DOVETON CRESCENT UPGRADE
6th April 2010
Media Opportunity
Date: 9:30am, Tuesday 6 April
Place: Doveton Crescent
Who: Cr Craig Fletcher, Growth and Development Portfolio
A package of works underway in Doveton Crescent will make the area safer, with improved parking, a new road surface and the creation of a shared pedestrian and cycle path.
The $460,000 works are in Doveton Crescent between Lydiard Street North and Doveton Street North and are being funded through Council's Capital Works Program.
Doveton Crescent is popular parking area for train commuters and heavy traffic in the area in recent years has taken its toll on old infrastructure in an area that was not originally designed to cater for the high traffic and parking volumes the area experiences now.
The works will include full reconstruction of the road, formalised parking areas to provide an increased number of parking spaces (total spaces 105) and an off road shared pedestrian and cycle path.
Ballarat City Council Portfolio Councillor for Growth and Development, Cr Craig Fletcher said the cycle path link was one of the initiatives that was raised as a priority of the Ballarat Bicycle Strategy.
"The new cycle path will form part of a strategic link for recreational cyclists between the Ballarat Train Station, Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. Council Designers are currently developing concepts for a pedestrian crossing to the station at Lydiard Street and this path will help address the need for improved pedestrian and cycling access to the station and surrounding area" Cr Fletcher said.
"These works will improve the look and functionality of this section of Doveton Crescent by bringing the road up to an acceptable standard and creating more formalised off street parking".
The works are expected to be completed in early April 2010.
HERCULES, MERCURY, FLORA FARNESE AND LEDA BACK IN PLACE IN THE BALLARAT BOTANICAL GARDENS
12th April 2010
Photo Opportunity
What: Final four Stoddart Statues will be placed onto their pedestals in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
When: 10:30 am, Friday 9 April, 2010
Who: Mayor of Ballarat Cr Judy Verlin and Ballarat Botanical Gardens Curator Peter Marquand
The final four Stoddart Statues - Flora Farnese, Leda, Mercury and Hercules - will return to outdoor public display in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Friday (9 April 2010).
Flora Farnese, Leda, Mercury and Hercules are fresh from being the focal point of the annual Begonia Display in The Conservatory.
Their return outdoors marks the first time in almost a decade that all twelve statues in the Stoddart Bequest have been on display in the Gardens together.
The statues' pedestals were reinstated to their original positions in the Gardens on Wednesday, 7 April.
All of the statues were removed over a period of years after being attacked by vandals. They were subsequently repaired and restored and put on display in The Conservatory.
Last month, eight of the other Stoddart statues were returned to the Botanical Gardens in time for the Ballarat Begonia Festival. Garden's staff report that feedback regarding the statues' return has been very positive with an increase in demand for information on the statues. As a consequence the Friends of the Gardens have run statues' tours for a number of groups.
The Friends will be conducting a Statues' tour on Sunday, 18 April at 2 pm leaving from The Conservatory.
The statues were a gift to the people of Ballarat in 1884 from philanthropist Thomas Stoddart in appreciation of his good fortune on the goldfields of Ballarat.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the return of the final four statues in the collection would allow members of the public to enjoy the beauty of the statues in the setting for which they had been commissioned.
DETOX YOUR HOME CHEMICAL COLLECTION DAY
Photo Opportunity
Who: City of Ballarat Growth and Development Councillor Noel Perry
What: Cr Noel Perry preparing chemicals for Detox Your Home chemical collection day
When: Tomorrow, 10:30 am, Wednesday 14 April
Where: Town Hall, Bath Lane entrance
Residents are encouraged to rid their homes of unwanted chemicals for free at the Detox Your Home chemical collection on Saturday, 17 April.
The free collection is from 8am to 4pm at the Ballarat Transfer Station, Gillies Street South (opposite Victoria Park).
The chemical collection is organised by the City of Ballarat in partnership with Sustainability Victoria.
City of Ballarat Growth and Development Councillor Noel Perry urged residents to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of old and unwanted household chemicals in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.
"Household chemicals can be dangerous if they are not stored or disposed of in a safe manner and keeping old chemicals in the shed or under the sink increases the risk of poisoning around the home.
"Putting household chemicals in the landfill or pouring even small amounts down storm water drains can pollute creeks and rivers, harming plants and animals, so Council recommends residents seize this free opportunity to Detox Your Home on Saturday."
Types of unwanted household chemicals accepted for disposal at Detox Your Home include:
- Household chemicals such as aerosol cans, insect sprays, pest poisons, household cleaners, pharmaceuticals and mothballs.
- Garden chemicals such as fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.
- Automotive chemicals such as transmission fluids, batteries and battery acid, brake fluid, car wax solvent and fuels (such as petrol, diesel, kerosene).
- Workshop chemicals including paint strippers, solvent-based glues, water and oil-based paints, paint thinner, acetone, turpentine, varnish and wood preservative.
- Other miscellaneous chemicals accepted are acids and alkalis, artists' paints and supplies, photographic chemicals, fiberglass resins (not mixed), extinguishers, and swimming pool chemicals.
Car and household batteries, gas cylinders and small quantities of motor oils (commercial disposal not available) can be taken to the Transfer Station year round.
Items that cannot be accepted include:
- chemicals used by businesses commercial and industrial purposes
- containers over 20 litres or 20 kilograms or empty chemical containers
- farm chemicals
- waste asbestos, ammunition and flares
The following safety measures should be taken when transporting chemicals to the Transfer Station:
- Ensure lids are tightly fitted.
- Place liquids on a tray or in a plastic bucket so any spills are contained
- Pack powders and solids securely.
- Keep corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid, away from poisons.
- Keep oxidising agents, such as peroxide, away from all other materials.
- Travel with your car windows down if carrying flammable or odorous materials.
- Double-wrap old liquid containers in plastic bags to prevent leaking.
For information on recycling a variety of different items in Ballarat, please see City of Ballarat's guide What to Recycle, Where, available in the March issue of MyBallarat magazine and at the Council website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
BALLARAT CITY COUNCIL RELEASE LAKE WENDOUREE REPORT
14th April 2010
Ballarat City Council will discuss a report entitled Refilling of Lake Wendouree at its ordinary meeting tomorrow night but it will not be asked to make a decision on purchasing additional water for the Lake.
City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schinck said that Council would receive up-to-date information about timelines for refilling the Lake, including the return of key water-based activities, but it was not being asked to vote on purchasing water for the lake.
"There is no decision on sourcing an additional water supply for the lake being sought from Council at tomorrow night's meeting. Council will discuss the Refilling of Lake Wendouree report and consider some of the important issues connected to restoring the lake, including the environmental implications, infrastructure challenges and current Lake Wendouree restoration plan," Mr Schinck said.
"Council wants to continue engaging with stakeholders including State Government, Central Highlands Water and Fill the Lake campaigners so that we are able to keep fully informed about this important community debate and explore all ideas that may or may not develop into proposals that would refill the lake sooner than the current strategy.
"This report is another step in keeping the community informed about what is happening with the Lake."
The Report discusses a number of key issues around refilling including:
- The feasibility of delivering additional water to Lake Wendouree, and determines that there is no existing pipe or retention infrastructure to pump water from the White Swan Reservoir to Lake Wendouree. The delivery of additional water would also be limited by the fact that the existing piping infrastructure from the Gong Gong reservoir to Lake Wendouree allows for a maximum transportation of 5 ML a day - a total of 1,865 ML per year.
- An update on the deepening of the rowing course. Tenders are currently being sought for the work which will commence this spring if sufficient rainfall is received to accommodate the floating barge which will be used to deepen the course by 0.5 metres. Once the work on the rowing course is complete recreational rowing and boating will be possible along the rowing course in summer 2010/2011.
- The environmental implications of delivering a large quantity of water to the lake in a short timeframe, with experts advising that it is not environmentally desirable to completely fill Lake Wendouree within a 12-month timeframe.
- The great importance of Lake Wendouree in Ballarat's social, environmental and cultural fabric, with planned or completed works due to deliver a full Lake Wendouree by spring 2013.
- Council's commitment in its Council Plan and 2009-2013 capital budget to deliver significant storm water harvesting projects and to ensure water levels in Lake Wendouree match Council's projections.
2010 BALLARAT HERITAGE WEEKEND LAUNCH
16th April 2010
Photo opportunity
Who: City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Ballarat Heritage Weekend Samantha McIntosh
What: Ballarat Heritage Weekend launch - High Tea at Craig's Royal Hotel
When: Tomorrow, Friday 16 April at 3pm
Where: Craig's Royal Hotel
Grand buildings, enchanting gardens and intriguing memorabilia and collections will all feature as part of the 2010 Ballarat Heritage Weekend.
Ballarat Heritage Weekend will be held over Mother's Day weekend Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May.
This year's event, themed around travel and tourism, will offer more than 100 activities including exclusive vintage collections, activities and exhibitions - most free of charge or available for a gold coin donation.
Vintage fashion exhibitions, including Louis Vuitton luggage, swimsuits and accessories of an earlier age all feature as part of the program.
A host of grand buildings and gardens will open - some exclusively for this two-day event - including the Ercildoune Homestead Gardens, Lal Lal Estate, Hymettus Cottage, the Old Colonists' Club and the Loreto Chapel and Gardens.
Craig's Royal Hotel, Portico Wine Bar and Restaurant and the Lydiard Wine Bar will each host traditional high tea sittings throughout Heritage Weekend.
Portfolio Councillor for the Ballarat Heritage Weekend Cr Samantha McIntosh said the event provided an opportunity for the community to embrace our city's rich cultural heritage.
"History really does live in Ballarat all year round, but for this one weekend in May we can truly turn back the clock and discover parts of our city we have never had the chance to explore before.
"Treat your mum this Mother's Day and indulge in high tea, visit some of the open gardens or take a ride on a horse drawn carriage."
The event program also includes open churches, museums, self-guided and guided tours and food and wine related events.
During the weekend the Mining Exchange will act as an information hub, where people can collect an event program to plan their weekend.
For further information about Ballarat Heritage Weekend visit www.ballaratheritageweekend.com
COUNCIL COMMITTED TO REFILLING STRATEGY
16th April 2010
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 14 April, Council discussed a report entitled Refilling of Lake Wendouree and confirmed that its existing strategy to restore Lake Wendouree was the right approach.
The report outlined up-to-date information about timelines for refilling the Lake, including the return of key water-based activities and water infrastructure, present and proposed for water delivery to Lake Wendouree and other Council assets.
Council, together with funding partners, has invested $12 million in water supply, rowing course and Lake foreshore improvements since 2005 and is committed to further investment to complete stormwater harvesting schemes and the deepening of the rowing course. This investment will deliver a near full Lake by spring 2012 and full lake by spring 2013.
Council committed to continue engaging with all relevant stakeholders with a vested interest in the Lake precinct and to keep them informed. A public awareness campaign will now be undertaken to inform the community of Council's strategy for refilling the Lake.
The strategy will see the gradual return of water activities from as early as next summer. Following the completion of rowing course dredging it is expected that activities will return as follows:
- Summer 2010/11 - recreational rowing and canoeing
- Autumn 2012 - recreational sailing
- Winter 2012 - recreational boating
- Spring 2012 - fishing
- Autumn 2013 - local rowing regattas
- Spring 2013 - state level rowing, angling and yachting
Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said Council has invested significantly in developing a long term, sustainable solution for filling Lake Wendouree.
"Council has committed significant funds and resources to secure a water supply for Lake Wendouree. The works being undertaken will eliminate the Lake's reliance on our potable water supply and ensure that the Lake is restored, sustainably and environmentally sound, in two years.
"Once full, the infrastructure Council is putting in place will ensure the Lake has a water supply sufficient to offset any evaporative losses."
Councillor Samantha McIntosh, who requested the report, said that she was proud of the work that this Council had undertaken to restore Lake Wendouree to its former glory.
"It is important for the community to understand that the Lake does not need to be completely full for us to regain its lifestyle benefits including recreation, tourism and environmental benefits.
"Lake Wendouree is the jewel in our city's crown. It will be wonderful to see the return of rowing next summer, boating by winter next year and fishing by spring next year."
Since 2006, Council has embarked on significant treated water and stormwater harvesting projects to secure a sustainable water supply for Lake Wendouree. A number of these projects have been completed and are already supplying water to the Lake, these include:
- The diversion of stormwater from the Paul's Wetland outfall (250ML per annum);
- Supply of Class A recycled water from the North Ballarat Wastewater Treatment Plant (600ML per annum);
- The Botanical Gardens bore supplying the hatcheries and discharging approx 30ML per annum to the Lake.
- Redirection of Ballarat Golf Club overflow drain to the Lake (10ML per annum)
- Ryan Street Brown Hill stormwater diversion to lake, using Gong Gong to Lake Wendouree pipeline (70ML per annum).
Stormwater harvesting
Council made a commitment in its Council Plan and 2009-2013 capital budget to progress significant stormwater harvesting projects. So far, Council has been successful in acquiring Victorian Government funding for the Redan Wetlands to Lake Wendouree pipeline project. This project will supply an additional 280ML per annum to the Lake.
Council, in partnership with the Committee for Ballarat, made a successful application to the Federal Government for additional stormwater harvesting and distribution infrastructure. With the $2.37 million of Federal Government funding and Council's commitment to $1 million stormwater harvesting capital funding the project will deliver:
- Ballarat Golf Course Storm Detention Basin to Lake Wendouree supply (20ML per annum) - by November 2010
- Ring Road Storm Detention to Lake Wendouree supply (400ML per annum) - by March 2011
- Nerrina stormwater diversion (90ML per annum) - by December 2011
- Warrenheip stormwater diversion (160ML per annum) - by December 2011
- Renewal of the Gong Gong to Lake Wendouree pipe line
- Water supply lines from Lake Wendouree to Sturt Street, Prince of Wales Park and other sports grounds.
All of these projects will ensure the Lake remains viable even in the event of further climatic changes.
Rowing Course Deepening
The project commenced in 2009 with the deepening of the start and finish of the course. Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interests for dredging the remainder of the rowing course and associated works. Works are expected to commence in September 2010. The commencement of works is dependent on there being approximately 0.5 metres of water in the rowing course.
COLLECTIONS TO FEATURE AT BALLARAT HERITAGE WEEKEND
23rd April 2010
Photo opportunity
Who: Portfolio Councillor for Ballarat Heritage Weekend Samantha McIntosh and Vintage and Classic Car Club Ballarat representative Noel Trengrove
What: Pre-promotion Ballarat Heritage Weekend Collections
When: Today, Thursday 22 April at 12.30pm
Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, main entrance (opposite Pipers)
Louis Vuitton luggage, vintage swimsuits, Lucite Handbags, walking sticks and vintage bicycles are just some of the feature collections of this year's Ballarat Heritage Weekend program.
A vast array of intriguing memorabilia and collections - themed around 'Travel and Tourism' - will feature as part of this year's event to be held over Mother's Day Weekend 8 and 9 May.
One highlight of this year's event will be the vintage and classic car collection. The collection depicts the diverse and progressive motoring eras from the 1920s to the 1970s.
The vehicles will be on display throughout the weekend outside some of Ballarat's finest buildings including Craig's Royal Hotel, the Mining Exchange, Ballarat Town Hall and Portico.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Ballarat Heritage Weekend Samantha McIntosh said the collections were an exciting addition to the 2010 Ballarat Heritage Weekend program.
"Visitors are sure to be impressed by the diverse range of collections that will be on display and I have no doubt that each collection will generate lively conversation as visitors reminisce about the fashion, transport and various other accessories from an earlier age.
"I encourage the community to treat their mum's this Mother's Day and take the time to turn back the clock at this year's Ballarat Heritage Weekend."
The collections featuring in Ballarat Heritage Weekend include:
- Louis Vuitton vintage luggage - Louis Vuitton crafted luggage of unparalled quality and inimitable style for the travelling wealthy elite. Louis Vuitton has a history that runs parallel with the world's enthusiasm for travel and tourism. The collection will be on display at the Mining Exchange from 9am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Vintage bicycles - Paul Farren has collected bicycles for 30 years which has resulted in one of the world's best early bike collections - including 160 bicycles from the 1800s. The collection will be on display at the Mining Exchange from 9am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Vintage swimwear - Nicole Jenkins' stunning swimsuit collection is symbolic of holiday and leisure time from the 1930s to the 1970s. The collection will be on display at the Ballarat Trades Hall from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Lucite Handbags - With their amazing architectural styles and shining embellishments of rhinestones and pearls, Lucite Handbags were fabulously exclusive to high society and came in a wide variety of colours and shapes. Rae Harvey has one of the classiest collections of post war vintage Lucite Handbags in Australia. The collection will be on display at The George Hotel from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Walking sticks - Paul Taylor became interested in walking sticks as a youngster when he found that actor and singer Maurice Chevalier had a large collection of them. Today Paul has hundreds of walking sticks, dating from the 1860s to the 1930s and is continually amazed at the ingenuity of walking sticks. The collection will be on display at Portico Wine Bar and Restaurant from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Town Hall postcard collection - The Ballarat Town Hall will showcase for the first time a unique collection of historic Ballarat postcards, produced from photos taken of key tourism offerings and icons around town during the 20th century. The collection will be on display at the Ballarat Town Hall from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Ballarat's Tourism Guides collection - From 1900 Ballarat actively promoted its attractions to visitors by publishing the 'Beautiful Ballarat' Guide Books. The Ballarat Historical Society's collection will be on display from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Transported Back - Public Records Office - A photographic exhibition that illustrates Victoria's history via public transport will be on display at the Ballarat Railway Station from 10am to 5pm throughout the weekend.
- Chinese heritage artefacts collection - The Chinese had a significant presence on the Ballarat goldfields in the 1850s, making up more than 25 per cent of the local population. The display highlights the contribution made by Chinese people both past and present. The collection will be on display in the Ballarat Town Hall throughout the weekend from 10am to 5pm.
This year's event will offer more than 100 activities in numerous locations around Ballarat, available free of charge or for a gold coin donation.
During the weekend the Mining Exchange will act as an information hub, where people can collect an event program to plan their weekend.
For further information about Ballarat Heritage Weekend visit www.ballaratheritageweekend.com
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES
23rd April 2010
Thousands of Australians will pay their respects at the many Anzac Day services held across the nation this Sunday 25 April.
The Ballarat Commemorative Days Committee will conduct a series of Commemorative Services in Ballarat on Sunday including a Dawn Service, Church Service and the Anzac Day March followed by a Commemorative Service.
To coincide with Anzac Day, 50 sailors from HMAS Ballarat will visit Ballarat, participating in a variety of activities over the weekend, including the Anzac Day March.
This Anzac Day, tributes will be paid to all who served at war, particularly those who fought in The Battle of Fromelles. Local military historian, Amanda Taylor, has evidence that approximately 60 soldiers killed during the battle were from Ballarat and district.
This Anzac Day, the following Ballarat soldiers will be recognised for their sacrifices during The Battle of Fromelles:
- Allan Bennett (Clunes)
- James Alfred Cozens (Berringa)
- Vincent Michael Grogan
- William Leslie Hart (Ballarat)
- Frederick Giffin Holst
- Athol Halliday McDowell (Gordon)
- James Ralston (Pootilla)
- Frederick Rawlings (Ballarat)
- Henry Bell (a Bendigo resident with strong Ballarat family connections)
Tributes will be paid to all those who served our country, however special thoughts will be for the Ballarat based soldiers who fought and died for Australia.
A number of Anzac Day commemorative services will be held on Sunday:
Ballarat
5.45am - Dawn Service, Ballarat Cenotaph, Sturt St
8.30am - Church Service, St Patrick's Cathedral, Sturt St
8.30am - Wreath laying ceremony, Arch of Victory, Sturt St
9am - Wreath laying ceremony, Ex PoW Memorial, Lake Wendouree
10.45am - Wreath laying ceremony, Ballarat Cenotaph, Sturt St
- Anzac Day March, Sturt St
- Commemorative Service, Sturt St
Sebastopol
8.45am - Anzac Day March and Commemorative Service, Albert St
Buninyong
10.15am - Anzac Day Commemorative Service, Warrenheip St
For more information on Anzac Day services please contact Ballarat RSL on 5332 3300.
Road closure details:
Residents are reminded that there will be changed traffic conditions and road closures in the Ballarat CBD and in Sebastopol on Sunday 25 April to ensure the safe conduct of Anzac Day commemorations.
Ballarat
- Saturday 24 April from 1pm to Sunday 25 April, 1pm parking will be restricted on Sturt St from Lyons to Dawson St.
- Saturday 24 April from 1pm the right lane of east bound traffic (adjacent to the Cenotaph) will be closed to allow for preparations for the services.
- Sunday 25 April from 5am - 1pm Sturt St will be closed from Dawson to Raglan St in both directions to all traffic.
- Sunday 25 April from 5am - 1pm Lyons St will be closed from Dana to Mair St with only local traffic permitted.
- Additional Disabled Parking will be located in Lyons St Sth opposite the RSL- please approach from Dana St.
- Sunday 25 April from 11 - 11.15am during the ANZAC Day March Doveton St (Midland Hwy) will be temporarily closed to through traffic by the Victoria Police.
Sebastopol
- Sunday 25 April from 8.15 - 9.30am Albert St will be closed to through traffic between Walker and Bridge St.
- Traffic diversions will be in place - follow marked route.
For the safety of all road users, motorists are urged to follow the directions of police and marshals and approach all areas with caution.
For more information on road closures contact Council's Events Officer David McMahon on 0409 205 620 or davidmcmahon@ballarat.vic.gov.au
BALLARAT LEADS REGIONAL APPROACH ON WIND TURBINES TO MINISTER
23rd April 2010
Ballarat City Council has led a delegation of Mayors and CEOs from the Central Highlands Region to discuss the issue of wind turbines with the Minister for Planning Justin Madden.
At the meeting in Melbourne this afternoon the delegation put a case to the Minister that there needs to be a stronger role for local government when decisions about the development of new wind farms were being made.
Ballarat City Council chairs the Central Highlands Regional Mayors' and CEOs' Forum and has taken a lead in regional discussions around the role of local governments in the planning process for wind turbines, and in the monitoring and enforcement of the planning permit conditions outlined by the State Government.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Judy Verlin said current arrangements meant all planning applications for wind farms were considered at state government level, while enforcement issues, such as problems associated with flashing lights or noise from wind turbines, were expected to be taken up by local Councils.
"These are issues which challenge local governments across our region. It can be quite onerous for smaller Councils particularly to have the responsibility for enforcing conditions on wind turbines that have been put in place by the Minister. This can be particularly difficult when Councils have not had any input into the decision making process and don't have the technical capacity to deal with issues such as noise complaints or environmental impacts," Cr Verlin said.
"We are not seeking to take on responsibility for issuing planning permits for wind turbines but we would like to work with the State Government on this issue to make the process more manageable for all involved.
"We believe that when it comes to dealing with wind farm enforcement issues a partnership approach between Councils and the State will be most effective.
"We have put a proposal to the Minister today for a scheme which would see each participating municipality pay a levy per wind turbine. That money would be used to help fund the creation of a specialised regional resource which would have the necessary powers, knowledge and expertise to handle enforcement of wind turbine-related issues on behalf of participating Councils in our region.
"If successful this could be a model for other areas of the State in which councils are struggling with enforcement issues around wind turbines," Cr Verlin said.
City of Ballarat CEO Anthony Schinck said under the current system enforcement of wind turbine-related issues was a huge impost for many smaller regional councils in the Central Highlands Region.
"Ballarat currently has fewer than 30 turbines in the municipality, however our neighbours in Moorabool, Golden Plains, Ararat, Pyrenees and Moyne it is potentially a much bigger problem, which is most effectively tackled from a regional perspective," Mr Schinck said.
"There are currently 8 operating wind farms in Victoria with 266 turbines but a further 20 wind farms have been approved with 839 more wind turbines due to be constructed, and there are plans in progress for a 33 projects in various stages of development. Clearly this issue is going to take on a much higher profile with this level of development planned.
"Most municipalities in our region welcome wind turbines because of the investment and economic benefits they bring, and because they are an important source of clean, affordable and renewable energy. However there is no doubt that the development of wind farms is a complex and sensitive issue which can be very divisive for smaller communities.
"We are interested in working with the Minister to help develop consistent standards that would govern the development of wind farms and the enforcement of their planning permit conditions around Victoria, not just in the Central Highlands Region," Mr Schinck said.
BALLARAT HERITAGE AWARDS A GREAT SUCCESS
28th April 2010
Three local restoration projects were named winners of the inaugural 2010 Ballarat Heritage Awards at the Mechanics Institute on World Heritage Day - Sunday, 18 April.
The awards are a partnership between City of Ballarat and the National Trust of Victoria (Ballarat Branch).
2010 Ballarat Heritage Award-Winners
In the category of Successful New Development within a Protected Heritage Area, 206 Mair St was named the winning property and the award was accepted by Vicstate Savings & Loans. Also nominated in this category was 507 Mair Street.
National Trust Conservation Manager and 2010 Ballarat Heritage Awards judge Paul Roser noted the winning building had "strong design that is clearly contemporary yet successfully fits into streetscape...No overt historicism or mimickery".
In the category of Enhancement of a Heritage Place, Bailey's Mansion, St John of God Hospital, corner of Drummond and Mair Streets, took out top honours, ahead of the Mechanics Institute, Sturt St, and Craig's Royal Hotel, Lydiard St South.
Bailey's Mansion was praised by Roser as "a revelation...The context of this building within the streetscape has been addressed...No taking away from its enhancement - putting the building on show".
Local business Harrisons Funerals, Main Road, was named winner of the Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place Award. Medic Aid, Raglan St North was highly commended in the category and Kirrit Barreet Aboriginal Art Gallery, Main Road; SJ Butler Financial Planning Offices, Mair St; and Heritage on Lydiard, Lydiard St North, were also nominated.
Roser said of Harrisons Funerals' impressive premises, "Owner has worked with property - goes 'with the grain' rather than against it".
Ballarat City Lead Councillor on Heritage Samantha McIntosh officially opened the inaugural awards presentation.
"Congratulations to all the deserving nominees of the first annual Ballarat Heritage Awards. These dedicated individuals are keeping heritage alive in Ballarat, demonstrating that heritage can be used creatively - it just takes imagination; together we are conserving Ballarat for our future; and we are celebrating the past while preserving, promoting and protecting what makes Ballarat, Ballarat."
Cr McIntosh said the Ballarat Heritage Awards are an exciting new initiative by Council and the National Trust (Ballarat Branch).
"The prestigious new awards celebrate the achievements of Ballarat businesses and the community in honouring our city's great heritage. The awards are sure to be eagerly anticipated next year and for many decades to come."
Cr McIntosh said Council is proud to work with owners of heritage properties to preserve Ballarat's important, living places.
"Council is very committed to preserving Ballarat's heritage - at all locations we own and manage as well as inspiring and supporting local home and business owners to understand the great benefits of preserving our city's unique heritage.
"Strong collaborations with organisations such as the National Trust are critical to Council achieving these goals. City of Ballarat and the National Trust recognise the challenges and enormous potential of Ballarat's unique heritage and the quality of the work that has been undertaken by passionate residents, businesses and organisations to uphold that tradition."
Council is in the final stages of adopting its Preserving Our Heritage Strategy. The Strategy outlines positive initiatives and plans for City of Ballarat to undertake, in partnership with the community.
Category finalists for the inaugural awards were selected by members of the local Ballarat branch of the National Trust.
Dr Frank Hurley, President of the Mechanics Institute, was keynote speaker at the inaugural Ballarat Heritage Awards Presentation. He outlined the works completed to date on the significant local building and current projects in the works.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON PUBLIC HOLIDAY
29th April 2010
Ballarat City Council is calling for public feedback regarding the November public holiday decision.
Residents and businesses are invited to select between three dates, one of which will be gazetted by Council as a public holiday
- Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 2 November 2010)
- Ballarat Show Day (Friday 12 November 2010)
- Ballarat Cup Day (Wednesday 17 November 2010)
City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schinck encouraged residents and businesses to seize this opportunity to share their view on the public holiday decision.
"The Ballarat Show and the Ballarat Cup are both quality local events with great social, economic and tourism benefits. Council is responsible for gazetting one public holiday for the entire municipality however we hope that the Ballarat community will heartily support these two popular annual events, regardless of the public holiday decision."
The public consultation process opens Saturday, 1 May and closes at 5pm, Monday, 31 May.
There are three options for residents to have their say on the public holiday decision:
- Make a written submission to Council. All submissions should be addressed to: City of Ballarat - Governance and Civic Support Unit, PO Box 655, Ballarat, Vic, 3353.
- Vote in Council's online poll, available from 1 May at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
- Complete a voting form in the 5 May issue of The Ballarat News
City of Ballarat will also directly survey key bodies in local economic sectors including health, education, retail and manufacturing.
Submissions will be considered by a committee. All public feedback will be considered at a Council meeting in July and Council will officially gazette one public holiday for the municipality.
Under the State Government's Public Holidays Act, Ballarat City Council is required to gazette a public holiday for the municipality, if it would like to select a date of local significance. The default public holiday is Melbourne Cup Day. Notification of the nominated day must be sent to the State Minister for Local Government by the first week in August.
This year, the State Government allowed some municipalities to gazette part-shire public holiday arrangements, splitting the municipality geographically and assigning different days for different towns within the shire. City of Ballarat was not eligible for a part-shire public holiday decision.
In 2009, following extensive community consultation, Council gazetted Ballarat Cup Day as the municipality's public holiday.
For more information, contact Council's Governance and Civic Support Unit on 5320 5535.