Ballarat Council Approves $47M Infrastructure Plan as Debate Rages Over Sturt Street Redesign

Ballarat City Council has greenlit a $47 million infrastructure investment package following a contentious meeting on Tuesday evening, marking the most significant budget allocation since the council's restructure last year. The approval comes as fresh debate emerges over controversial plans to redesign Sturt Street, the city's primary commercial artery.

The infrastructure spend will be distributed across three key areas: $19 million toward upgrades to the aging stormwater system servicing the Lake Wendouree precinct and surrounding suburbs; $16 million for road resurfacing projects across Bridge Street, Dana Street, and the Maryborough Road corridor; and $12 million earmarked for pedestrian safety improvements throughout the CBD and Bakery Hill.

During Wednesday's community consultation session at the Ballarat Town Hall, the proposed Sturt Street redesign drew sharp criticism from local business owners, particularly those operating along the retail strip between Grant Street and Doveton Street. The proposal would reduce vehicle lanes from four to three, introducing a dedicated cycling corridor and expanded footpath areas. Business owners expressed concerns that construction could span 18 months, potentially impacting foot traffic and turnover during critical trading periods.

"We understand the vision for a more livable city," said representatives from the Ballarat Business and Tourism Association during the session. "The timing and implementation details need serious refinement."

Council officers defended the redesign, noting traffic modeling suggests congestion increases would remain within acceptable ranges. They also highlighted that similar projects in comparable regional cities—including Bendigo and Geelong—have ultimately boosted local economies by attracting younger demographics and increasing dwell time.

The $47 million package also received conditional approval pending environmental impact assessments for the Lake Wendouree stormwater works, with a full report expected by August. This project has been flagged as essential by engineering consultants, who warn that current infrastructure is inadequate for the increased rainfall events Ballarat has experienced over the past five years.

Separately, the council's planning committee approved 34 new residential permits this week, continuing the growth trajectory that has seen Ballarat's population increase by 3.2 percent annually. Most approvals were clustered in the Redan and Sebastopol growth corridors.

The next full council meeting is scheduled for July 15, where the Sturt Street redesign will face its final vote. A public submission period closes July 8.

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