August 25th, 2024Ballarat makes move on population growth predictions

The City of Ballarat says it’s taken an important step toward helping accommodate more than 55,000 new residents that are forecast to be living in the regional city in coming years. 

Ballarat City Council received a report on the final Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan at its August Planning meeting.

Councillors discussed the reports and resolved to adopt the strategy and framework plan.  

As a planning authority, the City of Ballarat has a responsibility to plan housing growth for at least a 15-year period across the municipality. Plans to ensure housing in both infill and greenfield areas will now be rolled out.  

Following the adoption of the Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan, the council discussed the importance of progressing the implementation of the strategies into the Ballarat Planning Scheme to assist in managing the challenges and opportunities facing Ballarat’s population and housing growth.  

A resolution was made to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare a Ballarat Planning Scheme Amendment to implement the recommendations of the Ballarat Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan into the planning scheme. 

Councillors acknowledged that further strategic work is required to bring both documents into full effect.   

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said both documents are vital to planning for how Ballarat will grow to accommodate more people in both growth areas and existing areas over coming years.