Now is the time to register your community group or business to participate in Ballarat’s popular Begonia Parade, with entries closing on Sunday 4 February.  

The iconic community event will be held on Labour Day, Monday March 11 from 11am-12pm as part of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Held at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the parade will span the route from the South Gardens to the North Gardens precinct at a leisurely pace.  

While there is no set theme for the parade, participants are encouraged to showcase their group or business in creative, vibrant and colourful ways. Previous years have seen custom-built floats, embellished vehicles, large groups marching in unison and even whimsical floating creations.  

This year, awards will be presented in the following categories:  

• Mayor’s Choice Award  
• Best School Entry
• Best Community Entry  
• Best Business Entry  
• Best Musical Entry  

Parade participants must complete an application form, nominate a primary contact on behalf of the group or business, attend a pre-parade briefing session, and maintain public liability insurance.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the popular community event represented the heart and soul of Ballarat.

“Every year it’s fantastic to see the creativity of our city on display through the vibrant floats, costumes and vehicles,” he said.  

“I’d encourage as many community groups and businesses to get involved as possible — the parade is a wonderful opportunity to gather together and commemorate the people, groups and business that make our community a great place to live.”  

More information about the Ballarat Begonia Festival is available through the event’s dedicated website.

Ballarat’s fifth annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony this Friday, January 26 will be complemented by the addition of a Community Reflection and Healing Day activities program extending into the afternoon.

In what is becoming one of the most meaningful events on the regional city’s calendar, the Koorie Engagement Action Group is inviting everyone to the ceremony to be held from 5.30am at View Point, Lake Wendouree.

KEAG is an advisory committee that provides the City of Ballarat with expertise in local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.

KEAG co-chair and City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates said the community was warmly invited to join in solidarity for truth-telling, healing and learning.  

“The annual event recognises and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultures, Country, and histories,” she said.

“Come along and be part of a meaningful, healing and respectful journey.”

The first Survival Day Dawn Ceremony on Wadawurrung lands was held in Ballarat in 2020. The ceremony, initiated by the KEAG has grown in attendance steadily since its inception and in 2024, the fifth iteration will see special guests include Uncle Andrew Jackomos PSM, Uncle Alan Harris, Mel Peters and MC Belinda Duarte.

This year the Dawn Ceremony will feature a ceremonial circle, local community dancers and a Wadawurrung Smoking Ceremony. The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will run until 6.40am.  

KEAG will extend the day’s offerings by hosting a Community Reflection and Healing Day from 9am to 2pm at View Point, Lake Wendouree.

Some of the activities on the day will include:  

• A Wadawurrung poetry workshop,
• Ochre education sessions and cultural activities,
• Yidaki/Didgeridoo lessons for men and boys,
• A Welcome Weaving Hub and Craft Stations led by Aboriginal artists as part of City of Ballarat’s celebration as a UNESCO City of Craft.
• An author talk with Black & Write Festival director Jane Harrison on her book, The Visitors
• Local Musicians including deborahN and Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley
• a 1.30pm Wadawurrung cleansing ceremony for one and all to start the year together with a focus on reconciliation and celebrating deep histories and cultures.  

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and the inaugural Community Reflection and Healing Day is an inclusive event for all.  

“These events are a recognition of the continuity and survival of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures,” he said.

“We fully acknowledge that 26 January is an incredibly difficult day for many people, and it is absolutely crucial we never forget that. These events are about cultural strengthening and creating safer places for First Nations people.

“Our community has been excellent in supporting this event since its inception and this year the extended program allows those who attend the opportunity to experience the cultures of our country’s First Nations Peoples.”

Uncle Alan Harris, a respected local figure and Noongar Elder from the Bibbulman clan of the Noongar Nation and the Ngaanyatjarra people of the Western Desert, shared what Survival Day meant to him.

“It’s absolutely crucial for every Australian to courageously take strides in forging unity within this, our nation, and relentlessly work towards constructing a robust and interconnected community,” he said.

“Together, let us declare our unwavering allegiance to diversity, transforming it into the rallying anthem that echoes fiercely through the very heart of our country. This is my Survival Day Message.”

Sarah Jane Hall, KEAG Co-Chair and proud Narungga woman, said the event aims to create a space for reflection, healing, and unity among all Australians.

“The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony is an inclusive event that acknowledges and commemorates the resilience and strength of Indigenous Australians despite the historical and ongoing traumas they have faced,” she said. 

Work has commenced on improving the experience and provision of facilities for hockey across the region at Ballarat’s Prince of Wales Park.  

The $1.3 million-City of Ballarat funded project will see the replacement of the synthetic ‘hockey turf,’ upgraded ball protection fencing, new player shelters and improved infrastructure for players. 

A feasibility study, jointly funded by the City of Ballarat and Sport and Recreation Victoria, which was completed in 2022 highlighted the increasing demand for enhanced hockey infrastructure in Ballarat.

This project is the first stage in developing improved facilities to cater for the future growth of hockey in Ballarat and the surrounding region. 

Current works are expected to be completed by end of May.  

The City of Ballarat is inviting all residents and visitors to view Fireworks display at Lake Wendouree on Sunday January 14.

When the music ends at Summer Sundays, the fun begins at Lake Wendouree, with 15-minutes of fireworks launching from 9:30pm.

Residents are encouraged to take care of their pets during the fireworks display and keep them indoors if they are likely to be spooked by loud noise.

There will be no parking restrictions around Lake Wendouree, however, the city is urging those planning to catch the fireworks to take care with the anticipated increased volume of traffic in the precinct.

The free event is being hosted by the City of Ballarat.

Live music lovers have some cause to rejoice as Ballarat’s Summer Sundays free concert series returns to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this Sunday January 7.

This first event in the month-long free series of live music Sunday afternoons offers a chance to see Yacht Rock Revival, Chitra, The Pearlies and Roy Darby live on stage from 4pm to 8pm.

In addition to the live music, a selection of Ballarat’s best food and beverage vendors will be onsite, alongside the pop-up garden bar to quench summer thirsts with local wine, craft beer and cider for patrons 18 plus.

Residents and visitors are welcome to bring a rug and picnic for a relaxed afternoon of entertainment.

Summer Sundays is a free event hosted by the City of Ballarat.

The Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria are heading west to Ballarat this pre-season, bringing a blockbuster weekend of netball activity to the region from 16-17 March.

Ahead of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, the Vixens will host three SSN sides – to be revealed in January – at Ballarat’s Selkirk Stadium on Wadawurrung Country thanks to the support of the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government.

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see their netball idols in action with two matches on each of Saturday and Sunday; the Vixens are set to hit the court twice and a Victorian Men’s League curtain raiser will showcase the exciting talent in our men’s pathway.

The action will also extend off-court – Netball Victoria will deliver a series of community activities across the weekend to help bring our game to the next generation of Victorian netballers, giving local participants and fans the chance to meet some of their favourite Vixens athletes.

Aspiring and established umpires and coaches in the region will also have the opportunity to engage in development activities across the weekend.

The two pre-season matches will play a key role in the Vixens’ preparation ahead of Round 1, when they’ll take on new neighbours and cross-town rivals the Melbourne Mavericks. The inaugural derby will take place at John Cain Arena on Sunday 14 April.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman: “We know how passionate our netball community is across regional Victoria, and we’re excited to be partnering with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to bring elite netball to Ballarat in 2024.”

“This event will be a great opportunity introduce our new Melbourne Vixens lineup to fans across the state, enable our athletes to engage with our Victorian netball community, and compete against quality opposition in front of a packed Selkirk Stadium.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson: “Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat Sports Events Centre is not only a terrific community facility for a range of local indoors sports, it also enables our city to attract a range of events at the highest level which will have a significant impact on our local economy.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Melbourne Vixens and their Suncorp Super Netball rivals in March. Not only will it see thousands of fans flock to Ballarat, benefitting our accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors, but it will give the region’s youngsters the opportunity to meet some of their national netball heroes and provide plenty of inspiration.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “Super Netball is the highest level of netball in Australia and the Ballarat Sports Events Centre will provide the ideal venue for locals to cheer on Victoria’s top netballers while showcase players and fans to this beautiful part of our state.”

“We’re proud to support this pre-season festival as it joins the blockbuster events calendar in Ballarat, boosting visitors and local businesses across the region.”

The Ballarat Blitz event schedule and ticket sale details will be announced in January.

Australia’s best male junior cricketers will call Ballarat home for a week in January 2024.

The City of Ballarat has secured the rights to host the Cricket Australia National Under 17 Male Championships – a week-long carnival of cricket featuring 30 matches between states and territories from around Australia.

The event is expected to attract about 450 people for the week and contribute more than $550,000 to the local economy. 

It will be held from 4-11 January, with all of the 50-over matches to be held on City of Ballarat facilities.

The new addition to the sports events calendar follows the recent announcement of Ballarat hosting the Bowls Victoria 2024 Regions Sides Championships on 13 and 14 January. 

A pivotal next step in developing a state-of-the-art Regional Animal Facility at Ballarat has been reached to close out 2023.

Architecture Matters was awarded the design contract at a regular City of Ballarat Contracts Committee meeting on Wednesday 20 December 2023.  

Work will commence in the new year to finalise the designs for the new facility in Mitchell Park.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the existing animal shelter is an old re-purposed abattoir building and not fit for purpose.  

“Appointing Architecture Matters as the architect to design the new facility is a key milestone in this project and we look forward to seeing the facility’s vision take shape,” he said.  

“It will be exciting to share the designs with the community in the near future.”  

A new Regional Animal Facility will enhance the quality of life and care delivered to thousands of animals from around the region that pass through the shelter each year.

It will improve the living situation for the animals, with integrated outdoor and indoor facilities, and more space for animals to rest and play.  

The new facility will also improve infection control, allow for safer quarantine measures and improved boarding facilities, not only for surrendered animals, but also crisis situations such as family violence and emergencies.  

The new facility would not be possible without the contribution of $11.5 million from the Victorian Government and $3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the welfare of Victoria’s animals is a priority for the State Government.  

“This much needed facility will ensure more animals will be able to get the care they need and that our wonderful vets and volunteers have new state of the art facilities to work in,” she said.

The designs are expected to be finalised in mid-2024, with tenders calling for construction anticipated to be released following, in late 2024.  

There will be fewer excuses for the Sunday night blues in Ballarat this January, as the city gets set for its favourite free music festival to hit the stage once again.

Summer Sundays, a four-week music series, returns in January 2024 and promises to provide the perfect ending to the weekend every Sunday throughout the month.

Presented by the City of Ballarat, Summer Sundays will be an entertaining showcase of talent in 2024, including a great mixture of local, First Nations and culturally diverse performers.

Summer Sundays have become a tradition in Ballarat, providing a wonderful platform for local musicians to gain experience on a big stage by performing to large crowds and this year is no different. 

More than half of the performers in the 2024 event will hail from the Ballarat region, delivering on the City of Ballarat’s Creative City Strategy, and the Ballarat Events Strategy.

Each Sunday in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, four different acts will be on-stage between 4pm-8pm, with the traditional spectacular fireworks display to cap off the 14 January show at 9.30pm over Lake Wendouree (subject to weather conditions).

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said Summer Sundays was an integral part of the city’s events calendar, forming part of a busy period including the Federation University RoadNats Ballarat, the Lake Wendouree Fireworks and the Australia Day Picnic in the Park on January 26.

“Last year we had well in excess of 10,000 people come along throughout the whole month of Summer Sundays, which shows just how popular this event is,” Cr Eddy said.

“As a Council we are delighted to be able to provide this event each and every year for the people of Ballarat and any visitors at zero cost to attend.

“We’ve also made a real effort to diversify the on-stage talent and we think we’ve landed on something special this year.

“There really is no better way to spend a summer night in Ballarat.”

Returning in 2024 will be an expanded array of local and regional food and beverage vendors, with about 10 different food trucks on hand offering a range of cuisine at each Summer Sundays event.

The pop-up Garden Bar will also return, highlighting some of the Ballarat region’s best wine, spirit, and beer producers.

The Bean Bag Lounge will also be back to provide an extra layer of comfort, although numbers are limited. Patrons are welcome to bring their own rug and picnic.

The Boer War Memorial statue that has stood proudly in Ballarat’s Sturt Street for 117 years is slated for replacement.

Comprehensive assessment of the memorial, officially opened on 1 November 1906, revealed its foundations are beyond repair and will require a full replacement.

The Boer War Memorial commemorates the people from Ballarat who served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902 and is listed on the Victorian War Heritage Inventory.

The statue is the work of successful and innovative sculptor James White and depicts a soldier on horseback rescuing a fellow soldier, is about three-quarter life size and stands on a considerable plinth in the Sturt Street Gardens.

It was last removed for restoration in 1984, while some remedial works were also carried out on site in 2020.

Specialised radiographic surveys and videoscope investigations have revealed extensive and severe corrosion in critical locations and it has been deemed the statue is beyond repair.

Often mistaken for being made of bronze, the imposing sculpture is constructed from beaten copper with a hessian and plaster core. This form of work is less resilient than bronze work. 

Other similar works completed by James White installed in sites across Australia have deteriorated in a similar fashion and have been replaced with like-for-like in bronze.

The current memorial will be offered to the estate of James White when it is deaccessioned.

It will be replaced by a permanent bronze statue, appearing almost identical to the original.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the replacement could not be avoided and was necessary to ensure the statue remained in place for future generations.

“The memorial, which is a much-photographed homage, has pride of place in the heart of Sturt Street and is of historical and aesthetic significance to Ballarat,” he said.

“Unfortunately, further restoration of the memorial was not possible as it was only going to continue degrading internally.

“It is vital that the replacement statue can be constructed to as similar likeness as possible to ensure it remains an integral monument in the heart of Ballarat.

“Bravery and mateship are beautifully captured in the memorial and these are values that we continue to cherish.”

The $285,000 project is supported by a $50,000 grant from the State Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program.

The City of Ballarat has released tender documents seeking quotations for the removal of the current work and deaccession of the original to create and install a full like-for-like replacement at the original site in the 200s block of Sturt Street, between Lydiard and Armstrong streets.

Tender applications close on 31 January, 2024 and the City of Ballarat anticipates the successful artist will be awarded in March.

Further timeline details will be provided upon the awarding of the tender.

The City of Ballarat’s Neighbourhood Parks Program has now reached a significant milestone after being launched in July this year.

The rolling program received 165 responses to a survey that will be used to understand how the spaces are being used, and how the people that use the spaces feel it could be improved. From this feedback, site analysis and concept designs will be developed and then discussed with the residents.  

Following this, workshops will be held with residents to collaboratively design the improvements to the local parks.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Ben Taylor said designing parks with the main user’s feedback is really important.  

“These parks are now to be shaped by the people that use them daily, this will improve their experiences in these open spaces nearby their homes,” he said.  

“Parks for the Neighbourhood Parks program are selected based on need and location throughout the city, and improvements are intended to improve amenity, usability, connection and more.”  

This year’s program included seven parks from across the municipality, the Gregory Street Park and Drummond Street Reserve received the most survey feedback in this round.

The parks receiving upgrades are:  

• Yarana Drive Park, Yarana Drive, Mount Helen.  
• Victoria Street Reserve, 63 Victoria Street, Sebastopol.  
• Kowree Crescent Reserve, 14-16 Kowree Crescent, Sebastopol.
• Drummond Street Reserve, 311 Drummond Street North, Ballarat Central.
• Clover Street Reserve, 9-13 Clover Street, Wendouree.  
• Gregory Street Reserve, 514 Gregory Street, Soldiers Hill.  
• Marigold Street Reserve, 12-14 Aster Street, Wendouree.

The Gregory Street Reserve in Soldiers Hill received the most feedback from residents, with the majority of survey respondents using the space to walk their dog, or for children to use the play space.  

People that provided feedback at this reserve expressed desire to have the fencing improved, and to explore the potential for improved facilities, such a picnic area and updated play equipment.     

The concept designs will feature native plantings, seating, new playground, increased tree planting and barrier planting to provide visual separation for pets and children.  

The reserve in Mount Helen, Yarana Drive received more than 20 responses, with varying feedback, however improved play equipment was the most common response with picnic shelter, basketball ring and footpaths also being important to the residents.

This reserve will benefit from engagement with children of all ages, to determine how play equipment can work for all, such as a basketball court, swing sets, and bike paths and more.  

Drummond Street Reserve, which is only as big as the neighbouring house blocks received the third highest number of responses to this survey.  

Users of this small reserve overwhelmingly attend the park with their children or as a walk-through area. Over half of the responses suggested improved play equipment and amenities would be beneficial to the park.  

The concept design to be prepared will include features such as a sealed path through the reserve connecting the two streets together, removal of the old play-space and installation of nature themed play facilities, increased plantings and more seating.  

Tenders have been released for a contractor to construct the trail from Victoria Park to Morshead Park along the Ballarat’s busy Sutton Street.  

As the population of Ballarat grows and more people participate in recreation outdoors, the City of Ballarat is committed to providing better connections for active transport.

This is the first stage of a trails and connection project that will eventually include connections to Doug Dean Reserve and a loop trail around Morshead Park along Rubicon Street, Pleasant Street and Bell Street.

The stage one connection will be close to 1.2 kilometres and will provide safe access to the open spaces of Victoria Park and Morshead Park.  

The shared path will be 2.5 metres wide, to allow for a wide range of users to use the trail.  

Along with the trail, the project will include planting of more than 150 trees, more than 200 plants and a few thousand ground cover plants, improved accessibility to bus stops and additional seating at nine separate locations.

Signage, pram crossings, seating and vehicle barriers will also be installed.  

Some benefits of the Trails and Connections Project include:  

• Safer and accessible shared path connections for walking, cycling and running.  
• Increases the connectivity of the off-road shared path network in Ballarat.  
• Provides opportunities for active and passive recreation to further achieve positive health outcomes.
• Easy to navigate linkages between key open spaces.

Improved tree canopy and improved biodiversity between open space areas.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson (above) said trails like this provide easy access to open spaces and outdoor destinations in Redan and Delacombe.  

“This connection aims to create safe and healthy connections for cyclists, walkers, runners and pedestrians between our reserves and parks”, he said.

“We will also have raised pedestrian crossings, when possible, at intersections along the route to create safer road crossings for all users.

“Sutton Street is a busy street, and being able to provide a safe corridor for our active transport users is a great outcome.”  

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ballarat.

Christmas decorations have adorned the CBD for several weeks now and the city is in full festive season mode after officially launching its ‘Christmas in Ballarat’ program detailing a bumper month of festivities and attractions.

The 2023 decorations arrangement is somewhat different from previous years due to the Bridge Mall redevelopment project, with the beloved giant bauble this year located in Queen Victoria Square, in the centre median of Sturt Street out the front of Town Hall.

The festive spirit remains as strong as ever this year, with the Christmas Art Trail, dazzling decorations, live music, interactive family activities and Christmas workshops all returning, making every trip to the CBD an experience to remember.  

The Christmas Art Trail takes people on a walking tour of the festive area of Ballarat central, featuring works of street artist Ulla Taylor. Locals and visitors can follow the story, enjoy the giant artworks, and answer a question at each location.

Maps are available at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre at Town Hall. If participants complete the walking trail, answer a series of questions and return the map to the Visitor Information Centre they will go into the draw to win one of three Christmas hampers, featuring local produce and wares from Ballarat businesses to the value of $500, $300 and $200.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the entire Christmas in Ballarat program was something to behold.

“We’re famous in Ballarat for the stunning decorations in Sturt Street, which are sensational for all ages,” he said.

“I encourage everybody to make their way into the CBD this Christmas and support local businesses when doing your Christmas shopping.

“Importantly, the Bridge Mall is still very much open for business, so a quick stroll down Sturt Street should cover all of your Christmas needs.

“There is so much to see and do as part of the entire Christmas in Ballarat program that people might not even know about, so I encourage them to go online and check out what’s on offer.”

The full Christmas program and everything to do with the festive season in Ballarat can be downloaded at the Christmas in Ballarat website.

Christmas in Ballarat highlights not to be missed

• The Christmas Art Trail, starting at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre at Town Hall. Maps available 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 10am-4pm weekends. 
   
• Santa’s Magical Post Office, Albert Street, next to Parent Place. Where children (or adults) can post a letter to Santa and if done so correctly, they might even get a response. 
   
• The giant walk-through bauble in Queen Victoria Square, opposite Town Hall, 200s block of Sturt Street. Open 24 hours but even more spectacular at night. 
   
• The giant Christmas tree and floral reindeer, 300s block of Sturt Street. 
   
• Refurbished Waterloo Stars decorations near Grenville Street, at the entrance Bridge Mall. 

The Ballarat City Council has adopted its new Public Toilet Strategy 2023 at its recent November meeting.

The Public Toilet Strategy was informed by an extensive program of stakeholder consultation and two rounds of community consultation, involving direct feedback from 741 people across the municipality.

The strategy makes 68 recommendations to improve the existing and future network of public toilets, ranging from location and distribution to improving the design of public toilets, making toilets more accessible and inclusive, and the maintenance, cleaning and management of public toilets.

It also outlines a 10-year capital works plan, dependent on funding in future budgets, which includes a program of updates, refurbishments and renewals.  

The strategy includes recommendations for the construction of three new public toilets within the next three years – in Little Bridge Street at the Bridge Mall, along the south-western corner of Lake Wendouree and at De Soza Park, Buninyong.  

It recommends public toilet facility upgrades at the Victoria Park public toilet, a minor upgrade at the Weeramar Park public toilet, and upgrades at the Parent Place and Town Hall public toilets.

It also proposes alignment with other City of Ballarat strategies, local laws, policy and regulations, as well as a number of minor upgrades to facilities such as hooks, seats, signage and provision of soap.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Public Toilet Strategy 2023 will now inform the planning, provision, design and management of public toilets across the municipality.

“Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback in the two rounds of community consultation and helped to inform the Public Toilet Strategy,” he said.

“We look forward to implementing the Public Toilet Strategy and achieving outcomes that will ensure our entire community has access to facilities that are high quality, accessible, safe and inclusive for all.”

The City of Ballarat manages 55 public toilets across the municipality.

The strategy will replace the existing Public Toilet Planning Framework 2015 and Draft Public Toilet Plan 2021, and aligns with City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025 Goal 4 – ‘A city that conserves and enhances our natural and built assets’.    

The City of Ballarat says it will remove and replace 12 poplar, willow and claret ash trees that are at the end of their life or in poor condition around Lake Wendouree.

The trees were assessed by an independent arboriculturist in April 2023 and have been recommended for removal to minimise the risk to public safety.  

The City of Ballarat’s Parks and Gardens team will replace the trees with the same species, in accordance with the Heritage Council of Victoria Lake Wendouree Registration under H2419.  

Works to remove and replace the trees were expected to begin this week and to take five days. While works are carried out, detours will be in place for pedestrians using the Steve Moneghetti Track.

There are more than 2,000 trees around Lake Wendouree. The Parks and Gardens team proactively inspects and maintains the health of trees across the City of Ballarat’s parks, gardens and reserves, as well as undertakes succession planning to guide the removal and planting of trees.

The tree removal complies with the City of Ballarat’s Tree Management Plan and Lake Wendouree Master Plan as well as the City of Ballarat’s tree maintenance in accordance with the Australian Standards.

City of Ballarat Director Infrastructure and Environment Bridget Wetherall said the works are an important part of tree renewal for Lake Wendouree.

“The removal and replacement of the trees will maintain the historical beauty of Lake Wendouree while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors,” she said.