May 20th, 2024Planning for future growth in Ballarat: community consulted

The City of Ballarat’s draft Growth Areas Framework Plan is now available for community consultation following the council’s recent May Planning Delegated Committee Meeting.  

The document will guide the long-term growth of Ballarat’s future growth areas by outlining the required infrastructure and preferred sequencing for future Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) preparation.

The areas identified for future growth are geographically described as the Western and North Western growth areas.

The next growth area to be developed is the Northern Growth Area, for which the Victorian Planning Authority is currently developing the Precinct Structure Plan.  

This plan accommodates for 50 per cent of greenfield development, as previously outlined in the Ballarat Strategy 2040.

The Growth Areas Framework Plan will become a blueprint for the city’s future growth and is supported by many technical studies such as:

• Engineering servicing strategy
• Community infrastructure assessment
• Retail assessment  

It will advise how the Precinct Structure Plans should be sequenced, infrastructure requirements of each area, greenfield land supply, urban development objectives and key growth actions.  

As Victoria’s third largest city, Ballarat will continue to play an important role in the State’s economic and cultural growth, contributing significant investment and vibrancy to the region.

Ballarat is growing rapidly due to its proximity to Melbourne and the many economic, social and cultural opportunities that the area presents.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said this Framework Plan is a key document addressing the city’s future long-term greenfield growth.

“The future Western and North-Western Growth areas represent an essential part of the City of Ballarat’s long-term growth strategy,” he said.  

“The Growth Areas Framework Plan will ensure that Ballarat remains a regional city with its own unique identity.”  

The full Growth Areas Framework Plan and supporting documents can be found at the City of Ballarat’s MySay page and the community’s feedback is being welcomed until Friday 31 May 2024.  

The community can also attend in person sessions:

• Tuesday 21 May 2024 4.00pm – 6.00pm, for the general public.
• Tuesday 21 May 2024 6.00pm – 7.30pm, for landowners.