We are seeking community feedback to better understand how Binney Reserve is currently used and to gather ideas that can help guide its future. Your input will inform the development of a Precinct Plan that sets a clear direction for future planning and improvements across the reserve. Engagement will run from Tuesday 5 May to Sunday 31 May with many opportunities to be involved. To help inform this conversation, we've shared information about the site and the factors that shape what will be achievable. Read on to find out more about the site and how to provide feedback that will help inform the long-term vision and priorities for the reserve.

Binney Reserve offers a variety of features with the current infrastructure and community use, however there are some significant factors that need to be considered when providing feedback for the new Precinct Plan. These include:

Kindergarten site location:

Current Kindergarten:

• The existing Black Hill Kindergarten, located next to Black Hill Primary School at 602 Sherrard St, is a single room service with 25 licensed places. The facility is over 50 years of age and in need of upgrades.

Future needs:

• Policy changes within the early years sector, including increased funding and hour allocation to 3-year old and 4-year old kindergarten services, requires additional places be made available, driving the need for additional infrastructure.
• The new Kindergarten facility is to consist of the following:• Capacity for 99 licenced spaces.• Staff planning room• Children’s toilets, staff toilets• Storage area/s.• Outdoor shaded playground and an external undercover area for kindergarten programming space.• Civil and carparking works. •Universal access requirements.

To find out more about kindergartens within Ballarat, click the link below:

City of Ballarat Family and Children's Services

Existing Infrastructure:

Outdoor Pool:

• There are currently no plans to remove Black Hill Pool.
• Future improvements will be considered as part of the Recreation Infrastructure Plan in terms of maintenance required for the pool to continue operating as a seasonal outdoor pool.
• Annual usage of the pool remains quite low, fluctuating between 1,500 to 1,800 visits for the 3 months it is open – even with the free season pass this summer. As a comparison, the average daily attendance at BALC is approximately 2,000, and on hot days Eureka Aquatic Centre has between 1,200 to 1,600 daily visits.

Oval:

• The function of an oval will be retained at Binney Reserve as an overflow ground for junior cricket.
• This oval will be upgraded in line with the City of Ballarat Recreation Infrastructure Plan at a future date. 
• Black Hill Primary School will retain access to and use of the oval

To find out more about City of Ballarat's Aquatic services, click the link below:

City of Ballarat Recreational Services

Pre-Planning Undertaken

As part of planning for the development of a Precinct Plan for Binney Reserve and to test the feasibility of relocating the kindergarten, the City of Ballarat have undertaken the following assessments:

• Gender Impact Assessment (2025)
• Transport Planning Report - current kindergarten(2024)
• Pool Detail Inspection Report (2021)
• Geotechnical Site Investigation (2024)
• Soil Contamination Report (2024)
• Cultural Heritage Letter of Advice (2024)
• Bushfire Report (2024)
• Arborist Report (2024)
• Additional reports will be undertaken as required.

Key Considerations from these reports include:

Topography: The site survey confirmed the steepness of the south-east corner of the site and the cut and fill nature of the existing oval. The site falls around ten metres from the south-east to the north-west corners and about three metres from south to north generally.

Environment: In October 2020 two large, dangerous pine trees were removed from close proximity to the school as they posed a risk of falling. Following this, an independent arborist report recommended to remove the pine plantation located on the north east corner of the reserve. Following this removal, the City of Ballarat initiated the rehabilitation of the area including additional paths and plantings in the reserve in place of the pine trees.

Soil Contamination: An investigation of historical mine maps has indicated the possibility of an old mining lead running through the site. Soil testing has identified some soil contamination within the site. The overall risk to community is considered to be low. However, larger-scale construction or major groundworks would require further investigation and treatment.

Bushfire Report: A portion of the reserve is subject to a bushfire overlay. This report considered the impact of additional vegetation on the site and informed potential locations for a building.

Budgets: Future improvements identified through the engagement will be considered over time through the City of Ballarat's Annual Budget process, external funding opportunities and/or advocacy. This staged approach in response to community priorities will allow the reserve to evolve over time.