Ballarat grows to the north

The City of Ballarat has welcomed the decision by the State Government to authorise the rezoning of the core area of Ballarat’s Northern Growth Area to an Urban Growth Zone which will become the city’s newest residential growth area.  

At its meeting in February, Ballarat City Council resolved to support the rezoning of three new growth areas in Ballarat – the Northern, the Western and the North-Western growth areas – underpinning a strategic and planned approach to the delivery of infrastructure, services and housing needed to keep pace with Ballarat’s expected growth. 

The Minister for Planning, Lizzie Blandthorn has authorised the approval of an amendment to rezone the core area of the Northern Growth Area and update policy in the Ballarat Planning Scheme.  

The Minister has also appointed the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) to prepare the required Precinct Structure Plan, Developer Contribution Plan and Planning Scheme Amendment. This process includes consideration for an extension to the boundary. The City of Ballarat is committed to working closely with VPA and stakeholders to plan for the future 

The VPA will also work with the City of Ballarat to deliver a high-level strategic review of Ballarat’s greenfield land which includes the Western and North-Western growth areas together with urban renewal areas to inform future staging of residential growth and ensure adequate land supply.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said sustainably managing growth is critical.   

“It’s important that the planning and delivery of large areas of residential growth is staged to ensure development is in line with environmental principles to ensure future communities are well-planned and sustainable,” he said.  

“The City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025 identifies as two of the organisation’s key goals, a city that fosters sustainable growth and conserves and enhances our natural and built assets. 

“We are looking forward to working with the VPA to see this important planning work completed. 

“This will ensure residential growth is delivered in a way that meets the Council Plan goals and allows for ongoing supply of land to meet the needs of future residents.”  

Cr Moloney thanked the community and key stakeholders for their contributions to the process.  

Key Points  

• DELWP to rezone Northern Growth Area to an Urban Growth Zone. 

• DELWP to update the Ballarat Planning Scheme. 

• City of Ballarat to work with the VPA to review Ballarat’s greenfield land and urban renewal areas.  

• City of Ballarat to prepare a growth area framework plan for the western growth areas to inform appropriate staging and sequencing of residential growth. 

The new Northern Growth area is expected to accommodate up to 6,000 houses and potentially some 15,000 residents.  

Mt Rowan is a key landscape feature of the Northern Growth Area; detailed landscape assessments will be part of the future planning processes to ensure it is protected. Future planning will also consider Burrumbeet Creek and protecting the Dowling Forest Racecourse precinct and nearby rural living areas.  

Northern Growth Areas Map