Despite often copping criticism from Commerce Ballarat, councillors last week voted to once again financially support the chamber.
Council will hand out nearly $140,000 a year to Commerce Ballarat for the next three years.
Mayor Cr. Des Hudson says he believes it’s a wise investment.
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“They should be able to comment on council, this is why it’s such a good model of being of arms distance.”
“They are the pulse of local business, and they need to be able to raise issues that local businesses are experiencing,” Mayor Hudson said.
In a statement, council says the funding will contribute towards the delivery of new programs and events, responding to emerging business needs since the last agreement, including:
- B31 Ballarat Business Month launch event (August)
- New Forage and Feast program of events for supporting producers, growers and the hospitality sector
- Programs to assist businesses support the mental health of employees
- Themed industry-specific ‘chats’ – such as the new Tradie Network.
