Lake Wendouree look and use call-out to public

The public has one more week to offer feedback on nine community projects put forward for consideration in a new Lake Wendouree master plan. A survey, including questions on general lake use, access and wildlife, must close next Tuesday due to no-consultation rules for upcoming council elections.

Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said the last lake master plan was 22 years old. The city’s demographics and needs had greatly changed.

“Elements of our community are wanting to be healthier. There has been a really bigger push and passion for fitness since then,” Cr Hudson said.  “...The lake belongs to everyone and everyone uses it for different methods. We’re making sure we capture as many conversations as we can.”

Six of the nine projects are mooted by community groups that, if the City of Ballarat gives the green light, must come up with the funding to pull off. This includes an outdoor gym, proposed by Western Bulldogs Football Club that has been proven popular early, as has the City’s proposed fernery redevelopment in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Trustees have put forward a prisoners of war story centre while Ballarat Tramway Museaum and Ballarat RSL sub-branch have formed a joint committee for a tram and military interpretive centre.

Lake Wendouree lighting about the Steve Moneghetti track is also featured, as is the pop-up beach concept, a North Gardens criterium and bicycle education park, a lake sports hub and an Indigenous sculpture trail.

Cr Hudson made clear these were all just ideas to read community interest 

A preliminary draft master plan will be developed after the survey is complete and a new council in place. There will be three more stages for community feedback before the final plan was delivered in a 12-month process.

Complete the survey haveyoursay.ballarat.vic.gov.au or at Ballarat Library, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre and City of Ballarat customer service.