Ballarat’s iconic Lake Wendouree will now light up at night with the support of the Allan Labor Government. Lights have now been installed right around the lake and the tracks now connect with nearby Victoria Park.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney to turn the lights on for the first time. The project is supported by $2.5 million from the Victorian Government and $670,000 from the City of Ballarat.

The lighting will mean that runners and walkers can use the 6km Steve Moneghetti running track to exercise in the early morning and later into the evening. It also means safer access to the adventure playground, Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Ballarat Tramway Museum.

The lighting used in the project is 100 per cent powered by renewable energy and can be programmed to turn on and off to cater to the needs of lake users, residents and the animals that live around the lake.

More than 350,000 people enjoy our lake each year for recreation, rowing and social outings. The investment in lake lighting will encourage more usage in the early morning and after dark, especially during winter months. The new lighting scheme supports the Lake Wendouree Master Plan which was endorsed by the City of Ballarat in 2015 following extensive community engagement.

The project is one of several Labor Government investments in the Lake Wendouree precinct, including the recently completed track works and upgrades at the Ballarat Tramway Museum’s scenic touring route, backed by $1.6 million from the Government.

These initiatives are part of the Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion since 2014 to ensure rural and regional Victoria is an even better place to live, work, stay and play.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“This is a really important upgrade for the people of Ballarat – it means they can exercise in the safety of lights at a time that suits them.”

“Lake Wendouree is a much-loved and iconic destination, and we are making sure everyone can use it in a way that suits them.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“I am very proud to celebrate the switching on of Lake Lighting. We promised we would deliver this project, and we have. There will be huge community benefits from our $2.5 million investment at Lake Wendouree for our early morning walkers, our after dark runners and everyone who enjoys our wondrous lake.”