Such is the tenuous state of the existing state parliament, and despite what the opinion polls are suggesting, there’s every chance that the result in three Ballarat region marginal seats – Buninyong, Wendouree and Ripon – will be crucial to the overall outcome at the state election.

We’ve been inundated with announcements from the major parties in recent weeks but, to be brutal, we’re still substantially in the dark as to which party will deliver the best result for Ballarat.

Many promises come with a caveat or lack of deep detail beyond the headline funding figure. Adding to the sense of uncertainty is that the campaign locally has been dominated by the major party leaders rather than the candidates. The debate has become very presidential – and far too controlled.

The most interesting, if not left field, thought bubbles from a local candidate have come from Nationals candidate in Buninyong Sonia Smith. She is electioneering with a freedom not often associated with modern big party campaigns, which undoubtedly will engender support within the seat but not necessarily with the government she longs to represent. How she polls on election day – and what impact it has on the result in Buninyong – will be certainly be the most intriguing aspect of election night counting. 

Whether as parties or individuals, Ballarat residents will go to this months poll having withstood a barrage of political interest.

There should be no complaints. Ballarat has suffered from from a lack of government focus, at state and federal level in comparison with other regional centres in recent years. For too long we’ve sought to level blame – at the elected members, at city advocates, at the media – without realising that it’s hard to ask for help when you can’t first help yourself.

For the past 12 months there’s been a more united approach across Ballarat than in the previous decade yet, disturbingly with just four weeks to go, we’re still to be convinced that what’s on the table is enough to lock in a vote one way or the other.

We’ve had the Coalition produce a plan (and 600 jobs) for the Civic Hall site, yet Labor is non-committal. Ballarat voters deserve to know what the Opposition’s vision is to help activate the site if elected.

Labor has stumped up dollars for the city’s sports and entertainment precinct but the Coalition has not yet. In regard to this precinct, either way there needs to be a serious discussion about how this project can mould the city’s broader landscape. That means indoor and outdoor sporting facilities but also the Ballarat Agricultural Society’s future – either in the precinct or elsewhere. 

There’s bright plans for the railway station redevelopment but no cash. 

The Coalition has brought wi-fi to the city and plans for it on our trains, yet calls for improved rail services remain largely unheeded.

Remarkably, it’s a Melbourne road project – the East West Link – which the Coalition is riding off the back of in convincing regional residents that it is the party of improved transport capability. In defence of the Coalition, Labor’s alternative pales in cost but also in resolving the major gripes of travellers from the west.

Positively, there have been significant announcements on tackling family violence and curtailing the impacts of crystal methamphetamine abuse. We are heartened that there will be continued investments in IT jobs, health and education – sectors which Ballarat can claim to already be a leader – and are crucial to our city’s employment and livability indexes.

If there was one overarching theme that the parties and candidates can convince voters of before November 29, it is how they can turn the disparity of promises and announcements into a convincing story of how Ballarat people will work and  live  in 20 years. 

We see Ballarat’s centre as a thriving metropolis of cafes and retail which serves a population which lives and works in our CBD and is easily accessible for visitors who come for our great events.

We see a growing city where people work in industries which drive and develop energy solutions, which provide new technology solutions home and abroad and which services the young and the elderly from across western Victoria. We see a Ballarat which experts visit to find out just how we changed attitudes to violence and community safety by a community-led movement to change for the better.

We see schools and hospitals which attract the best teachers and doctors and precincts which attract elite sports and the very best performers.

There’s just four weeks for those who ask for our vote to convince us this is the Ballarat they can deliver.

Finally, a tip for the big race

THE spring racing carnival is upon us and most notable it will see the Ballarat Cup run on a Saturday later this month.

In the meantime, once-a-year punters will be betting on Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. 

The internationals look a class above this year, so Seven Days will be loading up on Protectionist to take home the main prize. Good luck!