Planning Application for the Ballarat Gold Mine

Ballarat City Council considered the application for a tailings dam at the Ballarat Gold Mine at the ordinary June meeting.  

Upon considering all the matters required under Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Council resolved to issue a notice of decision to grant a Planning Permit for the tailings dam.  

Following lengthy discussions in the chamber and many public submissions from community members, mine employees and experts, the motion was moved by Councillors.  

The notice of decision to grant a permit was approved, noting several proposed conditions to be adhered to.  

Notably, proposed conditions sought are;  

• Amended plans to be submitted to the City of Ballarat to show fencing details for the area within the Environmental Significance Overlay and for shrubs and trees to be planted around the facility's perimeter.  
• Construction Management Plans and Dust Management Plans are to be submitted to the City of Ballarat.

As noted in the Officer Report, the concerns surrounding health-related issues of the tailings dam have been raised over the course of this application. The applicant’s Human Health Risk Assessment has responded to these concerns.