A vote for new growth for Ballarat

Ballarat Council has voted unanimously to approve a motion to define the city’s new Growth Areas at Wednesday’s Council Meeting.

The City of Ballarat will now apply to the Minister for Planning to obtain authorisation to amend the Ballarat Planning Scheme to rezone the growth areas to the Urban Growth Zone.

A motion brought forward by Councillor Ben Taylor added a recommendation that Officers would report back to council on the progress of the rezoning quarterly and for the project plan to also include timeframes for the Growth Areas Framework Plan.

Cr Taylor also stressed how beneficial it was to approve the Ballarat West Growth Zone over 10 years ago to assist growth in our community.

Councillors passed the motion which also included preparation of the Growth Areas Framework Plan. This Plan will establish the most appropriate sequencing of the Precinct Structure Plan in preparation for the Western and North-Western growth areas.

The plan will align with sustainable development principles, which includes the construction of community facilities and infrastructure to support well-planned and sustainable communities.  

Councillor Belinda Coates said that Ballarat cannot avoid population growth, but we can ensure maximum control.

“We need to get ahead of the game and drive more sustainable outcomes,” she said.

The discussion during Wednesday night’s meeting surrounded the importance of planning well, as it is something that will impact all of Ballarat.

The importance of the decision was not lost on City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney.

“This is probably one of the most significant decisions we will make as a Council in our term,” he said.

“This affects every Ballarat resident...this decision affects where we live, how we live, how we move, the type of infrastructure we will need, job opportunities, impact on business and the environment.

“It’s absolutely crucial we get it right."

Areas included in the new Growth Areas include:

• The Northern Growth area, close to the Miners Rest township and Mount Rowan. This area will require detailed landscape assessments to ensure its ongoing protection as a significant natural feature.
• Western Growth area, an extension of the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan which can support the growth area west of Kensington Creek and Skipton Rail Trail.
• North-West Growth Area, located west of the Skipton Rail Trail, which could accommodate an additional 5000 dwellings.