The developers say they are frustrated by the push to re-advertise Anthony Schinck's contract and the lack of recognition of his achievements to date.

It comes in the wake of heated controversy surrounding the City of Ballarat's failure to advertise the contract. 

The delay has sparked a groundswell of prominent community leaders, including a former senior council officer, previous mayors and the Ballarat Ratepayers  Association demanding the role be advertised, with an open and transparent recruitment process launched.

The Provincial Ballarat developer Darren Fraser said Mr Schinck had invested years into the city and had intricate knowledge of what was needed to boost the economy.

"Before I decided to redevelop the Provincial I had lengthy discussions with Anthony and he aligned me to the city's vision including the multi-million dollar Ballarat Railway precinct development," Mr Fraser said this week. 

He said to lose Mr Schinck as chief executive would be "catastrophic" for the city.

Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartment's developer Gavin James also threw his support behind Mr Schinck retaining the position.

"Mr Schink has strong support within the Ballarat business community as his efforts and leadership to continually drive Ballarat's future with state and federal politicians has been outstanding," Mr James said. 

The Courier understands Mr Schinck has the support of up to seven councillors. It is believed only two councillors are calling to advertise the contract. 

In June 2013, the current council contentiously voted to extend Mr Schinck’s contract by two years and to advertise the position when the contract ended at the beginning of 2016.

Those in favour of advertising the position have voiced concerns about the council's conduct of finances including tens of millions of dollars left over in past two budgets, lack of transparency in decision making and failure to find resolutions to a number of pressing issues, including the Civic Hall and saleyards.

A decision on the fate of the chief executive officer’s role will be made in the coming weeks when councillors formally vote on whether to extend or advertise Mr Schinck’s contract.