All councillors were in attendance for the night, including 83-year-old Cr Grant Tillett who had earlier flagged his reticence to the meeting given current coronavirus lockdowns.

While current laws prevent gatherings of more than two people at any one time, exceptions can be made in work situations as required as the council meeting falls under.

Councillors took the opportunity to congratulate the community for their efforts so far in self isolating, thanking businesses and talking about community initiatives regarding rainbows and teddy bears to keep spirits up.

Chief Executive Justine Linley said the core business of council was continuing to operate throughout the coronavirus quarantine period.

The biggest item on last night's agenda related to the potential move of the Ballarat Showgrounds from Wendouree to Mount Rowan which was carried unanimously after an hour long debate.

Councillor Grant Tillett who introduced the motion said there had been a number of significant objections to the project including issues relating to noise, parking and flooding in areas where there is a flood plain, but he stressed that an approval at the meeting would not mean construction begins right away.

He said it was unlikely that those issues would not be dealt with during the final planning stages as developers start the process.

Cr Jim Rinaldi said this was a significant, long term development for the city and no one knew what the Mount Rowan area would look like by the time the development was complete.

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