CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BUNINYONG TENNIS COURTS
17th September 2010
A $474,345 contract for the construction of eight acrylic coated tennis courts at the Buninyong Tennis Centre has been awarded to A.S Lodge Pty Ltd.
The project involves the construction of eight courts and the installation of lighting for four courts.
City of Ballarat South Ward Councillor Des Hudson said the project reflected Council’s commitment to developing Ballarat’s major sports precincts.
“As the largest tennis association in the Ballarat region, this project will confirm the Buninyong Tennis Centre’s reputation as the home of community tennis in the region.
“The new courts will not only increase community participation but provide the Centre with the capacity to host regional competition events.”
The Buninyong Tennis Centre is located in Forest Street, Buninyong. The centre currently operates nine asphalt based courts and is managed by the Buninyong and District Tennis Association.
The new courts will be constructed in two separately fenced enclosures. They will be constructed partly over the area where the existing courts exist and partly on the vacant land to the east of the existing courts.
The project has been jointly funded through Council’s Capital Works budget and a $50,000 contribution from the Buninyong and District Tennis Association.
A.S Lodge Pty Ltd have specialised in the tennis court construction business for the past 30 years.
Construction is expected to commence late September for completion in January 2011.
MAJOR CITY ENTRANCE UNDERGOING UPGRADE
17th September 2010
A major city entrance is undergoing a facelift designed to create a greater sense of arrival when entering the city through Sebastopol.
A significant part of the Ballarat Entrances Strategy, the City of Ballarat has begun the process of planting 80 cedar trees in the centre median of Albert Street/Skipton Street in Sebastopol.
City of Ballarat South Ward Councillor Ben Taylor said the new trees will greatly enhance the appearance of this major entrance.
“First impressions are extremely important for a city, and the planting of these trees will significantly improve the appearance of the Sebastopol entrance.
“Council is pleased to be able to deliver this wonderful upgrade for Sebastopol and I look forward to seeing the new trees along the entrance continue to grow and create a sense of arrival for people entering Ballarat through Sebastopol.”
The trees being planted, Cedrus deodara, have been selected because of their suitability to the Ballarat climate. At the time of planting the cedars will be approximately two metres tall and will grow up to 20 metres tall.
The project has been fully funded by the City of Ballarat.
For more information on the Ballarat Entrances Strategy visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
ANOTHER KEY MILESTONE IN RESTORATION OF LAKE WENDOUREE AS ROWING COURSE DREDGING TENDER AWARDED
17th September 2010
The City of Ballarat has awarded the tender for dredging of the Lake Wendouree rowing course to Victorian company Austco Environmental Pty Ltd with work set to begin within weeks.
The work involves deepening the rowing course by 0.5 metres and depositing the sediments within two of the existing reed beds to create permanent shallow wetlands.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the announcement marked another key milestone in the restoration of Lake Wendouree.
“Once the dredging is complete, Ballarat will once again have a world class rowing course that will not only benefit local rowing clubs and aquatic groups but enthusiasts and communities right across the region.
“After the recent rains there is a real excitement and expectation building around the Lake as it fills. We have been working long and hard on the refilling and restoration of this Ballarat icon and this is another major milestone towards its complete rejuvenation”.
City of Ballarat Acting Director Development and Infrastructure Ian Rossiter said the dredging was a key part of the overall restoration program for the Lake.
“Dredging of the rowing course will allow Lake Wendouree to be certified as meeting all national rowing competition standards and will ensure that if water levels drop there will still be sufficient depth for training and state standard regattas. It will also create an area that can be used for a wide range of aquatic sports.
“In addition, the creation of shallow wetlands during the dredging process will provide a habitat for many of the plant and bird species that have returned to the Lake in recent months”.
Works are anticipated to commence within the next two weeks and will take approximately eight months to complete. For the duration of the project St Patricks Point Boatramp will be closed to the public to establish a worksite compound.
The area between the dredge and the reed beds will be not accessible to the public while works are proceeding and this area will change throughout the project. The balance of the Lake and rowing course will be available for use.
Austco Environmental Pty Ltd specialise in dredging waterways, lagoons and estuarine environments.
BALLARAT INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
23rd September 2010
A report regarding the Ballarat Industry Workforce Development Strategy was presented to Ballarat City Council at an Ordinary Meeting last night (22/09).
City of Ballarat will strengthen its commitment to the manufacturing sector in the wake of the recent study which throws light on the present state of manufacturing in the city and potential growth areas.
This commitment will see the development of a manufacturing strategy, investigation of an Industry Transition Fund, strengthened Federal Government lobbying for research and development funds and Export Market Development Grants.
The Ballarat manufacturing industry has been identified as a critical sector of the Ballarat economy and is a key component of Council’s Economic Strategy 2010-2014. Development of the BIWDS directly informed the Human Capital and Workforce and the Manufacturing priority areas of Council’s Economic Strategy 2010 – 2014.
Ballarat City Council was one of only five cities across the state to receive funding to develop an Industry Workforce Development Strategy. The Strategy was funded through the Victorian Government’s Moving Forward Initiative, a program designed to assist industries in regional areas better plan for and address their skills and labour needs.
The Ballarat Industry Workforce Development Strategy (BIWDS) initiative focused specifically on the manufacturing industry. The purpose of the BIWDS was to provide direction and guidance to the sustainable development of the Ballarat manufacturing workforce.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said that while the Strategy indicates that a large part of the Ballarat manufacturing industry is experiencing strong growth, other areas of the sector are facing a range of challenges.
“Unfortunately, the Ballarat manufacturing industry, which contributes 36 per cent of the local economy, was heavily impacted by the global financial crisis with a number of job losses. Rather than standby and wait for further losses, the City facilitated the Strategy to provide recommendations on how we can best target investment for future growth.”
“The Ballarat Industry Workforce Development Strategy has highlighted the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector which are impacting upon the viability of some of our businesses.
“As a key driver of the Ballarat economy, Council will continue to advocate strongly for the future growth of the manufacturing sector and we will now commence a dialogue with appropriate State and Federal agencies as to how best to deal with the various challenges identified in the Strategy.”
The manufacturing sector currently represents 36.6% of the Ballarat economy, being $3.8 billion. The manufacturing industry predominately includes food processing and transport machinery and equipment, plus a series of smaller sectors including textiles and clothing.
The BIWDS identified five core themes that provide clear and succinct understanding of Ballarat’s workforce development needs. These included Attraction, Retention, Training and Development, plus two new areas, primarily focused on middle to senior management, being training in the areas of transition and high performance.
The BIWDS recommendations made in relation to the role Council can have in assisting the manufacturing industry are;
- Developing a strong vision for the local manufacturing industry;
- Developing a manufacturing strategy, consistent with the findings of the City Of Ballarat Economic Strategy 2010 -2014;
- Lobby Federal Government, in conjunction with other parties such as the RDA and other regional councils for favourable Research and Development, depreciation and EMDG support for regional industry;
- Improve the collaboration between the University of Ballarat and local manufacturing industry, with a specific focus on aiming to increase the commercialisation of intellectual property sourced from the University;
- Consider the method of governance used for phase two of the BIWDS (and subsequent programs) as being either internally resourced, subcontracted to an external party, or the formation of an incorporated body, such as ICT Ballarat, with a charter to promote local manufacturing;
- Investigate the possibility of building a low cost / smart electricity grid to provide local manufacturers with a cost-based competitive advantage.
BUNNINYONG AND BUNINYONG HOME OF CYCLING THIS WEEKEND
23rd September 2010
Photo opportunity:
Who: City of Ballarat South Ward Councillors Cheryl Bromfield and Ben Taylor
What: Pre-promotion of permanent Buninyong cycling signage and major cycling events
When: Today, Thursday 23 September at 10.30am
Where: De Soza Park, Geelong Road, Buninyong
Ballarat is gearing up for five days of cycling action commencing tomorrow (24/09).
Buninyong will host the Herald Sun World Cycling Classic Ballarat and Ballarat will host the 2010 Australian Masters Road Cycling Championships.
The Masters are being held from Friday 24 – Tuesday 28 September, with the Classic to be held on the Masters rest day, Sunday 26 September.
To coincide with these two major cycling events, Council has installed permanent cycling signage in Buninyong. The signage promotes Buninyong as the home of road cycling as well as providing information on tourism, a map of the Australian Championship cycling circuit, and an honour board for cycling champions.
The signage also allows visiting cyclists to navigate the championship circuit outside of major event periods.
The permanent signage complements the directional signage that was installed by Council in January 2010.
Both cycling events are being held in the lead up to the UCI Road World Championships which will be held in Geelong from Wednesday 29 September to Sunday 3 October.
A prelude to the much anticipated UCI Road World Championships, the Herald Sun World Cycling Classic Ballarat will be the final hit out for some of the world’s best riders and the first opportunity for Australians to see them in action.
CIVIC HALL SITE MASTERPLAN DESIGNS DEVELOPED
23rd September 2010
Three potential masterplan designs have been identified for the Civic Hall site and will be presented to Ballarat City Council at its Ordinary Meeting tonight (22/09). The three concepts that have been selected incorporate the best elements from the many concepts that were developed as part of the first stage of the masterplan process.
In June this year Council established a masterplan working group to develop a series of options for the Civic Hall site. Together with advice from the Civic Hall Heritage Appraisal, Council now has a clear understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the site and critical information concerning whether full or partial retention of the existing building can be contemplated.
The Civic Hall Heritage Appraisal, which was prepared by leading heritage consultants Lovell Chen, confirms that the building is of some local historical and social significance; however it has no architectural significance. The report concludes that the Civic Hall makes no contribution to the state level significance, or attributes, of the Lydiard Street precinct.
Through this process three preferred potential masterplan concepts for the Civic Hall site have been identified. The three concepts include retention of the Civic Hall building (minus the fly tower), partial retention of the Civic Hall building or total demolition of the building.
The working group has established a set of guiding principles and criteria to lead the development of the site masterplan and ultimately assess and refine the masterplan options. If endorsed by Council tonight, the masterplan principles will support the evaluation of the various concepts, and therefore the selection of the preferred option.
The masterplan working group consists of expert consultants from a number of disciplines including planning and urban design, heritage, property economics, as well as architectural and structural design.
City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schinck said Council has been working to develop a range of options for the development of the Civic Hall site.
“The masterplan work will ultimately determine whether or not the existing Civic Hall buildings should be retained. The process we are undertaking will help ensure that the community is able to be fully informed about the design process, and be comfortable with the approach that Council has taken.
“Once approved by Council, the final masterplan design will then be subject to a full planning permit process. Through this mechanism the community will be able to have input into the ultimate project.”
The content of the final masterplan will address building areas, heights, building setbacks, ground level uses, design features, car parking numbers and configuration, vehicle and pedestrian access and public spaces.
In addition to establishing the working group, Council has a clear commitment to involving the community in considering the best way to achieve a range of outcomes through the development process. The report to Council tonight also recommends the establishment of a Community Advisory Committee to be chaired by an elected Councillor and include representation from key community groups and leaders. The Community Advisory Committee will be responsible for discussing issues and identifying opportunities relative to the project.
The masterplan designs are currently being refined, and will shortly be costed by a qualified quantity surveyor to provide indicative development costs. The preferred Civic Hall site masterplan will be identified through this process, and will be provided to Council for consideration and potential adoption at a later date.
BALLARAT AQUATIC CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT NEARS COMPLETION
23rd September 2010
Photo opportunity:
Who: Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Des Hudson with Ballarat Aquatic Centre Manager Sharon Ruyg
What: Ballarat Aquatic Centre redevelopment nears completion with the removal of temporary wall
When: Today, Wednesday 22 September, 10.30am
Where: Ballarat Aquatic Centre, Gillies Street
The Ballarat Aquatic Centre redevelopment is nearing completion with the removal of the temporary wall between the existing and new pool areas.
The temporary wall was erected to allow for the safe construction of the new pool area and the removal of the existing glass wall.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Des Hudson said the removal of the wall would be a chance for patrons to get a sneak peak at the redeveloped centre.
“This is an exciting milestone in this major project for the city. We look forward to opening the redeveloped facility to the community early in October.”
The official opening, together with a free Community Open Door celebration, will be held on Sunday, 10 October from 10am to 3pm. There will be a range of activities for all ages on offer including a free BBQ lunch.
The redevelopment project has been jointly funded by the City of Ballarat, the Victorian Government Better Pools Program and the Federal Government Better Regions Program.
Stage two of the redevelopment involves the provision of two new programmable warm water pools, two new group change rooms and additional amenities, an extended and refurbished café and kitchen and refurbished entry area.
BALLARAT HOSTS 'BAR NONE' PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
23rd September 2010
Photo opportunity:
What: Office for Disability, ‘Bar None’ photographic exhibition
When: On exhibition until Friday 24 September
Where: Central Highlands Regional Library Corporation, Ballarat Branch, 178 Doveton St Nth
An exhibition promoting the benefits of employing people with a disability is currently on show at Ballarat’s Central Highlands Regional Library.
The ‘Bar None’ photographic exhibition is being hosted in Ballarat as a result of a partnership between Ballarat City Council, Central Highlands Regional Library Corporation and the Office for Disability.
The ‘Bar None’ photographic exhibition is currently touring around Victoria promoting the benefits of employing people with a disability. The exhibition will tour 79 municipalities over the next 12 months and will be on display at the Ballarat Library from now until Friday 24 September 2010.
The exhibition was developed by the Office for Disability and the Municipal Association of Victoria. The campaign features 15 people with disabilities and is aimed at supporting change in the workplace and promoting the benefits of hiring people with a disability. The exhibition showcases people with disabilities in employment including teachers, business analysts, artists and opera singers.
One of the most significant barriers for people with a disability in the workplace is attitudes. This is often a product of misinformation and limited exposure to, knowledge and understanding of disabilities. To help support change in the workplace the Office for Disability has launched the Bar None Employment Campaign.
The exhibition is part of a broader campaign including a resource guide, DVD and media. For more information about the ‘Bar None’ Employment Campaign visit http://www.officefordisability.vic.gov.au/bar_none_in_employment.htm.
2010 BALLARAT SENIOR OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
23rd September 2010
Ballarat resident Rosemary Garth has been named as the 2010 Ballarat Senior of the Year.
City of Ballarat People and Communities Portfolio Councillor John Philips presented the award this afternoon.
Mrs Rosemary Garth has been helping young females from Ballarat for the past 30 years to develop their leadership skills, self esteem and respect for others.
Rosemary has been a Leader with the Girl Guides since 1980, when her daughter’s group desperately needed someone to help out. Soon after Rosemary took over as Leader and she hasn’t stopped since.
Now retired from full-time work, Rosemary is still leading, inspiring and caring for the 30 girls aged between six and 11 who, every year, sign on at the Eureka Girl Guides unit.
Cr John Philips said Rosemary was a deserving recipient of the 2010 Ballarat Senior of the Year Award.
“Rosemary is an inspiration to other seniors, her ongoing contribution and leadership within the community proves that no matter what your age you can still be an active member of the community.”
Council received six nominations for the Ballarat Senior of the Year Award.
The Award is a direct outcome of Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy which identified the need to acknowledge seniors who make significant contributions to our community.
COUNCIL TO CONSIDER TOWN HALL PLAZA DRAFT CONCEPTS
23rd September 2010
A report that presents the draft design concept for the proposed Town Hall Plaza will be considered at an Ordinary Meeting of Ballarat City Council on Wednesday (22/09).
The report explores draft concepts for the proposed Plaza; it does not detail specific design elements that the space may include.
City of Ballarat Director for Growth and Economy Jeff Pulford said the vision for the proposed Town Hall Plaza was a direct result of community consultation and a pivotal project in the implementation of the CBD Strategy.
“The proposed Town Hall Plaza would create a ‘civic heart’ for our city. It would be an adaptable space serving not just as a pedestrian thoroughfare but as a central place for people to meet and a public space for the community to utilise.
“If endorsed by Council the community will be given the opportunity to have their say. The next stage of community consultation will ensure the proposed design and functionality of the space so that the look and feel meet the needs of our community.”
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Growth and Development Craig Fletcher said Council was pleased to see this key project move to the next stage.
“The extensive community consultation undertaken in the development of the CBD Strategy revealed an overwhelming desire for a ‘public open space’. With this in mind I look forward to considering the draft concepts at Wednesday’s Council meeting.”
Convic Design was commissioned to develop the draft concept for the proposed Town Hall Plaza. The project’s Technical Working Group has had significant input into the development of the concept.
The draft concept presents two alternative options for the north and south entrances to the proposed Town Hall Plaza space. These alternative options will be full explored during the community consultation process before the project moves to the detailed design development stage.
If endorsed by Council, further information regarding the community consultation process will be released on Thursday (23/09).
SEAMLESS SUCCESSION PLAN IN PLACE
23rd September 2010
Working as a collective Ballarat City Councillors have put in place a succession plan which they believe will ensure a seamless transition when Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin steps down from the position in December.
A further demonstration of the collective leadership philosophy of Council will see only one name put forward at this stage at December’s Statutory meeting at which a new Mayor is elected.
There is united support for Central Ward Councillor Craig Fletcher to be that nominee.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Judy Verlin said all Councillors agreed that early succession planning was essential to ensure that the election of a new Mayor did not distract Councillors from the real business of Council.
“As a collective we wanted a seamless transition at the end of my term. This agreement allows for a healthy and smooth transition – one which will allow this Council to keep up the pace and intensity at which it is currently working”, Cr Verlin said.
“There are a number of projects and initiatives that we cannot afford to lose momentum on. It was our collective opinion that it would be too easy to get caught up in the lobbying and politics of the Mayoral race – which would simply serve as a distraction from our main focus.
“That main game is to build the infrastructure, create the jobs and provide the services which will make Ballarat the capital of Western Victoria and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by our residents,” Cr Verlin said.
Councillor Fletcher said all of his councillor colleagues agreed that an early decision in terms of the Mayoral succession was in the best interests of the city.
“Nothing is official until the statutory meeting of Council in December, but I feel confident that my Councillor colleagues are committed to this course of action, believing that a smooth transition is in the best interests of Ballarat,” Cr Fletcher said.
“It will allow us to push ahead without interruption on the delivery of major projects and services, to continue our ethos of hard work and to fulfil our commitment to community consultation. Our focus will continue to be one which embraces the needs of the entire municipality.
“Cr Verlin is still the Mayor until December. This process is about maintaining focus to guarantee the delivery of services and projects which will ensure the municipality and all of its communities continue to prosper.
“This Council has always operated on the philosophy of collective leadership and a commitment to the whole-of-Council-vision adopted when this Council was first elected. I know that in their portfolio capacities my Councillor colleagues will continue to work hard and deliver on this vision.
“This decision to clearly signal our intention in terms of the Mayoral succession provides a crucial window giving Mayor Verlin the opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise on a range of issues she has dealt with in her time as Mayor. This transfer of knowledge will be vital, particularly in terms of the work that this Council is doing at a regional and state level around regional cities and our commitment to developing the broader region”, Cr Fletcher said.