STAUNCH supporters for lighting up the Lake Wendouree track say this dark time of year highlights exactly why the project should be a high-priority for the state government.
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A lake users group, including City of Ballarat councillor Amy Johnson, is calling for the Labor government to follow through on a $2.5 million promise for lights and make it clear in next week's state budget.
Cr Johnson said there had been strong community demand for more than decade on the project. The Liberal Party, of which Cr Johnson was a candidate for the seat of Wendouree, initially pledged $1.7 million for the project and with the guarantee of this being in the next budget should they have won government last year.
The Labor party, including the now Roads and Safety Minister Jaala Pulford, upped the commitment to light up the Steve Moneghetti Track about the lake plus part of Victoria Park.
"It's time for the project to be completed," Cr Johnson said. "This is certainly a project with a high degree of community support. There was a lot of excitement when funding was announced - people expect it would be funded within the first year because it is so needed.
The lake is the most highly used recreational asset within the City of Ballarat. People run morning and evening around the lake all year but this will help encourage more people to use the lake year round.
The project started to gain traction when voted top priority for City of Ballarat's Lake Wendouree master plan, which councillors adopted in November 2017. More than 80 per cent of Ballarat residents supported the concept.
Labor's pledge will create a 10-kilometre lit circuit. City of Ballarat has made clear lighting will be in limited periods early in the morning and evening for greater safety and improved vision for those running, cycling, walking and rowing about the lake, particularly in winter.
Plans take into consideration minimal wildlife impact.
Olympian Steve Moneghetti has long championed the project and has said lighting could also highlight potential for greater lakeside events, like twilight markets.
RETROSPECTIVE
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