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Original Constituency Question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries. Will the minister please advise how the Andrews Labor government is continuing to support tourism for Ballarat?

Ballarat’s tourism offerings are interesting, immersive and innovative. Long gone are the days of Ballarat only being known for being ‘old, gold and cold’.

Whilst the internationally renowned Sovereign Hill and the iconic Art Gallery of Ballarat have always been significant tourism drawcards for our city, Ballarat’s reputation as a tourism destination is ever changing and attracting new audiences.

Proudly, the Andrews Labor government has supported major events, including the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, White Night, AFL games at Mars Stadium and 1000 Doors Ballarat. Further, our government’s $6.7 million for a National Centre for Photography will further enhance our reputation as a creative city. I look forward to hearing from the minister and hope to welcome him to Ballarat soon.

Response from Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events (27 October 2022) –

The Andrews Labor Government knows that Ballarat and the surrounding region provide a significant contribution to the Victorian visitor economy. The area provides a growing variety of vibrant and diverse tourism offerings, attracting visitors from across Australia and the world.

The Ballarat region has a range of upcoming opportunities to support its visitor economy. This includes the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which provides an exciting opportunity to showcase the Ballarat region to the world. The Games will also provide a significant opportunity to deliver lasting benefits to the region, including through delivery of new accommodation and attractions. We are investing $150 million to upgrade to Eureka Stadium prior to the Commonwealth Games, to build a new athletics track and expand the capacity with an additional 5,000 permanent seats.

The pending World Heritage listing of the Central Victorian Goldfields will also support investment in the region and bring international recognition.

The Andrews Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Program is supporting tourism in the Ballarat region through the delivery of various demand-driving tourism infrastructure projects. This includes the new $6.7 million home for the National Centre for Photography, a $6 million investment to upgrade the Sovereign Hill Events Precinct and $200,000 to provide new facilities at the Ballarat Tramways Museum.

We have also funded other tourism infrastructure projects for the region, including providing an additional $1.2 million to upgrade the Ballarat Tramway Museum and $500,000 to deliver Sovereign Hill Master Plan initiatives. Funding has also been provided in the 2022-23 Budget to complete Stage 3 works at Bald Hill enhancing opportunities for exercise and recreation. These projects will collectively provide lasting benefits for the Ballarat region and enhance Ballarat’s reputation as a destination of choice.

Alongside this, the Victorian Government is working with Ballarat Regional Tourism to address tourism workforce challenges and to build industry capability and resilience which is critical to ensure visitors enjoy a world class experience when they visit the region.

Finally, the Ballarat region features heavily in Victorian Government marketing and promotional activities, such as Stay Close, go further and the recent Commonwealth Games campaign – A games like no other, in a place like no other. Visit Victoria also assists in leveraging key events that take place in Ballarat, such as the cycling Road Nationals and Western Bulldog AFL games and works with the City of Ballarat to showcase Ballarat to national audiences.

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here, including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.

You can also view videos from Parliament, browse Hansard transcripts, learn about bills and legislation, and much more at the Parliament of Victoria’s website.