Ballarat celebrates completion of the Macarthur Street Streetscape Upgrade

Published on 19 December 2025 at 1:00pm

Two women standing beside a new bike path, with housing in the background. — Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves at the new Macarther Street Shared Path

The City of Ballarat has marked a major step forward in creating a safer, greener city with the completion of the Macarthur Street Shared Path Project.

The milestone was celebrated on-site with Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves.

The project delivers a high-quality separated bike and walking path, and section of shared path along the north side of Macarthur Street, connecting Ballarat Station, Lake Wendouree and Wendouree Station. Where there was once a missing link, the path now makes walking and cycling easier and safer for everyone.

Construction was completed by local firm Central Vic Civil Pty Ltd and key features include:

Safer crossings at Burnbank Street and Wendouree Parade
Around 60 new street trees and landscaping to boost amenity and shade
Defined parking bays for residents
Speed management to improve safety and amenity for residents and other users of the street, which was a key request from residents.

A young boy rides his bike across a new crossing, clearly marked in yellow

Pedestrians and riders now have a safer crossing at Burnbank and Macarthur Streets

The $1,050,000 project was jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program ($500,000) and the City of Ballarat ($550,000).

Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the Australian Government was delighted to support such a beneficial project.

“This section of Macarthur Street was a missing link in Ballarat’s existing active transport network and its completion means that people can now connect between the Lake and the station.

“The upgraded path makes the area safer for everyone; whether you’re pushing a stroller, out for a walk or run, or on a bike or motor scooter. It also looks fantastic! The new trees and landscaping have transformed the area and I encourage community members to come down and have a look.”

A shared path for walkers and riders with trees along the sides. New trees and landscaping have improved the streetscape.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the celebration is more than a new path.

“This is about creating a city where people feel safe and connected. Today we’re celebrating a project that encourages active transport and makes Ballarat a better place to live.

“Standing here with our partners, it’s clear what collaboration can achieve. This path links key destinations and gives people more choice in how they move around our city.

“I want to acknowledge the support of Catherine King and the Federal Government for its significant contribution, which has been vital in making this project a reality for Ballarat.”

The project delivers key strategies from the Council Plan including the Integrated Transport Action Plan, the Ballarat Cycle Action Plan, the Urban Forest Action Plan and Active Ballarat strategies.