A PUSH for track lighting at Lake Wendouree is gaining traction with more than 60 per cent of Ballarat residents “extremely supportive” of the project.
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Lake lighting clearly had the most community backing in a City of Ballarat survey conducted in September, with nine potential projects put to the public to help form a new master plan for the lake precinct.
A further 21 per cent of respondents indicated they were “supportive” of illuminating the Steve Moneghetti Track and almost 77 per cent of respondents said they would use the lighting.
The City does not guarantee it will bring the project to light – just that, like all projects, results add weight to consideration for the new master plan of lake priorities.
Lake Wendouree Lighting Community Group is a cross-section of sporting and recreational lake users campaigning for track lighting to increase safety and promote use in the early mornings and evenings, particularly during winter months.
The group has also suggested further benefits, like the potential for night markets by the lake.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens’ fernery redevelopment was also well-received with almost 80 per cent of residents either extremely supportive or supportive of the project and more than 80 per cent indicating they would visit the fernery.
The City had already committed $1.4 million to stage one development with an expected completion by the end of next year.
Also popular was an indigenous sculpture trail, a Western Bulldogs-proposed outdoor gym and an Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Trustees’ story centre.
A mooted community lake users hub for all sports, particularly boat sports without a lakeside shed, and North Gardens’ criterium and bicycle education facility had residents’ support but most indicated they would be unlikely to use them.
Other projects include Ballarat Tramway Museum and Ballarat RSL’s joint interpretive centre and the urban beach concept.
A total 1,823 Ballarat residents completed the lake survey.
City of Ballarat is hosting a series of walk and talk sessions at the lake next week to further discuss ideas and residents’ concerns to help guide the preliminary master plan draft. Sessions: Tuesday 5pm (environment), 6.15pm (access and amenities); Thursday 5pm (recreation, playgrounds, events); 6.15pm (buildings and boatsheds). ballarat.vic.gov.au
