Negativity seems to be far too common a habit for many people, who either disagree or don’t get their own way about almost anything new or progressive.

Committee for Ballarat sees opportunity for revitalisation of the CBD with increased jobs and visitors around this precinct. Visitors adore our historic buildings and the station is one of the best, so what better introduction to the city than this precinct with improved facilities and activity areas?

We advocate strategic planning for the long-term good of our city, so the glass is half full rather than drained to empty.

If I’m told once more that “we are a conservative city” I’ll probably explode. 

Look around at the burgeoning food scene, art gallery, theatre, gardens and university activity in town and you cannot deny that it is changing for the better.

Rail services have improved and will keep on going with a $508 million allocation this year. When will we celebrate these great investments in our city, rather than criticise and carp? The plans for the railway precinct should rightfully be scrutinised when they are available. Then we can hold government accountable for the implementation and management of improvements.

But let’s try some positive thinking about the future opportunities around alternative energy production, emergency services and smart manufacturing.

Federation University Australia is integrated into the city with a focus on relevant skills and the Leadership for Ballarat and the Western Region program, hosted by Committee for Ballarat, is grooming our future leaders.

We have many ideas for these future leaders to take up and assist with our advocacy and influence work on behalf of committee membership. However, we expect that the new council will have a priority list to tackle and we want to complement and enhance their work if at all possible.

Civic Hall must be finalised in this council’s term, and that means not just the library development but full activation of the remaining site for jobs, VicRoads or an equivalent. But get it under way in 2017. Which projects can be finalised – potential emergency services centre at the airport, health precinct plan, waste-to-energy operations, city parking and traffic flow?

We don’t want individual pet projects but an agreed list, which is best for the long term. That means letting go where decisions are made following proper processes.

Such as the $25 million for the railway precinct, fulfilling the promise of the Eureka Stadium, accepting the relocation of the saleyards and focusing on what will generate a welcoming, innovative and diverse city and region not hamstrung by the past but looking forward excitedly to the future.

A future that younger people want to be part of because it encourages enterprise and ideas within all sectors. A future that accommodates urban consolidation within the city centre. A future that shouts to the world “we are up for the challenges of redefining our economy through new ideas”.

Above all, we should be competitive about our ability to adapt and grow by building on the capabilities of smart manufacturing, sports, educational and arts activities.

Let’s be proud of what we offer, and thereby attract more of what we need to be sustainable and thriving.

Janet Dore is chair of the board of the Committee for Ballarat.