Ballarat deserves a summer spectacle, according to city leaders

While the City of Ballarat has confirmed it will no longer run fireworks on Australia Day, and it is considered incredibly unlikely that a similar event can happen for New Year's Eve given the quick amount of organisation time and the uncertainty around COVID-19 rules, a big summer campaign is still being planned to support businesses after a torrid year.

WHAT SHOULD BALLARAT DO FOR SUMMER? Have your say below

The state government's budget has offered millions in tourism dollars to regional communities, something the City of Ballarat is keen to tap into over coming months.

Committee For Ballarat chief executive Michael Poulton says the city is in need of, and deserving of, some fun over summer.

"The worst thing we can do is to close up shop in early January," Mr Poulton said. "Let's try and fill the void. There's a unique opportunity to capitalise on the state government's funding announcements.

"It would be disappointing for the whole community if we say 'it's too late, we're not going to try'. What can we do to bring in 2021? Start something new."

It's a view backed up by mayor Daniel Moloney, who confirmed this week discussions were ongoing with the business community across the city to produce something in the short-term.

"Yes, if there is the interest of the business community," Cr Moloney said. "I've been involved in a few different business and tourism forums and there seems that there is some interest for it.

"I think, that quite rightly, the business community is looking to us as a council to see if we are willing to support it, which we are.

"The reason for them looking to us is that many businesses are right on the cusp on whether they decide to stay open over that period, or whether they pack up for a couple of weeks. Many are saying if they went big with New Year's Eve and that traditionally quiet first couple of weeks of the year and it doesn't come off for it, there is a risk."

Late on Friday, The Courier was briefed on a campaign targeting large metropolitan areas which will be the focus of the city's plans over January and February with the aim of attracting locals, the visiting friends and relatives market and others tourists to the city.

Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillett said Commerce Ballarat and the city's businesses are working with the city to develop a range of exciting initiatives over January.

"Ballarat is definitely going to be open and vibrant over summer," she said.

"We want businesses to be as busy as they can be and we're working collaboratively for locals, the visiting friends and relatives market and tourists looking for things to do with more details to be released soon. Stay tuned!!!"

Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the state government had invested $20 million to continue the successful Regional Events Fund.

"The City of Ballarat and a number of other organisations will be able to apply for funding when applications open in early 2021," she said. "The recently announced $28 million Regional Tourism Vouchers Program will be available for Victorian residents and we expect it'll be up and running ahead of the school holidays.

"There will be 120,000 vouchers available which will mean that when a visitor spends $400 or more in regional Victoria on accommodation, tourism attractions or tours they'll be entitled to a $200 reimbursement. We look forward to welcoming tourists from across Victoria and showcasing everything our city has to offer.

"It's also really exciting to see how many Ballarat hospitality businesses have taken up the $5000 grant to enable outdoor dining. This is from a $58 million package from the state government."

HAVE YOUR SAY HERE