That was the message from Ballarat City councillor Judy Verlin over the proposed $80 million Ballarat Sports and Entertainment Precinct debated at last night’s meeting.

Cr Verlin said the council now needed to show strong leadership and vision after the failed $40 million Civic Hall project caused some “wobbly knees”.

“If we are truly a leading regional centre, this is a prime example of what we have to do,” Cr Verlin said.

The council last night voted unanimously to set up a 22-member consortium, including sporting groups, government bodies and local organisations, to decide on the precinct’s future.

It will be based around the Eureka Stadium and is planned as a world-class, multi-use stadium and exhibition centre.

Cr Verlin will chair the consortium and said she would “make no excuses about saying ‘what do you reckon?’ to the groups involved.

“I will also not shy away from the fact we will have to borrow money to get a seat at the table.”

Several public submissions were received before the council voted last night, including Olympian Steve Moneghetti who said Ballarat produced great athletes but had poor sporting infrastructure.

“I don’t think it’s a question of ‘can we do this’ but can we afford not to,” Mr Moneghetti said.

Local businessmen Mike Kaufmann, John King, John Fitzgibbon and Ron Selkirk also spoke in favour of the consortium, along with Ballarat Basketball Association board member Nick Grylewicz.

Mr Fitzgibbon said it would be a visionary infrastructure project.

“While council can and must play a lead role in this development, it cannot and should not be considered as the primary source of funding,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The vision and business case need to be developed by the end of the year so as to capitalise on funding opportunities that will avail themselves in the approaching state and federal election cycles.”

But former mayor John Barnes argued for the council to defer any decision until a comprehensive report had been compiled.

“I’m neither for nor against it but I don’t feel there’s enough information to make up my mind,” Mr Barnes said.

“I urge you to go back and have another look at this and allow the public to know what the parameters are.”

But councillor Craig Fletcher said the council needed to work hard for outcomes that “shaped Ballarat now and into the future”.

“Councillors, together tonight we can take that first step,” Cr Fletcher said.