Ballarat Council Backs Infrastructure Projects, Community Rebates in 2026/27 Budget

Ballarat City Council approved the formal discontinuance of Ring Road at Mitchell Park at its first 2026 meeting to support the Intermodal Freight Hub, with statutory works budgeted for 2026/27. The same meeting formed part of the process that led to adoption of the 2026/27 Budget.

Budget Framework and Rate Adjustments

The adopted 2026/27 Budget sets a 2.75% average rate increase of approximately $58 per year while allocating $92.3 million to a capital works program that includes $25.3 million for road infrastructure. These allocations reflect council priorities for sustained investment alongside cost-of-living measures in the central highlands region.

Infrastructure Tender Outcomes

Tenders were awarded in March 2026 for the $17.54 million Eastwood Leisure Complex redevelopment and in June 2026 for the Glenelg Highway Bike Path. Separately, the $2.78 million Brown Hill Kindergarten Upgrade and Expansion was tendered to Simbuilt PTY LTD to deliver a new 33-place classroom, with council providing the remaining $2 million in funding.

Community Rebate and Access Provisions

The budget maintains a $120 rebate for low-income health care card holders and pensioners. It also continues free entry to Black Hill and Buninyong outdoor pools during summer as part of ongoing local service decisions.

These steps follow directly from council endorsements documented in meeting recaps and budget announcements. Statutory works for the Ring Road change at Mitchell Park are scheduled within the 2026/27 financial year, while the awarded tenders position the Eastwood Leisure Complex and Glenelg Highway Bike Path for delivery phases. Residents can access further details on the Ballarat City Council website and its social media updates for timelines on individual projects and rebate applications.