to build the Ballarat that residents deserve”.
How you can comment
Residents are encouraged to view the draft Council Plan and draft Budget and provide feedback to Council.
Both documents will be available to view as a hard copy at Council’s Customer Service Centre, The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South and at the Ballarat Town Hall from Monday 20 May.
They can also be downloaded from the City of Ballarat website at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au

Feedback, via the following avenues, must be received by 9am on Monday 17 June.

In person: Residents who have made a written submission can register to speak at a Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday 19 June.

Website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Email: Council Plan written submissions can be emailed to brentonthomas@ballarat.vic.gov.au
and written submission on the Draft Budget can be emailed to lorrainesendall@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Mail: written submissions should be addressed to Chief Executive Officer, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat, VIC, 3353

Facebook: facebook.com/ballaratcity

Twitter: twitter.com/cityofballarat

Chance to hear interviews from Ballarat Heritage Weekend….

Amy Tsilimanis [Tinderbox Radio] has posted interviews about local broadcast history from the recent Ballarat Heritage Weekend.

The first session about early radio has gone up on her SoundCloud (with more sessions to come)

https://soundcloud.com/amy-tinderbox

Don’t forget:
You can tune in on the last Thursday of every month when Amy joins Phil Cutts on “Off the Tracks” to talk all things arts.

Breaking News: Shooting in Wendouree

Breaking news: 7:15am – Police are on scene at a Gillies St Nth address in Wendouree where reports of a male being injured in a firearms incident.

Over a dozen police and two ambulances attended the property following a triple-0 call from the address shortly after police and ambulance crews arrived.

We can confirm one male has sustained gunshot wounds and is in a life threatening condition. He was airlifted from Ballarat at about 8:15am.

Local sources have advised us that the shooting was accidental however police are yet to confirm this.

Police have cordoned off the property and are now door knocking surrounding properties with crime scene officers commencing their investigations.

Details are very limited at this stage. We will update this page with more information as it comes to hand.

Finalists announced for Volunteer Awards

HONOURING OUR HEROES This year’s Volunteering Ballarat Volunteer Recognition Awards are our way of acknowledging the unsung heroes of our community. As the volunteer workforce in our region quietly go about their business each day, it’s easy to forget that without them, our community would grind to a halt. So on Saturday night we are honouring 24 finalists for their selfless contribution; and not only them but every one of the approx. 25,000 volunteers who give of themselves to our community. All is in readiness for our red carpet evening; May 18, 6.30 at the Ballarat & District Trotting Club. Community Health and Care  Ballarat Health Services – BreastScreen Volunteers (Ann Campbell and Nola Phelan) These two women saw a need and stepped in to create this much-welcomed service. Nola and Ann are there to lend personal support to these women and their families at this most stressful time. Vision Australia Volunteers This team of volunteers works with Vision Australia staff to provide support to clients who are blind or have low vision. Carers of clients who attend the Vision Australia Day Program often comment on the benefits they receive knowing that the person they care for is happily engaged and safe, allowing them at least one day a week to pursue other activities. Big Brothers Big Sisters -Volunteer Mentors Volunteer mentors are matched with a vulnerable young person in need of friendship, support and positive role modelling. They participate in a range of activities with their young person, determined by their interests and needs. Community Service Anita Godfrey The Chairperson of the Relay for Life Ballarat committee for the past three years, Anita has been instrumental in the organisation of each annual event. Dennis Ross Volunteering with six different organisations in his local community of Smythesdale, Dennis is an incredibly hard working, community-focused man. Stan and Glenda Fitzpatrick Volunteer foster carers with Berry Street Services, Stan and Glenda have dedicated their lives to ensure that the young people in their care are able to experience a childhood and grow and develop. Community Organisation Voice FM 99.9 A community radio station broadcasting 24/7, run entirely by a volunteer team.  The station caters for the needs of those people who are not adequately served by existing media in Central Victoria. Leadership Ballarat & Western Region Runs a community leadership program that educates emerging leaders in our region.  Graduates of the program make up a volunteer skills bank – which not-for-profit organisations can access for mentors, board members, facilitators and project workers. Arts Nicholas Boak Nicholas volunteers for many different organisations – some of his work over the past year has included: ·      Volunteering for 4 organisations within the Arts ·      Meredith Music Festival – Helper Hut team member ·      Falls Music and Arts Festival – Information Station team member ·      Royal South Street Society – Event MC ·      Lead on Ballarat – Board Director Royal South Street Society Volunteer Team A volunteer board oversees a small paid staff and over 250 volunteers.  Preparation for and running of the competitions is a year round commitment. The competitions run for fourteen weeks, seven days a week, morning, afternoon and evening.  An extraordinary 16,500 volunteer hours are contributed each year. Community Event Relay for Life Ballarat Part of Cancer Council Victoria, Relay for Life is an 18 hour relay, with teams raising funds for cancer research.  Each team has approx.10 months to fundraise, culminating in the relay, candlelight ceremony and closing ceremony. Ballarat Community Garden – Harvest Festival The annual Harvest Festival allows the general community a chance to witness the result of a group of people who have worked together towards a common goal. Harmony Fest 2013 Harmony Fest was a unique five hour event that showcased the depth of local cultural talent, alongside multicultural artists from Melbourne, and innovatively presented through the various arts. Sports Individual Shane Bicknell President of Little Athletics Ballarat,  Shane coordinates over 50 volunteers to run 50 weekly events throughout the athletic season. Judith Yates Judith is Hockey Ballarat Treasurer, WestVic Hockey Secretary, Eureka Golden City Hockey Club Secretary and  Senior Leader – Hook in2 Hockey John McKean Sailability works to introduce sailing to the whole community, but especially to schools and special needs organisations. John has been instrumental in establishing the long term future of Sailability on Lake Wendouree. Emergency John Maggi John volunteers approx. 20 hours per week as Unit Controller of the Ballarat SES Unit.  He ensures the 85 volunteer members of the Ballarat unit are appropriately trained to respond to emergencies. Heather Turner Heather is the PR Coordinator of the Ballarat State Emergency Service Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministries These volunteers are trained to provide personal support to people affected by an emergency situation such as fire, flood or even a train crash. Sports Group Little Athletics Ballarat Provides the children of the Ballarat region with high quality competition, coaching and facilities in order to assist them to improve performance, enjoy participating in athletics and mature as healthy well-adjusted people. Special Olympics Ballarat Special Olympics Ballarat offer athletes with an intellectual disability the opportunity to take part in a number of sporting programs. Currently the region offers basketball, swimming, ten-pin bowling and golf. Sailability Sailability works to introduce sailing to the whole community, but especially to schools and special needs organisations. Youth Alyssa Tuddenham Alyssa has been volunteering with Pinarc Disability Support since she was 14 years old.  She provides regular weekend care for children who have disabilities, giving their parents a much-needed break from full time care. Jessica Phillips Jessica volunteers with the CFA, Central Highlands Community Legal Centre and CACSB Lion Team. The highly anticipated Volunteer of the Year will also be announced on the night.

Alzheimer’s Australia Recognises Ballarat Health Services’ Cognitive Impairment Identifier

Ballarat Health Services  -  Media Release  -  Wednesday 15 May 2013

Ballarat Health Services’ (BHS’) ground-breaking work on the development of a symbol to identify and assist patients with cognitive impairment, including dementia, has been recognised at Alzheimer’s Australia’s National Conference.
BHS developed and piloted the Cognitive Impairment Identifier in 2003 in partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria and local Graphic Designer Andrew Thomas.
The Cognitive Impairment Identifier is currently used as a bedside identifier to alert staff to the distinct needs of patients with cognitive impairment and their carers.
Between 2006 and 2011, BHS’ work has been extended to 22 Victorian hospitals. The central feature of this approach is that the hospitals involved commit to training and education of all staff to ensure an understanding of dementia, how to communicate effectively and involve carers.
Glenn Rees, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia, said that Alzheimer’s Australia recommends a similar approach for national use.
”Since 2002, Ballarat Health Services in Victoria has done some wonderful work in using a symbol for cognitive impairment,” Mr. Rees said.
Ballarat Health Services ‘Dementia Care in Hospitals Team’ responsible for the symbol’s development includes Associate Professor Mark Yates, Meredith Theobald (Director of Nursing Sub-acute Services) and Michelle Morvell (Cognition Clinical Nurse Consultant).
“Patients with cognitive impairment face considerable challenges in acute care settings. A symbol is necessary because, just like visual and hearing impairment where symbols are common place, cognitive impairment is easily missed. At BHS about 30 percent of all patients have some cognitive impairment,” A/Prof Yates said.
“After the introduction of the program and the bedside symbol, carer satisfaction improved and over half the staff surveyed said the symbol and education changed their delivery of care.”
“The drive to adopt a national symbol for dementia in Australia came about at the National Consumer Summit on Dementia held in 2005. Consumers indicated at the time that people with dementia and their carers wanted a national symbol for cognitive impairment so that people with dementia are treated appropriately, particularly in the delivery of service.”
CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia Glenn Rees welcomed the introduction of a national symbol to identify dementia friendly hospitals and businesses.

City of Ballarat welcomes $9.1 million for new freight hub

MEDIA RELEASE – Date: Wednesday 15 May, 2013

Mayor Cr John Burt says the new freight hub is a priority project for the City of Ballarat and the Federal Government has committed valuable funds to the development.
“The Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) is a very important project for the city and our region as we grow and develop, and the freight hub is a key piece of the puzzle,” he said.
“The high cost of freight has been identified by manufacturers as a key cost that affects the viability of their businesses. The new freight hub at the Ballarat West Employment Zone will mean businesses can get their product to market cheaper due to the accessibility of cutting-edge freight handling and freight aggregation services at a collocated freight facility.”
“This funding will assist in bringing the project to the market sooner and will make investment in the Employment Zone extremely attractive to potential developers.”
Mayor Burt said the BWEZ and the new freight hub was a popular topic of discussion on Council’s recent lobbying trip to Canberra.
“In Canberra, we talked to key members of the Federal Government and Opposition about funding and development of the Ballarat West Employment Zone,” he said.
“It’s gratifying that the importance of this project has been recognised with $9.1 million in funding and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Federal and State Government in the future on the Ballarat West Employment Zone.”
Following yesterday’s budget announcement, the City of Ballarat will continue to work with Major Projects Victoria, seeking to deliver the freight facility in the first stage of the BWEZ development.
The Ballarat West Employment Zone will deliver 9,000 local jobs on completion and assist Ballarat to remain a self-sustaining economy by injecting $5 billion in additional economic activity.
Funding of $637,000 in the Federal Budget will also deliver three new road works projects in Ballarat.
There will be new roundabouts are at the intersections of Barkly Street and Gladstone Street, and Wendouree Parade and Pleasant Street, and marking and installation of centre and edge lines works at Navigators Road, between Bulters Road and Mullanes Road.
The Ballarat City Council is committed to providing for Ballarat’s current and future infrastructure requirements funded through the 2013/14 Draft Budget.
The 2013/14 Draft Budget includes the biggest ever program of capital works for Ballarat with $72 million in works planned in the coming 12 months. The announcement of the funds for the Freight Hub will mean there will be more than $81 million in works for Ballarat supporting around 729 jobs
Future infrastructure is also well in hand with a $230 million Growth Fund announced on Monday, in Council’s Draft Budget briefing.
The Growth Fund will cover all of Ballarat’s future infrastructure costs and will deliver the infrastructure our future generations deserve.
With an investment of $1 million per annum, the Growth Fund will deliver future new infrastructure to ensure new and rapidly growing communities are well serviced and includes parks, playgrounds and community centres.
Council has also directed an additional $450,000 investment into infrastructure maintenance and standards per year. This investment will compound over the four year period, delivering a total of $4.5 million to improved service delivery across the city.

Matthew George Young Stockman Award 2013 Applications Now Sought

Matthew George of Stockyard Hill was tragically taken in a car accident in November 2007, at 21 years of age.

Matthew had an absolute love of animals together with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for breeding. Matthew’s dream was to travel overseas to study developments in beef cattle breeding and to bring this knowledge back to Australia to enhance our herds by sharing this knowledge with fellow breeders.

The Matthew George Young Stockman Award was established in September 2008 as a sub-fund of The Ballarat Foundation to allow young breeders, aged 18 to 25 years, the opportunity to live Matthew’s dream.

This award offers a wonderful opportunity annually to one deserving young stockman to travel overseas, to become an ambassador for the industry, to study other beef cattle breeding programs, developments and practices, and then to share their new-found knowledge to advance the beef cattle industry in Australia.

Matthew’s industry colleagues and friends were instrumental in establishing this Award through their generosity along with support from business, both locally and across the country.

The annual Award recipient will be announced at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Application forms and criteria can be found at: www.ballaratfoundation.org.au and need to be received by Sunday 30 June.

Alfredton Oval ready for play

MEDIA RELEASE – Date: Wednesday 15 May, 2013

Photo opportunity:
Who: City of Ballarat Councillors John Philips and Amy Johnson, Ballarat Football Club Junior Club president Karl Drever and club members
What: Official opening of the second oval at the Alfredton Recreation Reserve
When: Today, Wednesday 15 May at 4.30pm (just prior to the Ballarat Football Club juniors training session on the new ground)
Where: Alfredton Recreation Reserve, Cuthberts Road, Alfredton
The new $1.4 million ‘village green’ at the Alfredton Recreation Reserve will be officially opened by City of Ballarat Councillor John Philips today (15/05) at 4.30pm.
The second oval, known as the ‘village green’, will be home to a range of outdoor turf-based sports including Australian Rules football, soccer and cricket.
A new community pavilion complete with coaches’ boxes and change room facilities have also been delivered and will open for community use from today.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities John Philips said today was an exciting day for the future of the Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
“This Council is committed to delivering quality facilities that build growth in sport – so it is exciting to see the village green complete and ready for community use.
“The drought-tolerant grass and training lights mean this wonderful new facility is suitable for use year round for training and match play. It will alleviate the demand on the first oval and provides an exciting new home for junior sports in Ballarat.”
At a Special Council Meeting tonight, Councillors will consider a report recommending the release of the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan to the community for feedback and comment.
The Draft Budget contains $21 million for sporting infrastructure over the coming five years. It includes plans for a new, indoor 50m pool at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre, an indoor water play area, as well as $5.3 million to complete the Regional Soccer Facility with assistance from the Federal Government.
If approved for release, the documents will be available for 28 days from Saturday 18 May 2013 via Council’s website or to view in hard copy at the Phoenix Building or at Town Hall.
Residents will be encouraged to view the Draft Council Plan and Draft Budget and provide feedback to Council.
Cr John Philips said “The Draft Budget we consider releasing to the community tonight for feedback is one of the most ambitious budgets ever for the City of Ballarat, with $72 million worth of capital works planned.”

Draft Budget cements Ballarat as the place to play

MEDIA RELEASE -  Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Following a block buster summer of events in Ballarat and strong tourism visitation figures for 2012, the City of Ballarat has flagged $4.8 million to tourism and events in the 2013/14 Draft Budget.

Council has recognised the role that Ballarat Regional Tourism and community events play in delivering a vibrant calendar of events for locals and visitors alike.

Council will provide $3.57 million to fund the activities of Ballarat Regional Tourism through the Draft Budget.

Ballarat Regional Tourism continues to deliver strong visitation to Ballarat and these funds will further support that work.

Over the next financial year the funding will enable Ballarat Regional Tourism to deliver the Visitor Information Centre, industry development and destination marketing activities as well as key major tourism events including the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships and the 2015 World Masters Rowing.

Council’s own $1.26 million program of Ballarat community events will include the Ballarat Begonia Festival, Heritage Weekend, the 2013 Christmas Street Party and Summer Sundays as well as commemorative day events including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

The Draft Budget delivers the Ballarat that residents deserve and they told us they wanted. It is a Draft Budget that builds an unprecedented range of infrastructure including a 50m pool and a solution for Civic Hall, community facilities, a $230 million fund for future growth and prosperity and a strong financial base.

At a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May, Councillors will consider a report recommending the release of the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan to the community for feedback and comment.

If approved for release, the documents will be available for 28 days from Saturday 18 May 2013 via Council’s website or to view in hard copy at the Phoenix Building or at Town Hall.

Residents will be encouraged to view the Draft Council Plan and Draft Budget and provide feedback to Council.

Draft Budget to Build Stronger Communities

MEDIA RELEASE -  Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Council has revealed that $600,000 will be invested in grass root projects and programs in the coming year as part of the 2013/14 Draft Budget.

Community investment is just one of the many highlights of the 2013/14 Draft Budget, which is available to view as part of the Agenda for the Special Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May.

$300,000 will see the popular Community Impact Grants program continue to provide essential funding to local groups for projects and programs.

In addition, Council will establish a Township Program that will provide $100,000 to each of the communities of Miners Rest, Buninyong and Learmonth.

The Township Program will provide seed funding for neighbourhood projects and initiatives that are important to these communities.

These communities are actively involved in planning for their future and this program is a way of empowering these centres to get projects off the ground.

The program will encourage communities to work together to improve their neighbourhoods.

The Draft Budget delivers the Ballarat that residents deserve and they told us they wanted. It is a Draft Budget that builds an unprecedented range of infrastructure including a 50m pool and a solution for Civic Hall, community facilities, a $230 million fund for future growth and prosperity and a strong financial base.

At a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May, Councillors will consider a report recommending the release of the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan to the community for feedback and comment.

If approved for release, the documents will be available for 28 days from Saturday 18 May 2013 via Council’s website or to view in hard copy at the Phoenix Building or at Town Hall.

Residents will be encouraged to view the Draft Council Plan and Draft Budget and provide feedback to Council.

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