Funding will be the only hurdle for the implementation of the Lake Wendouree Master Plan after it was officially adopted by Ballarat City Council.
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The extensive document took 18 months to produce, and received 2000 public submissions during the consultation period.
Councillors voted eight to one to adopt the plan at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday night.
A report on the plan presented to the council meeting said it had been well received by the public.
It also said the plan was “well-balanced, enhances amenity and preserves the environment, while recognising the importance of the lake to Ballarat’s economy”.
However this was disputed by ratepayer Stuart Kelly who said he thought lake Wendouree was going to suffer from overuse.
“Over the years I have noticed it has become more urbanised, more concrete, more asphalt, and less grass, less open space,” he said.
“It is getting to the stage where it has been loved to death.”
Mr Kelly also questioned the affect of the lighting proposal on wildlife at the lake.
A $1.5 million lighting upgrade around the Steve Moneghetti running track was a high priority under the plan.
There was also $500,000 recommended for building a new footpath to link Victoria Park and Wendouree Parade.
Ten pedestrian crossings were recommended to improve amenity while also slowing traffic.
However council still needs to secure funding for the $7.3 million project.
Council development and planning director Angelique Lush said there would be further investigations into what form the lighting took before it was built.
“(The plan) is not specific to the form it will take,” she said.