Mayor's Message - Friday 2 May 2025

Every four years, following Local Government elections, councils are required to develop a new Council Plan to provide the direction of work that will be undertaken for the next Council term.

Since being elected in November 2024, Ballarat City Council has been compiling information and working with the community to develop a draft Council Plan that clearly articulates what we as councillors will prioritise and balance to best support our community.

The direction, focus and priority areas, including all core services, are shaped by the demands of the population and the needs of the community.

During an extensive community engagement process, we heard from more than 1,700 Ballarat residents and a further 43 residents participated in the community panel, which highlighted our community's priorities and interestingly, how they have shifted.  

The community engagement process also included a review and update of the 10-year Community Vision to ensure it remains relevant.

The Community Vision was first adopted in 2021 as a 10-year outlook. The revised vision now extends through to 2035 and specifies community safety as a priority, as well as the desire for our city to work towards expanding the local economy and attracting a diverse range of industries.

The revised Community Vision 2025 – 2035 and draft Council Plan 2025 – 2029 are now open for review and community feedback via the City of Ballarat's mySay website.  

Ballarat residents have until Friday, 16 May to make a submission online before the final plan and vision are considered by Council at the June Council Meeting.

Alternatively, residents can drop by one of the upcoming Councillor Roadshow sessions to provide feedback in person. Dates and times of the next sessions are available online and advertised here in the Noticeboard.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and working with and for our community as we bring this plan to life over the coming years.