The City of Ballarat is growing, by 2041 our population is predicted to increase by 55,000 people. To support this growth, the City of Ballarat needs to facilitate development and help drive business and industry to support local employment opportunities. The Draft Ballarat Industrial Land Strategy has been developed to plan for future industrial and commercial business activity in Ballarat.

The Draft Industrial Land Strategy identifies areas that have the potential to change to industrial uses and some areas that have the potential to change from industrial uses to a more compatible use to the surrounding area. Potential future industrial areas are identified in the North-West of, and in close proximity to the Ballarat Airport, the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) and the Western Freeway. These areas are known as the Sunraysia Drive/Dowling Road Precinct (short to long term land supply) and the Draffins Road Precinct (potential long term land supply).

Other areas identified as Urban Renewal Opportunity are proposed to transition away from heavy industrial uses to include uses more reflective of future employment needs such as commercial, industrial uses compatible with neighbouring sensitive uses and where suitable, residential uses, subject to further strategic planning work.