A new campaign seeking state and federal funding support for six transformational projects for Ballarat and the region was launched at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Thursday, exactly one month out from the 2022 Federal Election.
Ballarat. Now and Into the Future 2022 is a co-operative campaign between nine of Ballarat's key organisations representing the health, education, tourism, commercial, local government and advocacy sectors.
The projects will each bring city-wide and regional benefits including - jobs during construction, investment in our economy, improved health outcomes and transport connectivity, increased opportunities for Ballarat's tertiary sector, and enhanced offerings for visitors.
The six projects will inject a combined $372 million into the Ballarat economy, create 1,762 direct and indirect jobs, and $315.6 million in economic activity for the city and region during construction.
The six transformational projects are:
- Community Mental Health Facility - a purpose-built facility to meet the rapidly growing demand for community-based mental health services in Ballarat and the Grampians Region.
- Ballarat Major Events Precinct Expansion - a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a world class major events precinct for sport and entertainment.
- Sovereign Master Plan Phase 1b - will deliver the next exciting stage of development at Sovereign Hill and boost visitation to Ballarat and the west.
- Ballarat Link Road Next Stages - will complete a 12 km arterial to connect our rapidly building growth area and improve freight movement through Ballarat to four regional highways and key ports.
- Ballarat University Town - will bring thousands of Federation University students to the Ballarat CBD each day by establishing state of the art teaching facilities at SMB Campus.
- Circular Economy Precinct anchored by a Materials Recovery Facility - will develop a new precinct at the Ballarat West Employment Zone centred on a new facility to sort mixed recyclables from across our region so they can be repurposed by circular businesses into useful new products.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the campaign draws on the strength the nine organisations bring as a united, powerful voice for Ballarat to other levels of government.
"We know that when key Ballarat organisations are aligned to a shared vision, our message is more likely to resonate with candidates, governments and oppositions from all sides of politics," Mayor Moloney said.
"Together, we represent thousands of employees, businesses, and more than 113,000 Ballarat residents.
"Many of our partner organisations help meet the health, education, social and cultural needs of the 300,000 plus residents who live in the west of the state."
"With two elections this year, we will work together to provide a united, powerful voice to governments, oppositions, and candidates from across the political spectrum on these six important projects."
He said the projects were selected following a workshop process involving each of the nine organisations held last year, during which the merits of each project was assessed.
The nine Ballarat organisations supporting Ballarat. Now and Into the Future 2022 are:
- Australian Catholic University
- Ballarat Regional Tourism
- Central Highlands Water
- City of Ballarat
- Commerce Ballarat
- Committee for Ballarat
- Federation University
- Grampians Health
- Sovereign Hill
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