Council has been in talks with Regional Development Victoria about the project as it also develops its Ballan Streetscape Masterplan, with its 2016-17 budget setting aside more than $700,000 for footpath renewal and kerb and channel replacement along Inglis Street.

However, if successful, state government backing would see the current upgrade complemented with a significant infrastructure upgrade to improve the street’s aesthetic appeal.

“Council has entered into preliminary discussions with RDV and is currently preparing an application for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund,” Moorabool Shire Council Infrastructure general manager Phil Jeffrey said.

“Undergrounding of power will be included in the scope of this project.”

Councillor Paul Tatchell said last August that moving the power underground would likely cost in excess of $1 million, but said it would be advantageous to facilitate the works at the same time as the footpath upgrade.

“It would be really good to get the government to come through with the underground power,” Cr Tatchell said at the time.

“You would get more beautification, better parking and the shops would get better signage.”

Meanwhile, locals are able to provide feedback on the masterplan until Friday, February 3.

This project has been initiated through the recently adopted Ballan Structure Plan, which aims to improve streetscape amenity within the Inglis Street precinct and surrounding residential areas.

Feedback can be provided at council offices in Ballan, Darley and Bacchus Marsh areas.

Written submissions can be made to the info@moorabool.vic.gov.au email address.

The masterplan is available for viewing on the https://www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/news/have-your-say-draft-ballan-streetscape-masterplan website.