What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Ballarat's direction is set by the Community Vision 2025–2035 — 'Ballarat, Victoria's heritage city: leading the way as a safe, sustainable, innovative and inclusive community, that is a great place to live' — and the Council Plan 2025–2029, both adopted at the council meeting of 25 June 2025. The plan is funded year by year through the budget; the 2026–27 budget was adopted on 24 June 2026.
The Council Plan has six goals, each with strategic objectives, key initiatives and performance indicators. The Community Vision was developed with input from more than 1,700 people and a deliberative panel of 43 residents.
The 2026–27 budget raises average rates by the 2.75% cap, lifts waste charges 1.2%, plans $92.3 million of capital works and $11.8 million of new borrowings. It also prepares for a hard waste collection service from 1 July 2027 and raises hourly parking fees from $3.00 to $3.60, keeping the first hour free.
Underway now
Four-bin service review
Survey open until 30 Sep 2026; review to Council later in 2026The council is reviewing the four-bin kerbside service (including FOGO and glass) introduced in November 2025. Its survey asks residents how they use their bins and what collection frequencies they prefer; more than 1,600 responses had been received by 18 September 2026.
Source: City of Ballarat — Less than two weeks left to have your say on Ballarat's four-bin service
Glenelg Highway shared path
Construction began Sep 2026A 3.6 km shared path and separated bike path along the Glenelg Highway between Delacombe Town Centre and the Yarrowee River, with safer signalised crossings, bus stop upgrades and landscaping. The budget lists a $7.8 million total project cost; the council's September release says it is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
Planned / committed
Hard waste collection service
Beginning 1 July 2027The 2026–27 budget funds vehicles and infrastructure to set up a hard waste collection service. Until then, households use their two free Transfer Station vouchers.
Source: City of Ballarat — Budget 2026/27, p.5 and p.19 (PDF)
Eastwood Leisure Centre upgrades and new animal shelter
Construction to begin in 2026–27Budget highlights: Eastwood Leisure Centre upgrades ($17.85 million total, including $8.53 million of Federal Government funding) and a new animal shelter ($14.5 million total, including $11.5 million of State Government funding).
Source: City of Ballarat — Budget 2026/27, p.6 highlights (PDF)
Recently delivered
Mining Exchange facade restoration
Completed Sep 2026Conservation and repair of the upper facade of the Mining Exchange building on Lydiard Street, returning it to a colour scheme inspired by its original 1880s appearance. The council funded the work, and Heritage Victoria approved it.
Source: City of Ballarat — History unveiled as Mining Exchange restoration works complete