Ideas are the raw material of innovation, and innovation is the point where society and its culture come together – Sir Bob Geldof Annual Report 2018–19 Pyrenees Shire Rural City of Ararat Hepburn Shire Golden Plains Shire City of Ballarat contents our role as thought leaders Ballarat and the Region 04 Chair’s Message 05 Committee for Ballarat is a visionary membership body that provides progressive and innovative leadership with Thinking Ahead 06 a strategic, long-term focus. Chief Executive Officer’s Message 07 Being a member gives an organisation a voice in helping shape the future of Ballarat and the region, and so leave Board 08 a proud legacy for future generations. Board Sub-Committees 09 Members 10 Creating our Agenda 13 Highlights 15 Our Work Jobs & Connectivity 18 Sustainability & Innovation 26 Community Wellbeing 30 Our Influence 38 Member Events 41 Financial Statements 45 03 ballarat and the region Our work covers Ballarat and western region, extending north to include the Hepburn Shire, south to include the Golden Plains Shire, and west to include the Rural City of Ararat and the Pyrenees Shire. The key industries driving economic growth are manufacturing, tourism, health and community services, education and retailing. Along with the banking/finance sector and government services, these industries are strengthening Ballarat’s role as a regional service provider. However, we also have the potential to be a world-class innovation hub, a centre for advanced manufacturing, a centre of excellence in health and education, and the centre for renewable energy in Australia. Ballarat region’s population is currently around 170,000. This is projected to increase by 89,500 to 259,500 by 2056*. Victoria’s population is expected to increase from 5.5 million to 10.1 million in the same time period, with projected growth of some half a million in regional Victoria. Regional Victoria has the potential to absorb much more of that population growth. For this to happen, there needs to be a comprehensive decentralisation policy at both state and federal level and considerable investment in infrastructure spending in the regions. *Source: Victoria in Future 2019. 04 advocacy, influence and partnership chair’s message The past year has been another important year Innovation and sustainability is a key pillar in Committee’s for Committee for Ballarat . strategic plan. When completed, the Grampians Roadmap to Zero Emissions, which Committee is managing in partnership In its role as a thought leader, Committee has continued with the Grampians New Energy Taskforce and the state its momentum of advocacy, influence and partnership to government, will outline the various technical possibilities, raise the profile of and deliver outcomes for Ballarat environmental and economic outcomes, and social and the region. preferences for our region in moving towards a zero-carbon economy in 2050. High-profile global philanthropist and activist Sir Bob Geldof was guest speaker at Committee’s March 2019 Round Table The record of activity and achievement set out in this annual Dinner. In his address to more than 350 guests, Sir Bob not report attests to the significant contribution Committee is only captivated us with his wisdom, his social conscience, making to the growth and development of the region. and his astute understanding of humanity, he also challenged us to be aspirational and to be the best we can be as I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the individuals, as a city, and as a region. commitment and contribution of Nick Beale and Melanie Robertson to the work of Committee in their respective roles This year, we had both a state and a federal election. In the of chair and chief executive officer. We wish them well in lead-up to the elections, Committee advocated strongly for their future endeavours. Thank you also to our members the priority projects outlined in its strategic plan. While not all for their continued support, to our Board for its strategic received support, the commitments to the restoration of Her leadership, and to Committee’s staff for their dedication Majesty’s Theatre and to connectivity were welcome. and professionalism. The combined federal and state governments’ commitment The continuing message to the three tiers of government of $10 billion to fund the Melbourne Airport rail link with is clear. Ballarat and the region is a dynamic regional Sunshine Station as the regional connection is a boon for centre that provides attractive lifestyle opportunities, sound regional Victoria. As is the state government’s $100 million connectivity, strong employment and investment prospects, allocation in the 2019 Victorian budget for the next stage of and has a focus on innovation and sustainability. the Western Rail Plan, which will separate the regional and metropolitan services by quadruplicating the lines to and electrifying the service to Melton as well as redeveloping Wendouree Station. Rodney Walton Chair 05 thinking ahead To create a better future for Ballarat and the western region, Committee for Ballarat uses thought leadership, vision, strategy, engagement and influence to unlock the economic potential of the region and to advance prosperity and community wellbeing. • We tackle the social, economic and environmental issues and envision innovative ways to address them to meet our future needs. • We employ intellectual rigour and strategic thinking to provide solutions to the problems we face now and into the future. • We connect and engage with stakeholders and members, involving and informing the community and seeking expert advice. • We use our influence, connections and partnerships to guide and progress key projects and programs that are of benefit to our region. • Our strategic long-term focus transcends short- term political cycles and our non-partisan position enables us to effectively advocate for sustainable, responsible and dynamic development in our region. We work collaboratively to achieve our vision with the three tiers of government, key stakeholders from across the region, and Committees for Cities and Regions. 06 collaboration is in our DNA ceo’s message It is my great pleasure to present my first CEO’s Message for Committee for Ballarat’s Annual Report 2018–19. Since commencing in the role in July 2019, I’ve had many Committee’s achievements over the past 12 months are well conversations with members, gaining valuable insights into documented in this annual report. I would like to acknowledge the significance of our work. I am encouraged by the strong the work and commitment of previous chair Nick Beale and sense of optimism our members have, which is demonstrated previous CEO Melanie Robertson. Both Nick and Melanie were by their commitment to Committee’s activities. successful in advancing the work of Committee for Ballarat – particularly in the areas of regional fast passenger rail, the Members have shared with me their visions, which have Grampians New Energy Taskforce (GNET) and renewable affirmed my belief that Committee can facilitate the shaping energy – and in their collaboration with the City of Ballarat of an exciting future for Ballarat and the region. and the broader community in the lead-up to the most recent state and federal elections. The issue of population growth has been central to the many discussions I have had with members. Growth in I would like to thank interim chair, Rodney Walton, for his our population is inevitable. A commitment to a vision for leadership during a time of substantial change, and the the future, great planning, and collaboration will ensure Committee for Ballarat Board and staff who have helped me population growth leads to a prosperous and highly settle into the CEO’s chair. I sincerely thank all members for liveable city and region. their ongoing support and look forward to all that lies ahead. The Liveability project team continues to define the meaning Committee’s role for the future will continue to be as a of liveability and has been working with key stakeholders to collaborator, working across the three layers of government to ensure growth is inclusive, connects communities, enhances advocate and impact change that will help deliver a thriving, wellbeing, and allows for new and existing businesses to growing community where innovation and creativity flourish. thrive. Ballarat will continue to be a city with a “soul”, a city that, while proud of its heritage, is also forward looking. Committee for Ballarat will continue as a thought leader in our community, representing the views and aspirations of our The other project teams – Connectivity, Jobs and Training, and members and the communities in which they live. We are Health and Education – are supporting and complementing the the leaders who can inspire those around us with the vision, work of the Liveability team, and these areas will be the focus energy and capability our community needs as we look of our thought leadership and advocacy in 2019–20. to the future. In the coming 12 months, Committee will develop a new strategic plan, and we look forward to engaging with our members in doing so. Michael Poulton Chief Executive Officer 07 board as at june 2019 Committee for Ballarat Board (August 2019) Committee for Ballarat is a not-for-profit advocacy The Board has four sub-committees – Governance; organisation that uses vision, strategy, engagement Finance, Audit and Risk Management; Membership and influence to create a better future for Ballarat and Communications; and Leadership Ballarat and and the region. Western Region. The role of the Committee for Ballarat Board is to set the Under its rules of association, the Board can consist of organisation’s strategic direction, to ensure the delivery of up to 21 members, 18 of whom are elected directly by the organisation’s objectives, and to promote and uphold Committee for Ballarat members.