With just two weeks to go until the 18 May federal election Ballarat has been promised more than $25 million directly for important projects that will bring city-wide and regional benefits.
Election promises aside, the City also regularly accesses several multi-million dollar federal programs including roads to recovery, airport infrastructure, rail infrastructure, health, recreation and community facilities funding.
Millions of dollars in election promises is a fantastic position to be in and I am confident there’ll be more funding announcements before the polls close. Why am I so confident? It comes down to collaboration and strong, consistent leadership and advocacy – as a city, Ballarat does this well and with great success.
Lobbying comes in many forms and sees Councillors and officers regularly meeting with politicians, senior government officials and key stakeholders at local, state and federal levels and of all political persuasions. Be in no doubt, Ballarat has a strong, consistent voice in Canberra and Spring Street – and it pays off.
In terms of our $25 million in election commitments, the reality is, at both the state and federal levels all sides of politics must commit to a project for funding to be assured post-election.
So far, just one project in our municipality has received bi-partisan support, with the Liberal ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Coalition promising $10.1 million and the ALP following with a $10 million promise for the first stage of Beyond 50, a major redevelopment planned to celebrate Sovereign Hill’s fiftieth birthday. It will be money well spent, a worthwhile investment in Ballarat’s biggest tourism drawcard and a large local employer. Sovereign Hill continues to reinvent itself, winning multiple industry awards and attracting around 800,000 visitors a year.
Credit for many of the promises must go to the Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, who knows the electorate well and has listened as residents and key stakeholders, including Council, tell her what’s important to them.
Equally, thanks to Victorian Senators, who have taken a direct interest in what is best for our region and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Senator Jane Hume who has worked with us to open doors to the current government and to Senators Janet Rice, Bridget McKenzie and Derryn Hinch for their ongoing interest.
As a Council we have ensured all candidates are well informed and understand the value of investing in Ballarat.
Council has worked hard in this regard, lobbying all sides to attract support for key projects. We travel to Spring Street and Canberra to push our case for projects and initiatives and last year ahead of the Victorian election we launched the hugely successful Ballarat Now and Into the Future (BNIF) advocacy and lobbying campaign.
Backed by our city’s key stakeholders, this Council-lead initiative has seen many of the BNIF projects attract funding promises over the course of the state and federal election campaigns, including Her Majesty’s Theatre, BIRCH, and Sovereign Hill Beyond Fifty.
This takeup shows the power of talking to politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, of regular, strategic lobbying.
On Wednesday the ALP promised $5 million to complete critical safety and accessibility works at Her Majesty’s Theatre. It’s a very welcome announcement, one the people of Ballarat and region will love. Council and the community’s Save Her Majesty’s – The Time is Now campaign saw thousands of people sign a petition calling on governments to fund restoration works, and many others donate funds towards a new Her Majesty’s Foundation.
If delivered, the funds will complement those already committed by Council ($5.3 million), the State Government ($10 million) and Heritage Victoria ($2 million) and see accessibility for performers and audiences dramatically improve. The theatre will be brought up to safe and professional standards without compromising its historical and heritage integrity. It is the biggest investment in the grand old building since it opened 144 years ago.
It’s critical this promise is matched by the Liberal-³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Coalition and it’s reported the Liberal candidate is seeking party support for the project which is extremely encouraging.
The ALP has promised $10 million for BIRCH, the Ballarat Innovation and Research Collaboration for Health should it win government later this month. BIRCH is a unique regional health and research collaboration bringing together the research facilities of Ballarat’s public and private hospitals and universities. Its focus will be on acute health, aged care, integrated care and primary care research disciplines.
On Tuesday the ALP promised $500,000 for upgrades at the City Oval to ensure women and girls who use the ground have access to safe, functional changerooms. Council will match the funding.
A week earlier the Federal Liberal Government’s Sport Australia advised Council that a bid for $500,000 to upgrade sporting facilities at Russell Square’s junior multi-use change facility through the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program has been successful. Council will contribute $250,000 toward the project.
High on Ballarat’s agenda has always been funding for key infrastructure projects to improve road, rail and air links to make life easier, more enjoyable and more profitable for residents and businesses.
Ballarat’s population is growing rapidly and investment in key transport infrastructure is essential if our city is to maximise the opportunities this growth brings.
As we pass the halfway point of the campaign my hope is that all sides of politics will provide support to these important initiatives, these are the projects that a growing Ballarat not only needs but deserves.
