Ballarat Safety Mapping Tool: 1,000+ Reports

More than 1,000 contributions have been logged through the Safer Ballarat social mapping tool between October 2025 and March 2026, with the total now standing at 1,066 entries. The most frequent issues identified by participants include hoon driving and dangerous driving behaviour, alongside concerns over pedestrian safety, lighting and infrastructure.

Feedback shapes council actions

The project forms part of the Council Plan 2025-2029, which committed to a community safety mapping platform. It also reflects community safety priorities identified during development of the Community Vision 2025-2035. Input collected through the tool is shared with the Ballarat Community Safety Alliance and council teams to support master plans, infrastructure schedules and funding applications.

Monthly updates show consistent participation. In February 2026 the project recorded 87 contributions, with 77 per cent of respondents reporting they felt unsafe. The March 2026 update logged 80 contributions and noted traffic concerns, graffiti and poor lighting as recurring themes. Federation University and Pioneer Park in Wendouree were among locations flagged as feeling safe.

Ongoing engagement and next steps

The initiative runs year-round and is promoted twice annually. All contributions will be compiled into a public annual report. Targeted actions already underway include road safety operations, lighting audits and collaborative safety initiatives.

Residents can add markers directly on the online map or complete surveys. Paper forms are available at The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Completed forms can be posted to Community Safety and Wellbeing, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3353, or emailed to [email protected]. Staff can be reached on (03) 5320 5500 or at the same email address for assistance.