The Andrews Labor Government is delivering hundreds of new homes across regional Victoria, ensuring more Victorians have the security and stability of a home and creating thousands of new jobs. Minister for Housing Danny Pearson today announced $219 million in grants from the Social Housing Growth Fund to build social housing across regional Victoria – providing a stable foundation for thousands of Victorians to build their lives.
The Andrews Labor Government is looking at more ways to boost employment opportunities in the Central Highlands, bringing together businesses, employers and community leaders. A forum held in Ballarat today and hosted by Jobs Victoria examined ways the Labor Government, local businesses and communities can work together to identify opportunities and develop new approaches to address workforce challenges.
Early works are now underway to build an Intermodal Freight Hub at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The works will see five serviced lots built at the site – in preparation for major construction to take place on the freight hub next year.
Grampians Health Ballarat is driving environmental awareness in regional Victoria by taking delivery of two State Government fleet battery electric vehicles. The zero-emission Hyundai Kona Electric cars will cover a lot of ground across the Ballarat region, supporting the Government’s charge towards a state-wide net zero emissions target by 2050.
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled final designs for the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment, which will deliver local families world-class health services. Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today revealed the new designs of the multi-level tower that will house a new emergency department, a women and children’s hub, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Highly-skilled teachers and school leaders in Ballarat are another step closer to accessing world-class professional learning opportunities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today announced the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (the Academy) will be built on Camp Street in the Ballarat Regional Centre.
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting social and affordable housing in Ballarat, ramping up its landmark Big Housing Build to provide homes to those who need it most, where they need it. Minister for Housing Danny Pearson today visited a soon to be finished home in Ballarat - one of 216 now underway as part of the unprecedented $5.3 billion Big Housing Build and other social and affordable housing programs.
The activation of traffic lights at the newly upgraded Gillies and Gregory Street intersection marks the completion of the Andrews Labor Government’s first Keeping Ballarat Moving project.vMinister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the newly finished project will reduce the risk of crashes and providing safer turning and crossing points for pedestrians.
Restoration works have begun at two avenues of honour in central Victoria, with the Andrews Labor Government supporting efforts to revive these significant sites for commemorating the service of local veterans. Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane visited Ballarat to mark the beginning of the restoration of the two memorial avenues of trees, at Ballarat East and Tourello Road.
Regional Victorian councils, business, tourism, industry and the creative sector are coming together to support delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Games at a Partnership Forum hosted by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring public hospitals have the latest vital equipment and engineering infrastructure to continue providing world-class healthcare for all Victorians. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced 38 health services and public health laboratories across Victoria will share in $105 million of new equipment to treat patients and save lives.
Students at Black Hill Primary School will take part in a Bike Ed Challenge to put their riding skills to the test thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Road Safety Grants Program. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said students will complete a number of courses as part of the challenge including bike skills, balance, coordination, peripheral vision, and decision making, before participating in the challenge with three other schools.
The Andrews Labor Government will establish five new GP-led Priority Primary Care Centres to give Victorians the care they need while easing pressure on our busy emergency departments (EDs). Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that Priority Primary Care Centres will be established close to five hospitals – giving Victorians an alternative to visiting an ED.
A free fishing festival that celebrates the opening of trout season will return to Ballarat next month. Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the BallaratFishing Festival will be held on Saturday 3 September from 9am to 3pm at Lake Wendouree, north of Windmill Drive.
The Andrews Labor Government is giving more young people in regional Victoria the chance to save money and ditch their older model cars for a safer, more modern vehicle. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll today announced the expansion of the unsafe2safe trial right across regional Victoria, with expressions of interest now open until 4 September 2022.
The Andrews Labor Government has recruited hundreds of new paramedics this year – delivering another boost to our health system and helping our ambulance services meet the record levels of demand being seen Australia-wide. Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Wendouree Station to announce that more than 150 paramedics have already joined crews in regional Victoria this year – with more on the way.
The popular Ballarat Library is being expanded and refurbished as the Andrews Labor Government invests in the growing community.
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Ballarat locals experiencing the devastating impacts of gambling harm can get tailored treatment and support services with an innovative new program being piloted in the region.