Regional Development Victoria

Bringing to life the best of Ballan

21/10/2026

More events, activities and economic activity will be on offer in Ballan thanks to new outdoor community facilities.

The playground and public space outside the Ballan Library and Community Hub. Public benches, a water fountain, tree plantings and a playground with a red slide and accessible swing are visible in the shot.

The upgrades have been brought to life by $100,000 from our Council Support Package and delivered in partnership with Moorabool Shire Council in a boost to the local community.

Works have installed:

  • a new shelter
  • a stage
  • a playground
  • public seating
  • wayfinding signage.

These new elements have enhanced the hub as the town’s central point for gatherings and community events.

Lighting, landscaping, paving works and improvements to the site’s drainage have made it a modern welcoming space that’s accessible and fit-for-purpose year-round.

This means more opportunities for economic and social activity through events, including local music festivals, community celebrations, and ANZAC Day commemorations.

Ballan’s local history and culture have been carefully considered throughout the development, including through restoring and reinstalling the site’s historic horse trough and the ‘Mapp Up in Lights’ outdoor gallery.

Two creative installations by local artists are also adding character to the site. The drawings by local students of plants and animals are projected at night and painted across a drinking fountain. A map of Ballan will also be projected at the hub from 2027.

The courtyard and covered community stage outside of the Ballan Library and Community Hub, with the white light dots projected on the floor and wall. Public furniture and a green bike are visible in the image.

These upgrades build on the Victorian Government’s $5 million investment in the Ballan Library and Community Hub, which opened last year.

The Council Support Package is designed to help local governments attract more visitors to regional cities and towns and to create public spaces that empower communities.

It’s part of our work to make rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.