Lake Wendouree lighting still without definitive timetable

One Ballarat Councillor has pushed the benefits of the upgrade, telling The Courier they believed the increased ability for people to use the area at night is crucial for both physical and mental health.

The Andrews government made an election pledge in October 2018, committing $2.5 million in the budget for lighting around the lake's six-kilometre Steve Moneghetti Track, as well as for running tracks in Victoria Park.

Cr Samantha McIntosh said the upgrades will be a great addition to the precinct.

"It's obviously a very important project not just to us at council but certainly to the broader community," she said.

"Our goal is to do everything we possibly can to protect residents and wildlife in the lakes and gardens precinct but at the same time make it as versatile and usable to as many people as possible.

"We want our community to be fit and healthy... a breath of fresh air does everyone a bit of good so if we can extend the timeframe that people can use our public spaces, that's a good thing."

These sentiments were echoed by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford, who did not lay out any timetable for when the upgrade could be completed.

"Our daily exercise has never been more important to us and extending the hours we can use the Steve Moneghetti Track and Victoria Park with new lighting will bring a great benefit to our community," she said.

"I understand the City of Ballarat has recently completed design works and is now finalising a project plan, which will scope the need for any planning approvals before work can get underway."

Cr McIntosh added her excitement for small parts of the project which have already been completed, however are unable to be used currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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