The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its jobs promise to Ballarat, with workers in hundreds of new and relocated positions at the completed GovHub to boost the local economy and help revitalise the city’s CBD.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas was today joined by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Ballarat community leaders to open the purpose-built $100 million GovHub building that will enable long-term jobs growth for the region.

The Labor Government committed $47.8 million in 2017 to bring public-sector jobs to Ballarat. The John Wardle Architects-designed GovHub will see almost 900 workers initially moving into the building in stages from next week.

More than 1,000 jobs have now been supported through the GovHub and the establishment of Police Assistance Line operations in Ballarat.

Jobs have been moving to Ballarat since the Labor Government announced the GovHub project. Tenants have been recruiting local staff as vacancies have become available, including Consumer Affairs Victoria which established an office in Ballarat in 2018 for local recruitment purposes.

The GovHub’s construction has been a major boost for the local and regional economy with 500 jobs created during construction led by head contractor Kane Nicholson Joint Venture.

More than 60 companies from Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong provided cranes, building supplies, hydraulics and electrical, plumbing and engineering services.

Staff in the Ballarat GovHub will include workers from Service Victoria, VicRoads, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Working with Children Check Victoria, the State Revenue Office, Regional Development Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and the Department of Education and Training. The VicRoads Customer Hub will be open for customers from Monday, 10 May.

The GovHub’s design reflects the theme of the original Civic Hall precinct and includes more than 200 car parking spaces. The Catobeen Building within the GovHub recognises Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and will provide a community venue for music, art and celebrations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“The GovHub is a key part of our work to revitalise the Ballarat CBD, create local jobs, increase business confidence and attract private sector investment.”

“This is a landmark development and will underpin jobs for Ballarat people for generations to come.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The GovHub is helping transform Ballarat and strengthen our economy, with hundreds of jobs already created and many more to come now that it’s open for business.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The GovHub is just one of the projects we’re backing in Ballarat to make our city and region an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”