Ballarat City Council has voted to adopt a new 10-year Asset Plan, setting a strategic direction for the long-term management of the city's $2.18 billion portfolio of built and natural public assets.
As required under the Local Government Act 2020, a new Asset Plan must be developed or reviewed by the end of October in the year following a Council election. Following the 2024 Council election, this new plan supersedes the Asset Plan 2022-2032.
The Asset Plan 2025-2035 reflects the City of Ballarat's renewed strategic priorities and responds to the evolving needs of the Ballarat community, ensuring the city's $2.18 billion in public assets are managed sustainably and effectively into the future.
The Plan guides investment decision-making in transport infrastructure, buildings and facilities, stormwater drainage, parks and recreation, and how these assets will be maintained, renewed and delivered to meet the needs of our growing community.
It also acknowledges the challenges of managing a large and diverse asset portfolio within a resource-constrained public works sector.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the plan is a vital step to ensure council continues to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure that meet the needs of the community.
"This Asset Plan is about making smart, sustainable decisions for the future of Ballarat," she said.
"It ensures we are investing in the right infrastructure at the right time, balancing community expectations with financial responsibility."
The City of Ballarat's current assets include:
- Transport infrastructure, including roads and streets, bridges, footpaths, trails, roundabouts, speed humps and traffic management devices, valued at $910 million
- Stormwater drainage, including swales, drains and pipes, pits, sedimentation ponds, dams, wetlands, gross pollutant traps and water-sensitive urban design elements, valued at $646 million
- Parks and recreation, including trees, flower beds, fences, gates, playgrounds, waterways, sports fields, stadiums, public furniture and amenity assets, valued at $131 million and
- Buildings and facilities, including town halls, leisure and aquatic centres, sports pavilions, libraries, community centres, maternal health and other buildings, public toilets and shelters, valued at $490 million.
Over the next 10 years, projections indicate the City of Ballarat will spend more than:
- $496 million on maintaining, renewing and upgrading transport infrastructure
- $343 million on maintaining, renewing and upgrading buildings and facilities
- $41 million maintaining, renewing and upgrading stormwater drainage and
- $188 million maintaining, renewing and upgrading parks and recreation.
The Asset Plan aligns with the Financial Plan, Community Vision and Council Plan to support responsible asset management. The plan will continue to be reviewed and improved.
The Asset Plan notes future challenges and opportunities with the potential to impact assets and levels of service include changes in population and demographics as well as environmental sustainability.
