Consultation has closed on Ballarat's Draft Housing Strategy

Community feedback on how Ballarat grows through to 2041 as part of the Draft Housing Strategy has now concluded.  

More than 170 submissions were received following the extensive six-week consultation phase, which commenced on 4 September 2023 and included an online survey as well as nine drop-in sessions across Ballarat.  

The survey asked for the community’s feedback on Neighbourhood Character assessments, the proposed greenfield and infill splits throughout the municipality, and the types of housing needed in the city in the future.  

Submissions received included those from a mix of age groups and different living situations.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was great to have a strong community response to how future growth is planned for Ballarat.  

“Council really values the feedback that has come in from our residents and industry experts to help us prepare a strategy that will guide how Ballarat can grow and change into the future,” he said.  

“We've been really pleased by the number and the quality of submissions put to us, which shows the level of interest the community has in this essential piece of strategic work.”

By 2041, the Ballarat municipality is expected to grow by up to 55,000 people and will need over 29,000 more dwellings. The Housing Strategy 2023-2041 will provide the City of Ballarat with a framework for managing this population and housing growth.

The City of Ballarat has a responsibility to plan and accommodate housing growth for at least a 15-year period across the municipality.  

This draft Housing Strategy has taken into consideration current capacity for additional residential growth and change and sets out a long-term approach to planning for the city’s housing.  

The City of Ballarat strategic planning team, along with the engagement team and external consultants, will now begin evaluating the feedback from the Ballarat community.  

A copy of the feedback review will be provided to submitters to ensure the views have been correctly interpreted.  

Once collated and reviewed, the final strategy will be presented to Council for consideration, which is expected to take place in early 2024.