While upgrades to Bridge Mall are the centre piece for Ballarat's local government budget, it remains a movable feast in the wake of fluctuating Australian politics.
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City of Ballarat released its 2019/2020 draft budget for consultation on Monday, with big spends planned for Civic Hall and the Ballarat Library, as well as $59 million in core capital works over the financial year.
But two sets of promises - those from state and federal governments in recent election campaigns - hang over how the council executes its plan for the city.
City of Ballarat CEO Justine Linley said they would continue pursuing $5 million funding for Her Majesty's Theatre from the federal government, required to complete disability upgrades to the historic theatre.
While Labor MP Catherine King announced money for the 143-year-old theatre, no commitment was made by unsuccessful federal Liberal candidate Timothy Vo or politicians in the re-elected Morrison government.
"We don't count chickens before the eggs are hatched; this is a stand-alone budget," she said.
"We're not so heavily reliant on grant funding ... if we get those grants it's a bonus, and we bring forward the programs to match it."
Ms Linley said they remained focused on securing a multi-million dollar regional city deal from the federal government, after a lacklustre amount of federal promises for the region.
When it comes to state government money, she said there was an opportunity to change the draft budget before councillors make a decision, in case Ballarat-led projects are funded in the May 27 budget.
Around $2 million will be spent on Civic Hall, to create a commercial kitchen which can be used for catering at large events requiring catering, and some upgrades to the stage.
An upgrade of the Ballarat Library, with $1.9 million budgeted over the next two years, will include improved technology, increased space and more flexible working areas.
Director of people and communities Neville Ivey previously told The Courier an upgrade would cater for more students using the space, while some family programs would move out to Sebastopol.
The Town Hall ballroom will also have a $1 million restoration, while waste services will cost the council $15.2 million over the upcoming financial year.
More details mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au.
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