At the council meeting on Wednesday night, Ballarat councillors also unanimously voted in favour of moving ahead with plans to seek an additional $10 million of funding for the project from the federal government.

The move brings the long-awaited relocation of the Ballarat Showgrounds a step closer.

The new National Stronger Regions Fund is being rolled out to encourage the development of significant infrastructure projects in regional areas that will provide major economic benefits. 

Prior to the Victorian state election, funding for the revamp of the Ballarat Showgrounds was secured from both sides of politics. 

The Labor Party has already earmarked $5 million for the project.

Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society director Gerard Ballinger said the council’s decision was a significant step forward in the process.

“It is a very, very exciting time,” Mr Ballinger said.

“It is a big shift from what we are doing.

“We see it as visionary project for Ballarat which will not only benefit Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society but the city as a whole.”

Mr Ballinger said the project would establish an events precinct in the heart of Ballarat and attract large-scale events, similar to the Showgrounds in Bendigo, Adelaide and Melbourne. 

While an exact location for the Showgrounds in Victoria Park has yet to be decided, it is believed it would be positioned towards the south end of the facility. 

A council officers report on the matter also outlined that a strategic plan for the current showgrounds site in Ballarat North was required.

This plan would outline the long-term future use of the society-owned and Crown land site, which has housed the Showgrounds since the 1930s. 

Ballarat mayor John Philips said the master plan would revitalise the neglected park. 

“For a long time, Victoria Park has been left behind,” he said.

“To see its potential be realised and at the same time to explore avenues of relocating the Showgrounds into the area is something very worthwhile.

“This is a very big step in the process and a great start to an exciting project.”

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au