Ballarat City Council Advances Key Infrastructure and Project Decisions

Ballarat City Council has formally endorsed the discontinuance of Ring Road at the rail level crossing in Mitchell Park to support the Intermodal Freight Hub, starting the statutory process with works scheduled in the 2026/27 financial year.

Road and Freight Infrastructure Next Steps

The decision directly affects traffic arrangements at the Mitchell Park crossing and clears the way for statutory procedures required before any physical changes. Council records show this step supports the broader Intermodal Freight Hub project, with funding allocated in the upcoming financial year.

2026/27 Budget and Capital Works Delivery

Council adopted the 2026/27 Budget that includes a 2.75 per cent average rate increase of approximately $58 per year and a $92.3 million capital works program. Of that total, $25.3 million is directed to road infrastructure along with targeted cost-of-living rebates. The budget also incorporates management of ongoing cost pressures while delivering the listed capital program.

Surplus Position and Financial Outlook

Council reported an $80 million year-to-date surplus for the nine months to March 31, 2026, and endorsed a full-year forecast surplus of $65.8 million. These figures provide the financial context for delivering the capital works and other endorsed projects without additional rate pressure beyond the stated increase.

Awarded Tenders for Community Projects

Tenders have been awarded for the $17.54 million Eastwood Leisure Complex redevelopment, the Glenelg Highway Bike Path and the $2.78 million Brown Hill Kindergarten Upgrade. These projects form part of the immediate pipeline of works that will proceed under the new budget settings.

Her Majesty's Theatre Fund Transfer

Council resolved to transfer funds from the Her Majesty's Theatre Deductible Gift Recipient account to Federation University, as the council no longer holds the required taxation status to manage the account. This transfer completes the administrative handover for the account.

The endorsed actions now move into statutory, procurement and delivery phases across the listed projects and budget measures.