The final stages of Ballarat’s Housing Strategy

The final stages of developing the draft Ballarat Housing Strategy have been reached, with the document now available for the community’s review.  

Following extensive consultation in 2023, the City of Ballarat has worked through submissions from the community, developers, landowners and State Government to develop the Ballarat Housing Strategy.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson commended the detailed strategic planning work that has been ongoing to ensure that Ballarat grows sustainably.  

“Ballarat is growing and housing affects the lives of everyone, which is why this draft Housing Strategy is vital in addressing how we live and grow in our city,” he said.

“This final Housing Strategy will, ultimately, support changes to zones and overlays within the Ballarat Planning Scheme across the municipality.”

Key changes made to the draft Ballarat Housing Strategy in response to consultation include:

• The addition of the CBD and Urban Renewal Areas to provide a comprehensive consideration of housing supply in Ballarat
• Adjustments to the application of Change Areas across Ballarat
• Clarity as to the role of Ballarat’s Greenfield areas in their contribution to housing supply and the introduction of findings of the Growth Area Framework Plan
• Additional content to outline Ballarat’s approach to affordable and social housing, infill and growth area targets, biodiversity and climate change, infrastructure and accessibility, and heritage and character.  

The community can review the document and ask questions via the City of Ballarat’s MySay page, until 2 August 2024.  

“I urge the Ballarat community to review the draft Housing Strategy online, to see how we are planning for our city’s growth,” Cr Hudson said.  

Ballarat City Council will review the final draft Ballarat Housing Strategy on 14 August 2024, at the Planning Delegated Committee Meeting and will determine whether to endorse the final Strategy.