May Council meeting recap

The following reports were endorsed at the Ballarat City Council meeting on Wednesday, 27 May 2026:

Eureka Street road safety petition received

Council referred a petition to the CEO containing more than 1458 signatures calling for measures to increase road safety on Eureka Street.  

The petition requests City of Ballarat work with both the Victorian Government and Federal Government to reduce the speed limit and make improvements to pedestrian crossings.  

The petition was received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer, with a report to return to Council.

Council’s Quarterly Performance Report highlights sound financial position supporting community investment

Ballarat continues to demonstrate sound financial management and strong project delivery, with Council noting a positive quarterly performance update that supports continued investment in community priorities.

For the nine months to 31 March 2026, Council reported an $80 million year‑to‑date surplus – $20.5 million ahead of budget. This result positions the organisation well to continue delivering services and major projects across the city.  

Council also endorsed the Quarter 3 Budget Review, with the full‑year forecast surplus expected to increase to $65.8 million, while carefully managing cost pressures and project timing.

Importantly, progress on the Council Plan remains strong, with the majority of actions either completed, nearing completion or progressing on schedule reflecting Council’s continued delivery for the Ballarat community.  

Supporting animal welfare across Ballarat with new vet services contract

Council has reinforced its commitment to high‑quality animal welfare services, awarding the contract for veterinary services at the Ballarat Animal Shelter to Jahaps PTY LTD T/AS Ballarat Pet and Farm Vet.

With around 2,500 to 3,000 animals cared for each year, these services are essential in ensuring animals receive vaccinations, treatment, behavioural assessment and preparation for adoption.

The new contract provides a reliable and experienced provider to deliver care both onsite and offsite, supporting improved outcomes for animals and the community. As the future Ballarat Regional Animal Shelter comes online, these services will also play a key role in expanding on‑site treatment and reducing transport times for animals.

Next exciting step for Brown Hill Kindergarten Upgrade

Families in Ballarat’s east will benefit from expanded early years infrastructure, with Council awarding the tender for the Brown Hill Kindergarten Upgrade and Expansion to Simbuilt PTY LTD.

The $2.78 million project will deliver a new 33‑place classroom, upgraded staff amenities and improved accessibility, boosting the centre’s capacity beyond its current 66 licensed places.  

This investment responds directly to growing demand for kindergarten places and is supported by the State Government’s Victorian School Building Authority, which is contributing $750,000 to the project, via the Building Blocks Grants Improvement stream.

The City of Ballarat will fund the remaining $2 million as part of the project.

A thriving, creative Ballarat continues to shine

Ballarat’s reputation as a leading regional creative city continues to grow, with Council noting strong progress under the Creative City Strategy 2019–2030.

In 2024/25, the City of Ballarat delivered more than 2,200 creative and cultural events, drawing almost 190,000 attendees, reaffirming the important role arts and culture play in community wellbeing and liveability.  

Local creatives are increasingly at the heart of these events, with more than 1,800 practitioners engaged across 538 events, which is a significant uplift from the previous year.  

The report also highlights that employment in the creative industries has already exceeded its 2030 target, showcasing the sector’s growing contribution to Ballarat’s economy.

While participation and employment continue to grow, the report notes ongoing challenges including uneven income across creatives, declining Indigenous representation and constraints around space and infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Council will continue to support the sector by addressing challenges around affordability, creative spaces and sustainability – ensuring Ballarat remains a place where creativity can thrive.  

Receipt of a Notice of Motion

Cr Ted Lapkin lodged a Notice of Motion, requesting that Council write to the Victorian State Premier and Minister for Police conveying an urgent request that the number of police officers assigned to Ballarat be increased at a minimum in proportion to Ballarat’s population growth, which translates into an additional 21 officers, bringing the total to 163.

The motion also seeks to highlight further the high demand in Ballarat arising from family violence incidents and to advocate for increased investment in specialist family violence and sexual assault units as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing family violence.

The Notice of Motion was endorsed, with a letter to be sent by Council.