Ballarat Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor says his city not only meets, but exceeds the criteria to become Australia's first regional city with 'priority status', as outlined today by the CEO of the Business Council of Australia, Jennifer Westacott.
Cr Taylor says given Ballarat's preparedness and credentials it could become a test case for this new approach to regional development.
Ms Westacott's call on the Morrison government to select 10 regional towns to be given priority status to stimulate economic growth and 'power the economy outside Sydney and Melbourne', came today during her address to the National Press Club.
Cr Taylor says Ms Westacott's call matches Ballarat's own ambitions.
"Our planning and roll out to further enhance Ballarat's capabilities and credentials as a regional powerhouse capable of stimulating economic growth and accommodate Victoria's growing population, is well advanced", Cr Taylor said.
"Our city is already exploring opportunities that will help us secure government backing to fast track planning for infrastructure and initiatives that will stimulate and support sustainable economic and population growth.
"We welcome Ms Westacott's call for selected cities to be given priority status - given Ballarat's credentials and preparedness we offer ourselves as test case for this enlightened approach", Cr Taylor said.
"Ballarat is perfectly positioned to become Australia's first regional city with priority status. We are home to an airport, major universities and educational institutions, first class health services, at the hub of major road and rail transport routes and in close proximity to vast renewable energy resources and the transmission grid".
"Our strengths centre on the renewable energy supply chain, our status as a prime manufacturing location, health and innovation research, growth of the knowledge economy and a nation-leading approach to waste management based on the circular economy.
Cr Taylor says Ballarat expects the Government will recognise the merit of the Ms Westacott's proposal and will continue to ready itself to become an active participant.
"We will actively pursue 'priority status'.
"Our Council meets regularly with business, with members of the state and federal governments and with representatives across the political spectrum, to push an agenda for Ballarat that will see our city and region continue to grow in a sustainable manner and to offer a high quality of life to residents".
