Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford not only announced that the lake would receive lighting, but also Victoria Park as part of a $2.5 million election commitment.

It comes on the back of a $1.7 million promise made by opposition leader Matthew Guy in July to install lake lighting.

Ms Pulford also announced that $272,000 had already been funded for the installation of outdoor gym equipment around the lake.

And the announcement could kick-start an an athletic bonanza in the city, with Ballarat’s Deputy Mayor Daniel Moloney saying he would like to see council investigate linking the two tracks up via Sturt Street to create a 10km circuit.

Cr Moloney said now there was a solid commitment, the council could get on with planning.

“It’s been the number one thing that people have been telling us for the last couple of years that they want to see,” he said.

“This plan goes above and beyond and includes Victoria Park. I’d love to see it up and running by next winter, but that’s probably unrealistic, but hopefully the one after would be completely feasible.

“For many years we’ve thought about how people can safely cross Sturt Street, it’s about 10km if you include both together.”

Ballarat’s champion marathon runner Steve Moneghetti said the lighting will be a huge boost for the city.

“It’s terrific to be able to see other people able to enjoy the resources we have,” Mr Moneghetti said.

“I thought I might be in my wheelchair before we saw lights around here, so it’s terrific to have that commitment from both sides.

“It’s something the community needs and the community deserves.

“I didn’t consider Victoria Park at all as part of the plan, so that’s a nice surprise. It is a terrific open space and it just enhances the opportunity to go out and exercise.”

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