We have information to help sports clubs in Ballarat.
COVID-19 help
Sport club development
In partnership with Sports Central, the Regional Sports Assembly for the Central Highlands, we run a range of programs to help our Ballarat sport and active recreation communities.
Sports Central deliver programs and services throughout the region across:
- development and support
- welcoming and inclusive sport
- participation
- healthy and safe communities
Clubs wanting advice or help should check out the Sport Central website.
Grant opportunities
There are a wide range of grant and funding opportunities available for our sport and active recreation community. Funding can provide valuable help to support the operations and projects. The challenge can be funding the right grants and preparing winning applications.
Grant Finder
The City of Ballarat's Grant Finder, powered by Grant Guru, can help with finding grants that may help your sporting group.
Our Grant Finder can help Ballarat sport and active recreation clubs, community groups, and businesses easily find and apply for grants.
Grant Finder lists 98 percent of available grants with a search so users can filter grants. Grant Guru has advice and tips for finding and applying for grants. You can also register for email alerts so you know when grants are listed or change.
Start looking for grants on Grant Finder now.
City of Ballarat Community Impact Grant program
The City of Ballarat’s Community Impact Grant Program supports community groups and organisations to run projects, programs, events and other activities, or to buy needed equipment.
More grant opportunities
Other funding information can also be found at the links below:
- Sport and Recreation Victoria
- VicHealth active club grants
- Ballarat Foundation grants
- Sport Australia grants
Sport and active recreation groups who need a letter of support can email our Participation Project Officer at katemcmahon@ballarat.vic.gov.au for more information.
Grant and funding updates are included in our Active Ballarat e-newsletter. Sign up to our bi-monthly Active Ballarat e-newsletter.
Ground bookings
There are many sporting and recreation areas in Ballarat you can use and visit. If you are a sports club, gym owner or personal trainer, you can hire some of these areas for your needs.
Banner hire for events
Does your club need to borrow banners or want some things to add to goodie bags? This is what you need to know about hiring banners.
Get in touch with our Participation Project Officer at katemcmahon@ballarat.vic.gov.au for more information.
Help, forms and checklists for your planning journey.
Forms and checklists
Do you have everything you need to apply for your Planning Permit? Make sure you have everything together by using one of our forms or checklists.
Planning application forms
Application for Planning Permit
Application for a VicSmart Planning Permit
Application to Amend a Planning Permit
Application for Amendment by Secondary Consent
Amendment to Planning Application
Extension of Time Request
Request To Endorse Plans Pursuant To Conditions Of Permit
Subdivision forms
Public Open Space Form
Bond and Fees Form
Discharging condition for 173 Agreement
Other forms
Application for Certificate of Compliance
Copy of Planning Permit and or Endorsed Documents
General planning permit application checklists
Checklist - Existing Use Rights
Checklist 1 - Construction and/or Extension of a Single Dwelling or Multi Dwellings on a Lot
Checklist 2 - Industrial
Checklist 3 - Business
Checklist 4 - Advertising Signage
Checklist 5 - Waiver of Car Parking
Checklist 6 - Subdivision
Checklist 7 - Applications for Works to Buildings in Heritage Areas
Checklist 8 - Applications for Demolition of a Building in a Heritage Area
Checklist 9 - Construction of a Water Tank
Checklist 10 - Vehicle Crossover in a Heritage Area
Checklist 11 - Solar Panels in a Heritage Area
Checklist 12 - Buildings & Works
Checklist 13 - Use of Land
Checklist 14 - Liquor Licence
Checklist 15 - Bushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire planning information
Checklist 16 - Applications within the Dowling Forest Precinct
Checklist 17 - Rural Subdivision
Checklist 18 - Rural Dwelling
Checklist 19 - Native Vegetation Removal
VicSmart permit application checklists
Checklist 1 - Realign a boundary between two lots
Checklist 2 - Subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space
Checklist 3 - Subdivide land with an approved development into two lots
Checklist 4 - Construct a front fence in a residential zone
Checklist 5 - Construct a building or works in a Commercial, Industrial Zone or Mixed Use Zone
Checklist 6 - Construct a fence in an overlay
Checklist 7 - Remove, destroy or lop one tree
Checklist 8 - Minor subdivision, minor buildings and works, painting or tree lopping in a Heritage Overlay
Checklist 9 - Display a sign in a Commercial or Industrial Zone
Checklist 10 - Reduce a car parking requirement
Checklist 11 - Reduce or waive loading & unloading requirements
More Information
Please see our Pre-Applications Page for details.
Policies and strategies
Reference documents under the Ballarat Planning Scheme
- 7 Cuthberts Road Alfredton Development Plan with special conditions
- Activity Centres Strategy 2012 part 1
- Activity Centres Strategy 2012 part 2
- Advertising Sign Guidelines 2013
- Alfredton West Precinct Structure Plan - Part 1
- Alfredton West Precinct Structure Plan - Part 2
- Amendment to Insignia Ballarat Development Plan
- Avenue Hill Residential Subdivision Cardigan Environmental Management Plan Part 1
- Avenue Hill Residential Subdivision Cardigan Environmental Management Plan Part 2
- Avenue Hill Residential Subdivision Cardigan Environmental Management Plan Part 3
- Ballarat West Employment Zone Development Plan
- Ballarat West Employment Zone Master Plan 2012 - Part A
- Ballarat West Employment Zone Master Plan 2012 - Part B
- Ballarat West Growth Area Plan 2009
- Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 1
- Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 2
- Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 3
- Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 4
- Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 5
- Canadian Valley Outline Development Plan 2005
- Car Parking Strategy 2007
- Dowling Forest Precinct Master Plan 2011
- Dowling Forest Precinct Master Plan 2011 (implementation)
- FedUni Technology Park Stage 2 Development Plan
- Former Ballarat Orphanage Development Plan Part 1
- Former Ballarat Orphanage Development Plan Part 2
- Former Ballarat Orphanage Development Plan Part 3
- Gaming Policy Framework 2011
- Health Precinct Study 2006
- Heritage Assessments Sebastopol 2013 (updated 2016)
- Heritage Precinct Study Part A 2006 - Part 1
- Heritage Precinct Study Part A 2006 - Part 2
- Heritage Precinct Study Part A 2006 - Part 3
- Heritage Study Stage 2 2003
- Koala Plan of Management 2006 - Part 1
- Koala Plan of Management 2006 - Part 2
- Lot 1, Learmonth Street Alfredton Development Plan
- Making Ballarat Central - The CBD Strategy 2011
- Miners Rest Township Plan
- Open Space Strategy 2008 - Volume 1
- Open Space Strategy 2008 - Volume 2
- Outline Development Plan for Buninyong Township 1993
- Rural Land Use Strategy 2010
- Stone Park Estate Delacombe Proposed Estate Plan
- Today, Tomorrow, Together - The Ballarat Strategy 2015
- Urban Character Study 1999
- Woodmans Hill Precinct Master Plan 2015
Local Incorporated Documents under the Ballarat Planning Scheme
View Local Incorporated Documents on Planning Victoria website.
Other planning documents
Planning fees
There are a range of factors that determine how much you have to pay for a Planning Permit.
Calculating your fee
The cost of your application depends on what you’re doing. The key factors that influence your fee include:
- The type of permit (use, development, use and development, subdivision)
- The estimated cost of any development
- The type of proposal and/or property (VicSmart, single dwelling on a lot, multiple dwellings on a lot)
For a full list of Statutory Planning fees, view our fee schedule.
I want to seek written advice as to whether a planning permit is required
Request written advice when you need to clarify whether a planning permit is required for your project.
Before applying, you'll need to ensure you have the following information:
- An electronic version of your plans
- Copy of your title including any relevant covenants and agreements
I want to request a copy of a planning permit or endorsed plans
To get copies of existing planning permits or endorsed plans, you'll need to apply. Before applying, you will need to have the following information:
- Property address
- Planning permit reference number
Please note: Copies are made available for the purposes of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 only. The information provided must not be used for any other purpose. By taking a copy of a document you acknowledge and agree that you will only use the document for the purpose specified above and that any dissemination, distribution or copying of a document is strictly prohibited.
I want to apply for a report and consent for a proposed demolition
Do you need to progress your building permit application but your registered building surveyor first needs report and consent for demolition under Section 29A of the Building Act? You will need to apply for a 29A Report and Consent for Demolition.
When a Section 29A request is received, we’ll determine whether a planning permit is required for the demolition, and if so, if a planning permit has been issued. If a planning permit has been issued for the demolition or no planning permit is required to demolish, we’ll issue consent.
A Section 29A consent request will be refused if a planning permit is required for demolition and no planning permit has been issued for the proposed demolition, or if the demolition proposed under the request differs from that extent of demolition approved in the planning permit.
The City of Ballarat can't issue Section 29A consents:
- where City of Ballarat is not the responsible authority for the land
- where a planning permit has been issued by the Minister for Planning
- for permits issued for properties on the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1995.
Before proceeding, make sure you have the following information:
- Planning and Building Permit application reference numbers
- A full and current (no older than 30 days) copy of your Certificate of Title including the Plan of Subdivision and correct ownership details.
- A digital copy of your plans and any supporting documents
- Credit card details for payment of the application fee.
- The cost is outlined in our fee schedule
Owner/Manager responsibilities for plantations on private land
Whether you have an existing plantation or are thinking of establishing a new plantation, you need to be aware of your responsibilities.
Native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests will end by 1 January 2024. If you’re considering establishing a new plantation, or harvesting an existing plantation, here’s what you need to know.
In the Ballarat Planning Scheme, ‘Timber Production’ is a defined land use, and requires compliance with Clause 53.11 (Timber Production) of the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
Clause 53.11-2 requires compliance with the ‘Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended 2022)’, known as ‘the Code’. Some zones require planning permits in addition to compliance with the Code. The Code regulates timber harvesting in State forests, private native forests and plantations. It outlines environmental standards for planning and conducting commercial timber harvesting.
Important values like biodiversity, recreation and cultural heritage are protected under the Code. Before establishing a plantation on private land, you must submit either a ‘Plantation Development Notice’ or a planning permit application to the City of Ballarat in accordance with section 4.1 of the Code.
Before harvesting a plantation on private land, you must submit a ‘Timber Harvesting Plan’ to the City of Ballarat in accordance with section 4.5 of the Code.
Blue gums are a popular plantation wood, and a favourite food and habitat for koalas. If you are considering establishing or harvesting a blue gum plantation, then koalas will likely be present and you are required to assess if they are present. For blue gum plantations, the Conservation Regulator requires owners and managers of blue gum plantations to hold an authorisation to disturb Koalas during plantation management operations, which would come in the form of a Koala Management Plan.
Templates for both ‘Plantation Development Notice’, and ‘Timber Harvesting Plan’ is available in DELWP’s ‘Management Guidelines for private native forests and plantations’.
A Koala Management Plan template and further information is available in the State Governments ‘Minimising impacts to Koalas in blue gum plantations – Regulatory Guide’.
For more information, please contact the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500.
Signing up for direct debits to pay your rates is quick and easy.
Please note:
- Any arrears must be paid before signing up for direct debit.
- You will need to sign up for direct debit before 12 September. The option to apply will not be available in sServices after this date.
How to sign up for direct debits with eServices:
- Log into your eServices account. If you don't have one, it's easy to sign up for an eServices account.
- Go into the rates and valuations section.
- Click on the rates assessment number for the rates notice you want to set up direct debits for.
- Click apply for direct debit.
- Choose which direct debit option you’d like: four payments or 10-monthly payments.
- The next screen will show you which payment option you've chosen. If you're happy with your selection click next.
- Enter your bank details. Make sure you double check your account details before you hit submit.
- Make a copy of your reference number.
- You will receive an email confirming your direct debit request. Please allow two business days for your request to be processed and your direct debit to be set up.
Once you have set up your direct debit, you will have the option to amend your account detail or cancel your direct debit.
Direct debit payments will appear in the payments section in your eServices account.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) looks after wildlife in Victoria. Find contact information for DELWP here if you have found sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.
Help for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife
If you find injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife, you will need to contact a wildlife rehabilitation organisation who is authorised under the Wildlife Act 1975 to care for wildlife.
You can contact:
You can also use DELWP's online help for wildlife finder to find a wildlife carer near you.
Do not handle wildlife unless you are told to do so.
Treat wildlife with caution, especially when they are distressed or injured, as they can be dangerous. Wherever possible, wait for an experienced/qualified person to arrive. Wildlife can bite, scratch, kick and carry diseases.
Members of the public can transport possess sick, injured or orphaned wildlife to a registered veterinary practitioner or licenced wildlife carer, when told to do so by an experienced wildlife carer.
It is illegal for a member of the public to remove dead animals unless authorised.
Australian wildlife is protected
All native wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. The Act:
- protects and conserves wildlife
- prevents wildlife from becoming extinct
- regulates who cam handle or remove wildlife (including healthy, sick, injured, or dead wildlife)
- regulates wildlife on private and public land.
I think someone is hurting or killing wildlife near me
If you believe someone is killing or injuring wildlife, please contact DELWP on 136 186 or make a report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Some wildlife deaths may need to be investigated. Any suspicious deaths should be reported to DELWP on 136 186 for investigation.
Possums
Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. While relocation of problem possums is prohibited, other control options may be available.
Relocating possums is both illegal and inhumane. A study by Deakin University showed that relocation was harmful to possums..
You can find out more about controlling problem possums on DELWP's website.
Swooping birds
All Victorian native wildlife is protected and it is illegal to harass or harm native birds.
Swooping birds can be a frightening experience. However, not all birds swoop during breeding season, so don't be worried if there are magpies or other common swooping birds in the area.
Native rats
Ballarat is home to native water rats called rakali. These animals can grow to be as big as a medium-sized platypus and they look like a small otter.
Rakali can be found commonly around Lake Wendouree and can be easily identified by the white tip on their short tail. As rakali are native animals they are protected by Victorian law.
The Australian Platypus Conservatory keeps a database of rakali sightings to help understand where they are living in Australia. If you see a native water rat around Lake Wendouree, you can fill out the Australian Platypus Conservatory's reporting form to help them continue to protect this native species.
What can City of Ballarat do?
City of Ballarat council officers cannot remove wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. Council officers can:
- get veterinary help for sick or injured wildlife if a DELWP wildlife officer is not available
- attend to and remove deceased wildlife on council roads.
Pests and pest control
Pests are non-native animals and insects that can affect your property, and enjoyment of our city.
Find out more about pests on our pests and pest control page.