During the Planning Scheme Amendment process, an amendment is made publicly available to view. During this time, the community can make submissions about the proposal.

This is the key plan that provides the overall direction on the location of future land uses, major transport networks, open space and activity centres within the precinct structure plan (PSP).

After a planning authority has adopted an amendment, the amendment is submitted to the Minister for Planning for consideration and decision.

An amendment becomes part of the planning scheme when it is approved and notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

Greenfield land is land previously undeveloped and is typically agricultural or rural in nature on the edge of a town. It transitions into residential or other urban uses.

A panel is appointed by the Minister for Planning to hear submissions about planning projects, and to make recommendations or provide advice on the project.

A planning scheme is a document approved by the Victorian Government which outlines objectives, policies and controls for the use, development and protection of land for each municipality across Victoria. A planning scheme controls land use and development within a municipal district.

The formal process to change the rules in the City of Ballarat's planning scheme. The PSP and DCP will be added into the Ballarat planning scheme.

The precinct structure plan (PSP) is a long-term plan for urban development. It describes how the land is expected to be developed, and how and where services and infrastructure are planned to support the development of new communities. 

The UGZ applies to land that has been identified for future urban development. The UGZ:

• manages the transition of non-urban land into urban land.
• encourages the development of well-planned and well-serviced new urban communities, generally in accordance with a precinct structure plan.
• reduces the number of development approvals needed in areas where a precinct structure plan is approved.
• safeguards non-urban land from use and development that could prejudice its future urban development.

A State government authority that are responsible for planning new greenfield suburbs across Victoria.

A Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) is a high-level strategic land use and infrastructure plan document.

A PSP identifies the future land uses and infrastructure projects required to support the future community.

Land uses that are identified include housing, retail, parks and drainage corridors.

The land uses and infrastructure projects need to be reflected by subdivision and development applications (submitted to and approved by Council) once the PSP is approved.

The PSP also provides the vision and direction for the area and gives developers, landowners and the local community greater certainty about future development in the area.

The DCP is a document that outlines the infrastructure projects and the funding mechanisms to provide these projects. It outlines projects such as drainage, roads, intersections, community facilities and recreational open spaces.

The Development Contributions Plan (DCP) will collect funds from developers to purchase land and to construct infrastructure projects.

DCP funds collected from developers will be used to support delivery of essential infrastructure in the precinct structure plan. This will also minimise the impact on existing money collected via rates.

The City of Ballarat is required to plan to accommodate projected population growth over at least a 15-year period across the whole municipality and provide clear direction on locations where growth should occur.

The Ballarat North PSP responds to expected population growth in Ballarat - increase of 57,947 people by 2041.

PSPs are created by local or state government authorities for areas experiencing significant growth.

The benefit of a PSP is that growth is planned for in advance, with infrastructure items like shopping centres, schools, parks, walking tracks and road links all pre-planned. This ensures that infrastructure is provided appropriate to the expected population increase.

The City of Ballarat requested the Minister for Planning formally appoint the Victorian Planning Authority to lead the preparation of the Ballarat North PSP. The Minister supported the request and appointed the VPA as the Planning Authority on 31 August 2022. The VPA has worked closely with the City of Ballarat throughout the PSP process.

The precinct is mostly owned by private landowners and/or business owners. Some land parcels are owned by City of Ballarat.

The process to prepare a PSP is listed below:

• Undertake background studies related to drainage, traffic (and any other issue) to determine opportunities and constraints.
• Using the information from the background studies, prepare detailed plans including a Future Urban Structure Plan to inform future development.
• Undertake Exhibition and a Planning Panel (if required).
• The Planning Minister approves the final PSP and gazettes it into the Planning Scheme.
• Once approved, developers can begin to apply to Council for planning permits to develop the land.

The Exhibition process publicly releases a draft PSP, DCP and associated documentation allowing the community to review the documents and submit submissions or comments.

Interested parties, including residents, landowners, and other stakeholders, are invited to provide submissions or comments on the proposal.

The feedback received is then considered by the VPA.

A Planning Panel is where an independent body is appointed to hod a public hearing. The public hearing aims to resolve any unresolved submissions as part of the Exhibition process. The Panel's role is to advise on how to deal with the unresolved submissions.

Once the PSP is approved, planning permit applications for subdivision or development can be submitted to the City of Ballarat for approval. Once approved, construction can begin and Building Permits can be issued to certify that a building complies with the relevant regulations.

It is expected that the PSP process will be completed by mid 2026. Once this happens, developers can begin to submit planning permit applications to Council. Once these are approved, developers can begin to develop the land. It is expected that development could start from 2027.

The PSP and DCP is based on findings from several background studies. These studies are listed on the VPA website.

Based on the findings in these studies, opportunities and constraints were identified and are reflected in the PSP and DCP.

The preparation of the PSP is also based on the PSP 2.0 Guidelines and planning policy.

The VPA have also consulted with Council, developers, government agencies and landowners as part of the preparation of the PSP and DCP.

The VPA prepared the PSP & DCP in consultation with Council, developers, government agencies and landowners.

It is expected that the PSP process will be completed by mid 2026. Once this happens, developers can begin to submit planning permit applications to Council. Once these are approved, developers can begin to develop the land. It is expected that the development could start from 2027.

This planning will gradually change the area you live or work in over a long period of time. The precinct will transition from a predominantly farming area to a residential precinct. You may notice changes as new development occurs in addition to significant investment in community infrastructure and new open spaces.

The background studies that have been undertaken include transport, drainage and community infrastructure assessments which have contributed to the required infrastructure projects.

The DCP identifies the cost and timing for these projects. Relevant authorities will be consulted as part of this process.

Utility infrastructure will also need to be provided by developers and the background studies undertaken found that the area will be serviceable into the future through developer-led expansions to their networks.

It is common for council to need to acquire land as part of new development to meet the needs of a new or existing community. Land acquisition is used to reserve land, assist in delivery of new or upgrades to essential infrastructure and to improve public safety.

For example, land required for flood management, conservation and to build infrastructure (i.e. new roads and intersections) is often acquired by local governments to ensure that these projects can be delivered and be managed by the City of Ballarat into the future.

The PSP outlines land that is required to be compulsorily acquired.

Housing affects all residents and our housing needs change as we move through different stages of life. Ensuring there is a variety of housing types, and an adequate supply of housing will enable our neighbourhoods to meet our community’s needs throughout all stages of life.

Introducing additional greenfield areas to provide housing supply also changes the physical size and makeup of the city. Ensuring that the amenity and character of Ballarat remains will enable positive and successful future communities.

It is important that residents have a say in how housing and growth in the Ballarat is managed.

The PSP, DCP and associated documents have been made available on the EngageVic website for the project.

Any submissions on the documents need to be submitted via the EngageVic website.

Yes, the City of Ballarat will be making a submission as part of the Exhibition process to raise any unresolved issues. This will be made publicly available as part of a future Council Meeting.

There will be no future opportunities to have your say on the Ballarat North PSP. The Exhibition process is the last community consultation period in the PSP process.

You can call the Sustainable Growth team at any time during business hours, Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm on growthareas@ballarat.vic.gov.au or 03 5320 5500. Alternatively, the VPA can be contacted with details listed here - https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/ballarat-north/

After the exhibition period ends, the VPA will formally review and consider all submissions received. During this time, submitters may be contacted to further discuss their submissions and any changes sought.

Following this review, any changes will be made to the PSP and DCP prior to the document being finalised.

Any unresolved submissions will be decided upon as part of a Planning Panel process.