Ballaarat was created a municipality by proclamation on the 18th December 1855. The municipality was created a Borough on October 1863. The Borough was subsequently proclaimed a City on 9 September 1870. On 25th May 1921 the City amalgamated with the Town of Ballaarat East (VA 706).

Local Government Reform 1993-1995

The City of "Ballaarat" was abolished in 1994 as part of a statewide program of local government reform enacted between 1993 and 1995. The reform process reduced the number of councils from 210 to 78.

The City of "Ballarat" (VA 3731) has been appointed as the successor in law of the:
- City of Ballaarat [VA 748]
- Shire of Ballarat [VA 2380]
- Borough of Sebastopol [VA 742]
- Shire of Bungaree [VA 2398]
- Shire of Buninyong [VA 4617]
- Shire of Grenville [VA 2436]
- Shire of Ripon [VA 2496]

and has assumed its rights, assets and liabilities.