Ballarat City Council decisions this week cover freight hub, toilets and leisure site

Ballarat City Council endorsed the discontinuance of Ring Road at the rail level crossing in Mitchell Park to clear the way for the Intermodal Freight Hub at Ballarat West Employment Zone.

The move starts the statutory process under the Local Government Act 1989 and schedules the works for the 2026/27 budget year. Freight trains will no longer block traffic once the crossing is removed. Council posted the decision on its Facebook page after the first meeting of 2026.

Community facility choices

Council confirmed St Patrick’s Point as the site for new public toilets at Lake Wendouree. The $240,000 project will include accessible design and security lighting. It received support from 54 percent of 2,267 community members consulted and will be funded in the 2026/27 Budget. A separate March 2026 council Facebook post recorded the outcome.

The $17.54 million Eastwood Leisure Complex redevelopment tender went to local builder Nicholson Construction. Council approval cleared the path for the work, which will expand sport and recreation programs. Details appear on the City of Ballarat governance page.

Further council actions

Council opened an Expression of Interest process for a new trustee arrangement for Her Majesty’s Theatre Trust funds. Australian Tax Office regulation changes have affected the trust’s Deductible Gift Recipient status. The step follows an earlier council agenda document.

Council also endorsed a Notice of Motion from Cr Jay Morrison that requests a report on illegal hoon driving across the City of Ballarat. The motion addresses road safety concerns and was recorded in council webcast material. The statutory processes and tender award now move to the next stages of implementation.