The primary purpose of the review is to ensure the development of land affected by the PSP and DCP will continue to deliver acceptable planning outcomes and an equitable and timely rollout of infrastructure in Ballarat West whilst maintaining the vision and integrity of the PSP.

The scope of the review includes matters such as:

• Ensuring that the proposed infrastructure meets the needs of the growing Ballarat West community
• Updating the PSP and DCP documents to reflect any changes that has occurred to land uses and infrastructure since development commenced
• Adjusting the housing yield and density in the PSP to reflect market trends and state housing and growth areas planning policy changes
• Making minor changes to the format of the PSP and DCP documents to improve their operation
• Updating the relevant provisions of Ballarat planning scheme:
  • Schedule 2 to Clause 37.07 Urban Growth Zone
  • Schedule to Clause 45.06 Development Contributions Plan Overlay
  • Schedule to Clause 53.01 Public open space contribution and subdivision
  • Schedule to Clause 72.04 Incorporated documents

The Planning Delegated Committee has adopted the revised PSP and DCP as titled below:

• Ballarat West PSP, SMEC, February 2025
• Ballarat West DCP, Urban Enterprise, February 2025

The following documents provide supporting information on the review and proposed changes to infrastructure:

• Ballarat West PSP and DCP Review Project Overview, City of Ballarat
• Transport Projects Review, Milward Engineering Management 13 February 2024
• Ballarat West PSP Update Drainage Strategy, Engeny 19 December 2024
• Ballarat West PSP Review Community and Recreation Infrastructure, ASR Research, 29 May 2024

At the Planning Delegate Committee meeting on 12 March 2025 Council resolved to:

• Adopt the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan (revised February 2025) and the Ballarat West Development Contributions Plan (revised February 2025).
• Support the proposed changes to the Ballarat Planning Scheme that would give effect to the Amendment C234ball.
• Authorise the Director Development and Growth to make minor changes to the planning scheme amendment documentation and supporting documents as required, provided those changes are consistent with this Resolution and do not materially alter the intent or impact of the planning scheme amendment.
• In accordance with Section 8A(2) and (3) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, apply to the Minister of Planning to obtain authorisation to prepare Amendment C234ball to the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
• If authorised by the Minister of Planning under Section 8A(2) and (3) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, exhibit Amendment C234ball to the Ballarat Planning Scheme in accordance with the notice requirements under Section 19 of the Planning and Environment 1987.

On 30 May 2025 the Minister for Planning granted authorisation to exhibit C234ball.

The Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan (BWPSP) caters for primarily residential growth and provides services and infrastructure for new communities.

The BWPSP will provide around 15,000 new houses at full development to accommodate a population of around 40,000 people. It comprises 1290 hectares across three sub-precincts located to the west of Alfredton, Delacombe and Sebastopol.

The PSP is a long-term strategic plan that was prepared by Council in 2012. The PSP sets out how land will be used and developed. It provides the vision and direction for the area and gives developers, landowners and the local community greater certainty about future development and infrastructure in the area.

The Ballarat West Development Contributions Plan (DCP) facilitates the development and timely delivery of infrastructure to existing and future residents in the Ballarat West PSP Area. The DCP funds major infrastructure projects such as drainage, roads, intersections, community facilities and recreational open spaces.

There are two levies imposed under the Ballarat West DCP, the Development Infrastructure Levy (DIL) and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Further information is provided on the existing Ballarat West DCP at the weblink below:

• www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/property/ballaratgrowthareas

The PSP and DCP were incorporated into the City of Ballarat planning scheme in 2012 and 2014 respectively.

Legislation requires that City of Ballarat periodically undertakes a full review of the content of the PSP and DCP to ensure that the documents are effective in delivering development and infrastructure outcomes that meet the community’s needs. The review considers things like updated population projections in Ballarat West, changes in planning policy and changes in infrastructure specifications and costings.

All road, drainage, and community infrastructure projects that are identified as PSP/DCP projects but have not yet been delivered are being reviewed.

As development is already occurring in Ballarat West it is important that the correct type and standard of infrastructure is delivered in a timely manner to ensure that new housing to meet the needs of the community can continue to be delivered.

The changes would result in some land uses being moved to different locations. For example a primary school in Delacombe town centre is proposed to be moved to a location where housing was originally proposed.

Some infrastructure such as drainage basins will also need to be moved to different locations and their size and shape will be adjusted.

Changes will only be made to infrastructure where it is necessary.

• An update to the Growling Grass Frog objectives in the PSP and Urban Growth Zone Schedule 2.
• An increase in the public open space contribution from 5.31% to 5.91%.
• Various other changes to planning scheme ordinances that give effect to the amendment.

Yes. This is because the scope of some infrastructure projects has had to be adjusted will cost more to construct than was originally anticipated.

It is estimated that with the revised construction and land costings, the Residential Development Infrastructure Levy (DIL) would rise from $341,626.65 to $421,701.28 (2024/25 Financial Year) and the Commercial DIL from $235,924.55 to $277,301.78 (2024/25 Financial Year).

Only landowners that wish to develop their land are required to pay the levy and there will no change to the Community Infrastructure Levy as this is adjusted on an annual basis in line with indexation.

Exhibition of planning scheme amendment

Owners and occupiers of properties in the Ballarat West PSP area that are materially affected by the amendment will then be formally notified and can make a submission on the review through the planning scheme amendment process.

Any concerns that landowners raise about the review that cannot be resolved with the City of Ballarat would be considered by Planning Panels Victoria on behalf of the Minister for Planning. If a planning panel is required this is likely to occur in late 2025.

If you have any further queries on the review or the process, please contact us at growthareas@ballarat.vic.gov.au