Ballarat's Anzac Day services will be ticketed events under a plan released by the City of Ballarat on Friday.
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While the city's traditional services at the Sturt Street cenotaph are set to go ahead with crowds, numbers will be limited to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.
Spectators will need to book a free ticket online to attend each service with the event area around the cenotaph to be fenced of those without a ticket will not be able to enter the event area.
Under the proposed plan, tickets for the 10.30am service will also include the traditional march on Sturt Street between Dawson Street and Raglan Street.
According to a council media release, there will also be QR codes at the event and all those attending must scan the codes when they arrive and maintain 1.5-metre distance from others at all times.
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Meanwhile, those attending the services in an official capacity or wanting to march will have to register their attendance with the Ballarat RSL sub-branch by calling 5332 3300.
City of Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said in the release the measures were a state government requirement.
"The two levels of contact tracing are a requirement of the Victorian government and means we can ensure, if there is a COVID infection following the event, we have the best chance of managing it quickly," Cr Moloney said.
"I know this is not the Anzac Day we are used to but it's important we do what we can to strike a balance between providing for this important day of commemoration and keeping the community safe during the ongoing pandemic."
Council also said limited ticket numbers will be released in stages over the coming weeks to ensure crowd numbers can be controlled and the safety of all involved can be managed properly and asked attendees to consider which event they would prefer to attend and only reserve a ticket for either the 6am or 10.30am march and service, not both.
"We ask that residents consider which one they are more interested in attending and only attend one service to ensure everyone has a chance of being able to attend at least one of the services," Cr Moloney said.
Ballarat RSL president Alan Douglass said while it was disappointing that people could be turned away from services, they were making the best of a bad situation.
"I'm disappointed in it but unfortunately we have to abide by the COVID rules and regulations and council is complying with the COVID rules," he said.
"It may be a bit difficult for a person who is unable to go online but they can ring council and do it that way."
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