Response, Reactivation and Recovery Plan Response, Reactivation and Recovery Plan City of ’s swift response to the Covid-19 well as develop initiatives in support of local businesses pandemic prioritised the need to protect the and the community. health of residents and staff. Council’s Response City of Ballarat will continue to work hard to contain and Recovery Pandemic 2020 Plan was instigated and minimise the health and economic impacts of in March 2020. the virus on residents and local businesses; and A dual focus, along with the health imperative, was where possible to introduce measures and create on ensuring that where possible within government opportunities to offset the profound effects of the pandemic guidelines, the organisation was able to pandemic. continue the delivery of key services and projects as

In 2020 – Recovery Commitments Underway:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Rate instalment payment $50,000 for 2019–2020 30 June 2021 deferrals and no interest on $175,000 for 2020–2021 late payments Deferred outdoor dining Fees were initially deferred until the end of January 2021 Fees waived until permit payments but has now been extended until January 2022 January 2022 Food Act Registration $60,154 Food Act waived fees March 2021 Public Health and Wellbeing $43,997 Public Health and Wellbeing Act waived fees Act Registration discounts TOTAL: $104,151 waived fees “Be Kind” Ballarat $150,000 Will run until early Marketing Campaign 2021 Establishment of a Contacted 610 businesses to check on business wellbeing Ongoing dedicated Economic and provide information on support packages and services Response Contact Centre available which has transitioned to a Business Concierge service Environmental Health 484 registered businesses have received hardship Ongoing until Team helped businesses to concessions to date. March 2021 operate in a Covid-19 safe manner

2 COMMUNITY RECOVERY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Provision of Lucas City of Ballarat provided Lucas Community Hub to UFS as 31 December Community Hub and CBD a COVID-19 Testing venue and the CBD Seniors Citizens 2020 Senior Citizens Centre facility was provided to Ballarat Health Services. Establishment of a From 1 May to 26 June 2020 316 public drop offs were 30 June 2020 temporary Donations received with 6,152 items donated. Centre non-perishable food Donations distributed to 6 local welfare agencies and items (8 weeks) to Federation University via 51 deliveries. 4 Foodbank deliveries were also received and distributed to local agencies in partnership with Ballarat Foundation and Ballarat Community Health. Helped local food agencies Council made 205 individual food hamper deliveries to 30 September with food deliveries vulnerable community members, supporting local welfare 2020 agencies who had limited volunteers available. This reverted back to the agencies to coordinate in September in line with easing restrictions. Family and Children’s Existing operational, these programs just moved into an Option for online Services supported families online environment. activities continues via online information, Parent Place: one-on-one phone support, • 16 videos produced by Parent Place/Family and virtual playgroups and Children’s Services team on-line first parent groups • 9 videos prepared by partner organisations • Continued online engagement of volunteers Supported Playgroups: • 91 engaged clients/families • 9–10 virtual playgroups a week since 23 April • Weekly phone calls or text messages with clients • 273 Supported Playgroup activity packs contactless delivered during lockdown • 11 editions of Supported Playgroup newsletters MCH: • First Time Parent Groups – 31 virtual groups averaging 4–8 families each group Maternal and Child Existing operational, these programs just moved into an Option for Health programs used online environment. telehealth will be a combination of home MCH: ongoing visiting, brief face to • 7,293 KAS consults completed. New born babies and face appointments and vulnerable families continued to be seen face-to-face telehealth consultation during lockdown Immunisation: • Approximately 9,000 childhood and school immunisations since March. • 5 childhood sessions continued to be provided weekly • School immunisation program provided 6 COVID sessions at BALC during lockdown • 24 school based sessions provided • Continuity of twice monthly immunisation service provision provided to and two school immunisation sessions at Bannockburn Secondary College. • New booking app implemented

3 COMMUNITY RECOVERY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Let’s Pivot regional $5,000 committed to support this regional recovery December 2020 collaboration project program helped communities with resilience building Ageing Well assessment 4,231 assessments completed using telehealth Will be reviewed in team converted to January 2021 to telehealth determine if F2F will recommence Social Connections 1,897 hours of activities delivered with 575 residents Ongoing program used creative involved virtual alternatives to group activities Meals on Wheels continued 41,137 main meals provided to 792 residents The second as normal but with higher 45 volunteers have returned to MOW delivering meals Eureka site demand and a second site concluded on the set up at the Eureka Centre, 28 September as well as contactless 2020 and delivery delivery has now returned to normal. New online youth agencies 18 agencies engaged in network and over 1,200 views to Ongoing, to be network ‘Keeping Youth in webpage reviewed in 2021 the Loop’ developed Youth Awards delivered $10,000 committed to support 2020 awards and online Concluded online for the first time ever delivery, 91 nominations received and viewed by 1,585 September 2020 people. Partnering community Approx. $2,500 in sponsorship waived from 12 community Concluded organisations in youth organisations. September 2020 services had their financial sponsorship contributions waived. Youth led ‘Fully Sick’ online $4,000 for 2019–2020, online reach to 10,260 people Concluded music and arts festival $1,000 for 2020–2021, online reach to 1,615 people November 2020 Total 24 artists involved in 2020 festival. 50 ‘Fully Sick Festival’ in-home packs created for young people without internet access. Reusable masks, Donated items September 2020 thermometers and family activity packs were distributed to the intercultural community Fines waived for overdue Approximately $37,000 of fines waived February 2021 library items stopped Opening of Adult Exercise $50,000 – New exercise equipment installed specifically to November 2020 Equipment Project at Mount cater for senior members of the community. Pleasant Reserve Opening of new $70,000 – New fenced space including path network, July 2020 Pennyweight Park shelter and seating. Community Dog Park

4 COMMUNITY RECOVERY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Upgrades at Wendouree $30,000 – New path network and dog play equipment July 2020 Community Dog Park Upgrades at MR Power $30,000 – New path network and dog play equipment July 2020 Park Community Dog Park, Sebastopol Opening of new playspace $400,000 – New fenced district level play space including November 2020 at MR Power Park, picnic area, basketball space and integrated greenspace. Sebastopol Upgrades at Doug Dean $60,000 – The works include the installation of a new flying November 2020 Reserve in Delacombe fox, tree planting and additional seating.

Opening of new Changing $250,000 - New fully accessible facility now open in North September 2020 Places and Accessible Gardens. Public Toilets Transformation of Albert $300,000 – Renovation project has transformed the CBD October 2020 Graham Reserve reserve with new play facilities and a 3x3 basketball court.

5 ADVOCACY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Advocacy for several long- Submissions to the Building Recovery Taskforce, 30 June 2020 term strategic projects DELWP, (June 2020) seeking planning support and fast tracking of key projects. Advocacy around fast Submissions to the Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce, 30 June 2020 tracking planning support DELWP, (June 2020) seeking planning support and fast tracking of key projects. Advocating on behalf of In-kind – Several funding submissions and project 31 December businesses and residents concepts developed based on community and business 2020 for funding to support sector priorities. changes and adaptations CASI Program Funding $64,746 secured from Victorian Government to provide 31 December Secured social connection to at risk community members 2020

6 For 2021 – Recovery Commitments Moving Forward:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date Waiving outdoor dining 127 x $200 = $25,400 January 2022 permit fees to January 2022 (includes 41 new and 86 renewals)

Temporarily waiving ‘A 44 x $100 waived fees = $4,400 Review in frame’ signage permit fees January 2022 for hospitality venues

Waiving annual fee for local 6 x $560 waived = $3,360 Review in operators with Itinerant January 2022 Trading permits

Waiving Local Law activity 16 x $200 waived = $3,200 Review in permit fees to operate a January 2022 recreational activity for commercial gain on City of Ballarat land

Outdoor Dining Project $500,000 from Victorian Government's Local Councils January 2022 Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package grant – for outdoor dining hubs and small outdoor dining infrastructure for hospitality businesses in Ballarat

Free booking and use of the 5 groups took up the opportunity to run outdoor classes. Ongoing majority of City of Ballarat’s outdoor spaces for fitness and recreation classes

In partnership with $5,000 contribution to national marketing campaign June 2021 Committee for Ballarat, participating in the Regional Australia Institute’s national campaign to promote regional living and working

Road Infrastructure City of Ballarat Council has awarded $2.132 million in The works, which Projects contracts (excluding GST) for roads projects at sites include road, across the municipality. At its ordinary council meeting footpath and on Wednesday 2 December, the Council awarded five drainage building, contracts for roads projects at Sebastopol, , are part of the , and Glendaruel. City of Ballarat’s 2020–21 capital https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/more-2-million-road- works program. construction-works-given-green-light-city-ballarat-council

Learmonth Street South Reconstruction of Learmonth Street South Service Road, Butler Excavations Service Road, Buninyong between Inglis Street and Cornish Street, Buninyong Pty Ltd $312,206.66 (excluding GST) awarded to Butler commencing Excavations. around February 2021 with a 6 week construction program to be completed by April 2021

7 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date

Pickford’s Road, Glendarul Reconstruction and widening of Pickford’s Road, Fulton Hogan Pty Glendaruel, awarded to Fulton Hogan Industries for Ltd commencing $443,425.10 (excluding GST) Monday 14 December 2020 (with shut down period over Christmas) with completion by 29 January 2021.

Rowlands Street, Road reconstruction and associated works in Rowlands Ballarat Excavation Sebastopol Street, between Vickers Street and Hill Street, Sebastopol and Transport for $616,623.08 (excluding GST) commencing yet to be advised with an 8 week construction program.

Errard Street South, Road rehabilitation and associated works Errard Street Ballarat Excavation Ballart Central South, between Dana and Eyre Street, Ballarat Central, and Transport awarded to Ballarat Excavation and Transport for commencing late $310,287.20 (excluding GST) January 2021 with a 6 week construction period to be completed by mid-March 2021.

Albion Street, Sebastopol Road reconstruction at Albion Street, between Birdwood Fulton Hogan Pty Avenue and Walker Street, Sebastopol for $449,532.70 Ltd commencing (excluding GST) awarded to Fulton Hogan Industries. yet to be advised with a 6 week construction period.

Establishing core waste • Landfill Cell: $4.6 million Ongoing management infrastructure • Materials Recovery Facility grant application $7.78 million submitted toward $30 million project. Includes $5 million Council contribution. Outcome, if successful bid, 139 construction/25 ongoing jobs • Interviewing Ballarat business to map city-scale waste and recycling flows. • Commenced scoping of Food Organics Garden Organics road map. • $22,000 updating the Community and Industry Resource Recovery Centre (CIRRC, formerly All Waste Interchange) concept plan to include ‘regional hub’ opportunities for final business case development. • Facilitate/Partner in grant application for Circular Economy practices within business and/or creation of new circular business in Ballarat.

8 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date

Facilitating Renewable and • Tender responses for 100% renewable energy for Ongoing Alternative Energy Projects 48 Councils received and being assessed. • Approx $40,000 solar Girrabanya imminent. • Approx $20,000 sustainable design assessments in progress for 10 social infrastructure sites in progress. • Library redevelopment PCG considering sustainability inclusions, incl. $160,000 solar and Building Energy Management System (cost TBD). • Alternative/renewable energy for Aquatic Centre on-hold to 2021. • State budget announced last week, including ‘green jobs’ stimulus. Relationship of this to Carbon Action Plan, Renewable Energy Roadmap etc. and Council’s role (lead, advocacy, facilitate) yet to be determined.

9 COMMUNITY RECOVERY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date

Development of soccer $1.8 million – includes the development of two new soccer March 2022 precinct @ Royal Park in pitches plus lighting and stage 1 of new building Buninyong Redevelopment of the In conjunction with the State Government $850,000 – February 2021 Alfredton Village Cricket includes re-build of the playing surface with irrigation and Football Oval drainage and Santa anna couch grass Junior female friendly In conjunction with a grant from the Federal Government March 2021 netball and football Change the construction of new change facilities for netball and Rooms at Russell Square junior football at Russell Square Redevelopment of soccer $5 million – includes the development of two new soccer July 2022 precinct @ Victoria Park pitches plus lighting major pavilion development Establishment of Ballarat’s $55,000 to design and create a high-quality community January 2021 First Disc Golf Course in disc golf course that will be free to use in Victoria Park Victoria Park Establishment of Ballarat’s $25,000 to re-purpose a bowling green at the East Ballarat December 2020 first petanque piste facility Bowling club into a petanque piste Upgrades at Emergency $230,000 (Includes the installation of air conditioning in the February 2021 Relief Centres and new Relief Centres at Learmonth and Russell Square) transportable back-up generator Mars Stadium $6.3 million – in conjunction with State Government Initial components Stage 2 Upgrades funding delivery of the construction of female friendly April 2021 full change rooms, formalised terracing for spectators on the completion–2022 berm, new toilet amenities, accessible grandstand seating and gate entrances Redevelopment of The strengthening Wendouree state government election First stage April Wendouree West commitment project is currently being delivered and will 2021 Recreation Reserve see the first stage being three new soccer pitches and lighting built as part of a $7 million investment. Additional components will include a new community pavilion and other recreation facilities built. Reactivation of Council $ 2,502,000 – Annual program of events scheduled to be June 2021 Managed Events delivered by Council’s Events Team. Supporting community led $455,000 allocated in 2020–21 for local groups to access Next round for recovery projects through via the Community Impact Grants Program and the applications opens the Community Grant Tourism Event Grants Program. in February 2021 Programs Summer Reactivation of $250,000 – Program of specific summer events scheduled Dec 2020 – Events to be delivered by Council’s Events Team. June 2021 Reformat the Begonia Concept for decentralised Covid friendly event format March 2021 Festival has been developed, which will see the majority of the event focused into the CBD in an effort to achieve greater economic support for the businesses located there. Midlands Reserve $280,000 – Includes upgraded community play space, 30 June 2021 Upgrades additional shelters, seating, hard landscaping and community greenspace. Ballarat North Community $120,000 – New lunch/supper room being created. 30 June 2021 Hub Upgrades

10 COMMUNITY RECOVERY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date

New Masterplan for $50,000 – New comprehensive masterplan for the 30 June 2021 Western Oval precinct. Masterplan and upgrades $50,000 – Garden to go through significant transformation 30 June 2021 to Community Garden at based on recommendations from community engagement Royal Park, Buninyong process. Creation of new BMX Pump $60,000 – New BMX pump track to be installed following 30 June 2021 Track in Alfredton comprehensive local community engagement process in 2020. Improvements at $60,000 – Installation of new starter gates at the Marty 30 June 2021 Sebastopol BMX @ Marty Busch facility. Busch Development a new $50,000 – New comprehensive masterplan for the 31 August 2021 Masterplan for the Brown precinct. Hill Community Recreation Precinct Development of a new $50,000 – New comprehensive masterplan for the 31 August 2021 Masterplan for Marty Busch precinct. Precinct in Sebastopol Transition of Lucas $17,000 – Upgrades to the external play space as the hub February 2021 Community Hub back to returns to a kinder in 2021 programmed community facility Planning and Upgrades at $20,000 – Internal refit works. 30 June 2021 Rowan View Preschool Construction of new Dog $70,000 – Construction of a new facility at James Reserve 30 June 2021 Park in Buninyong in Buninyong. Upgrades at Sparrow $70,000 – Includes new shelter and seating, re-surfacing 30 June 2021 Ground, Ballarat East of 3x3 basketball court and new walking path connections Victoria Park Bounce Zone $150,000 – Construction of new accessible bounce zone 30 June 2021 at the Victoria Park Play Space

ADVOCACY Support Initiative Value Conclusion Date

Working with partner Value will be measured by the number and value of grants/ Advocacy is organisations (e.g. projects/fast tracking secured. ongoing in the immediate term Commerce Ballarat, A working group has met to discuss and determine to maximise Committee for Ballarat, advocacy priorities related to COVID-19 recovery. Project opportunities Ballarat Regional Tourism) value still to be determined. on key priorities for a city- afforded by wide COVID-19 recovery. Work is also continuing to determine City of Ballarat state and federal (Council) specific advocacy priorities which it will pursue C-19 recovery independently, or, if appropriate, in concert with key streams; longer community and organisational stakeholders. term advocacy will focus on securing state and federal government investment via the budget process (May 2021) and in the lead up to the next elections

This plan takes into account funding that was set aside by council prior to the pandemic but delivery of these projects will assist significantly with Ballarat’s recovery and the economic consequences of Covid-19.

11 The Phoenix | 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, Vic 3350 City of Ballarat | PO Box 655, Ballarat, Victoria, 3353

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December 2020