Child friendly spaces designed by kids, more play spaces and dinosaurs were some of the suggestions considered in the City of Ballarat’s new Municipal Early Years Plan that’s being launched today.

Mayor Cr Craig Fletcher will be joined by some of the city’s smallest constituents, partner organisations and services to launch the vision for children’s services across Ballarat.

Ballarat Mayor Cr Craig Fletcher said Ballarat is already a great place for children to grow up but Council wants to make it even better.

“This plan brings together feedback from Council, stakeholders and the local community, especially children, whose hopes and dreams were central to the plan’s development.

Children and young people were surveyed to identify what they liked about Ballarat and what they would change.

Suggestions for change included a beach, rain forest, dinosaurs and skate park and dirt bike track.

Cr Fletcher said “the suggestions showed that our young people are pretty proud of Ballarat and that they prefer outdoors and play spaces to shopping centres and eating establishments”.

“The Plan aims to ensure that all Ballarat children and families have the best chance of leading a healthy and happy childhood. Ballarat is recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City. Keeping that focus for a safe and healthy community for children means that it will be a safe and healthy place for everyone.”

The Municipal Early Years Plan aims to achieve positive outcomes for children’s health, education and well-being in ways that acknowledge partnerships and the importance of early childhood development.  

One of the first outcomes of the plan will be the establishment of a new partnership group to ensure the successful delivery of the plan over the next three years.

Other actions include:

• Developing a comprehensive Early Years Literacy and Numeracy strategy with key stakeholders.
• Developing a community recognition program to celebrate the achievements and contribution of children.
• Developing spaces across the CBD that are designed for and by children. 
• Promoting programs that reduce student absenteeism in Primary Schools.

 Council’s role will involve:

• Advocacy: influence policy, develop partnerships and advocate for service development.
• Facilitator: participate in and influence service development directly.
• Planning: advocate and plan through Council planning processes.
• Service Provider: direct service provision e.g. Maternal and Child Health, Family Day Care, Children’s services.