August Council meeting recap

The following reports were endorsed at the Ballarat City Council meeting on Wednesday, 26 August 2026:

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan – Creating a more accessible Ballarat for everyone

Council has adopted the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026–2030, setting a clear roadmap for improving accessibility, inclusion and participation for people living with disability across Ballarat over the next four years.

Developed through extensive consultation involving 325 community members and more than 50 organisations and user groups, the Plan reflects the experiences and priorities of people with disability, carers, advocates and service providers.

The Plan identifies five key priority areas:

• Accessible spaces and places
• Accessible information, communication and engagement;
• Accessible economic and social life;
• Community awareness, rights and safety; and
• Accessible leadership and service delivery.  

The new Plan builds on significant progress achieved through previous Disability Access and Inclusion Plans, including expanded accessibility mapping, hearing loop upgrades, disability inclusion training, accessible information resources and new initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and trial on-demand Auslan interpreting services.  

With 20 strategic actions and annual progress reporting, the Plan reinforces Council's commitment to ensuring everyone can participate fully in community life.

Strengthening creative voices with a new Arts and Culture Advisory Committee

Council has endorsed appointments to a new Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, ensuring the city's creative sector continues to have a strong voice in shaping Ballarat's cultural future.  

The Committee will play an important role in providing advice, lived experience and industry expertise to support Council's work across arts, culture and creative industries.  

By bringing together artists, creative practitioners and community representatives, the new Committee will help strengthen connections between Council and the local creative sector, supporting strategic planning, cultural development and initiatives that contribute to Ballarat's reputation as one of regional Australia's leading creative cities.

The Committee is made up of 10 community and two organisational representatives selected from 40 applications. Cr Jay Morrison and Cr Tracey Hargreaves were appointed as the Councillor representatives on the Committee with Cr Morrison selected as Chairperson.

Updated Financial Hardship Policy

Council has adopted an updated Financial Hardship Policy, ensuring residents and businesses facing financial challenges have access to clear, consistent and compassionate support.

The revised policy aligns with updated Victorian Government requirements and introduces clearer eligibility criteria, improved assistance pathways and enhanced recognition of circumstances such as family violence and economic abuse.  

Key features of the policy include:

• Flexible payment arrangements
• Deferred payment options
• Clear assistance pathways for eligible ratepayers
• A new hardship assistance matrix
• Potential rate waivers for eligible owner-occupied residential properties experiencing financial hardship.

The policy reinforces Council's commitment to supporting community members through difficult circumstances while maintaining fairness, transparency and responsible financial management.

If you or someone you know are struggling to pay your Council rates or charges, please contact us to discuss your options by phoning 5320 5500 or visiting the Customer Service Centre at 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central.

MOU to support a Ballarat institution  

Council has endorsed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal South Street Society, reaffirming its commitment to one of Australia's most respected and enduring performing arts organisations.

For generations, the Royal South Street Society has played a significant role in Ballarat's cultural life, attracting performers, visitors and audiences from across Australia while helping to nurture artistic talent and creative excellence.

The new agreement strengthens the longstanding relationship between Council and the Society, supporting ongoing collaboration and recognising the organisation's important contribution to Ballarat's cultural identity, visitor economy and creative community.

The partnership reflects Council's continued investment in arts, culture and events that enrich community life and further strengthens Ballarat's position as a premier regional cultural destination.