A draft proposal to pump $2.2 million into redeveloping the city icon describes the plan as “subject to funding”, which could be “implemented progressively over a 10 to 20-year period”.

Black Hill resident and president of the suburb’s progress association, Andrew Dean, said the project could be completed in two years, not 20.

“It seems like a long time,” he said.

Dr Dean said the reserve didn’t appear to be a priority for council, given its conservative costing for the plan.

“I’m concerned that they (City of Ballarat) could leave a project in a half-done state for such a long time,” he said.

“I thought there was an emphasis on getting infrastructure projects done quickly and on budget.”

Turning the historic site into a makeshift building site, awash with work signs and safety cordons, would not be good for tourism in the region, he said.

“You would think that council could break it (the project) up into section so that it could be open for public usage,” said Dr Dean, suggesting it start with the Black Hill lookout. 

Ballarat mayor John Philips was unsure where external funds for the project could come from. 

“We’ll be maybe looking at government agencies to assist or it could be a tourism body,” Cr Philips said. 

Major works could include a $1 million redevelopment of the Black Hill lookout, improved mountain bike trails and establishing wetlands at the foot of the reserve.

Native vegetation will also be more closely managed under the new plan. 

If councillors vote in favour of the draft plan, the City of Ballarat will invite public feedback on the idea in October with a view to preparing a final plan for council in December. 

City of Ballarat chief executive officer Anthony Schinck said the revamp could be staged over a number of years, depending on budget capacity, as well as the availability of additional external funding for the work required.

william.vallely@fairfaxmedia.com.au