Approval for 4,000 new homes in Ballarat

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved the first structure plan within the Ballarat West growth area enabling the development of approximately 4,000 new homes and community infrastructure.

The structure plan for Alfredton West is an important step towards accommodating an expected population of 120,000 people by 2026 within Victoria's fastest growing regional city.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring there is sufficient land available to accommodate growth, enhance liveability and generate prosperity.  Housing affordability is vitally important for Victoria's regional cities like Ballarat.

Alfredton West will comprise housing, a town centre, community facilities, open space and transport networks, activity centres and employment areas.

The Ballarat West growth area comprises 1,675 hectares of greenfield land located to the west of Alfredton, Delacombe and Sebastapol.

Mr Guy said the structure plan recognises the need to provide various lot sizes while responding to the needs of the local community.

The Ballarat City Council's strategic planning will deliver more residential land to the market and provide significant benefits to this vital part of Victoria.

The Government will continue to work with council to progress the release of important residential land including the three remaining residential precincts of Bonshaw Creek, Greenhalghs Road and Carngham Road.

The Ballarat West Growth Area will provide approximately 18,000 new houses to accommodate a population of over 40,000 people.

Because Ballarat is Victoria's second largest regional city with a population of 96,000 people and growth in excess of 2,000 people per year, the structure plan for Alfredton West is vital to the city's future.