We are without doubt a group of fiercely independent individuals with strong opinions; we’ll bring varying priorities, perspectives and ideas to the table. That said, we’ll be drawn together by our shared commitment to serve the Ballarat community. We’re not yet a team; real team work comes with time and an understanding of each other’s strengths. Between them our Councillors bring high level business acumen; environmental credentials; knowledge of the not for profit and medical sectors; experience in the transport and infrastructure spheres; and work in the community safety, multicultural and humanitarian sectors. There is an intimate understanding of the needs of the rural and agricultural sections of our municipality and region, the tourism industry and many years of local government experience. My sense since the poll is of a feeling of great intent; a different mood around the table, a new mix of people has brought new optimism.

Our new Council has already begun work on the Council Plan; it’s the single most important document we will develop during the term; a legislative requirement that drives everything the City of Ballarat does. It sets the vision, directions and priorities for Council’s four-year term; it guides the Council Budget and Council Strategy and it lists how progress will be measured. Ballarat residents will have their first opportunity to look at the Plan, and provide feedback early in the new year; our deadline to adopt the Council Plan is June 30, 2017.

I plan to make activating the Central Business District a priority; it is the historical, and traditionally, the economic centre of our city; the heartbeat of Ballarat. Eight years ago, after I was first elected, Council approved the CBD Strategy, its vision for planned growth in the CBD. Key components of that strategy are still to be realised including activation; verandah restoration and use of the upper levels of historic buildings in the CBD. This is not to say the focus will be city-centric, this Council will continue to deliver a suite of community infrastructure including in Cardigan, Brown Hill and Sebastopol as part of the ‘Engaging Communities Program’.

My focus will also be to support development of the Railway precinct; and to implement the agreed plan for the Civic Hall; in fact stage one works are already underway. The development of an Emergency Services hub in the Ballarat Airport Precinct, to include a major upgrade to the north-south runway, are other key projects I want to see progress, leading to manufacturing opportunities and job creation; I believe it’s critical we work to strengthen and develop the local aviation industry. It’s a big vision which will bring significant local and regional benefits.

The 2016-2020 Council will continue to work closely with key advocacy organisations including Committee for Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat and Visit Ballarat; each works within its sphere of influence to maximize opportunities and outcomes for Ballarat’s residents and businesses. All the councillors have all put our hands up because we believe we have much to contribute to a ‘better’ Ballarat. I look forward to working with each of them as individuals and as a team for the next four years. 

Cr Sam McIntosh is Mayor of Ballarat