NO funding was provided in state budget for the potential move of the VicRoads headquarters to Ballarat.
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In March it was announced the headquarters would move to Ballarat if the Coalition government was re-elected.
Despite a lack of funding of the new site or potential move, state government spokesman Mark Lee said the move would be finalised within the next term of government.
“Discussions and preliminary planning for the move have already begun and should the Coalition be re-elected, financial appropriations to support the move will be incorporated into future budgets,” he said.
The headquarters would be based at a site adjacent to the Civic Hall and a result in the relocation of more than 400 jobs to Ballarat.
The commitment is yet to be matched by the opposition
The move also forced the City of Ballarat to suspend the planning process to demolish the Civic Hall until more details were provided on the project.
Councillors have previously said they would put pressure on the opposition to match the Coalition election promise.
Another key election promise which didn’t appear in the budget papers was free wi-fi in Ballarat’s CBD.
This announcement was made by Denis Napthine in March when he stressed there would be no ongoing cost to government or local councils for the wi-fi.
“An expression of interest process is underway and contracts are expected to be awarded midway through this year,” Mr Lee said.
“Potential commercial models and extent of funding required will be determined through the EOI process.”
Mr Lee said it would be inappropriate to comment any further on the project as the process was ongoing.
matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au