Grange Planning Brain

title: Ballarat Planning Timeline council: ballarat state: vic category: timeline last_compiled: 2026-04-14

Ballarat Planning Timeline

Chronological log of key planning events, documents, decisions, budget allocations, infrastructure authority updates, and cross-jurisdictional references. Compiled from ~750 council meeting minutes/agendas (2019–2026), strategic documents, and gap-fill sources.

1990s

  • 1993: Outline Development Plan for Buninyong Township adopted
  • 1998: Ballarat Strategy adopted — identifies Ballarat West as the primary growth front
  • 1999 (Aug): Ballarat Urban Character Study completed

2000s

  • 2003 (Jul): Ballarat Heritage Study Stage 2 completed
  • 2005: Ballarat Industrial Land Use Strategy (Connell Wagner) — not in corpus
  • 2005: Ballarat Transport Strategy (Ratio Consultants) — not in corpus
  • 2006: Heritage Precincts Study Part A completed
  • 2006 (Mar): Ballarat Health Precinct Study
  • 2007 (Oct): City of Ballarat Car Parking Strategy
  • 2008: Ballarat Open Space Strategy adopted (2 volumes)
  • 2009 (Mar): Ballarat West Growth Area Plan adopted — 14,000 lots, population 35,000–40,000
  • 2009 (Jun): Review of Future Industrial Areas (CPG Australia)

2010s

  • 2010 (Nov): Ballarat Rural Land Use Strategy adopted (Parsons Brinckerhoff)
  • 2010: Stormwater Management Plan
  • 2011 (Apr): Dowling Forest Precinct Master Plan implementation plan
  • 2011 (Jun): Alfredton West PSP approved — 317 ha, Lucas
  • 2011 (Dec): Growling Grass Frog Conservation Management Plan prepared
  • 2012 (Mar): Ballarat West NVPP prepared — incorporated in planning scheme
  • 2012: Ballarat West PSP prepared — 1,290 ha, ~14,485 lots
  • 2012: Ballarat West Employment Zone Master Plan (Parts A & B)
  • 2012 (Dec): Ballarat Activity Centres Strategy adopted
  • 2013–2015: Sebastopol Heritage Study Stage 2 (3 volumes)
  • 2014 (Aug): Amendment C185 (CVLX) exhibition begins; first newsletter
  • 2014: Ballarat West DCP approved — 10M loan at 4% interest (400K/yr) to fund development contributions infrastructure (Source: 30-october-2019 agenda)
  • 2015 (Jul): Ballarat Strategy 2040 adopted — “Today, Tomorrow, Together”
  • 2015 (Sep): Amendment C185 Panel Report — recommends approval of CVLX saleyards relocation
  • 2016 (Jan): C185 final newsletter — amendment approved
  • 2016: Ballarat West PSP first review completed
  • 2017 (Jun): Ballarat West DCP Version 5.1
  • 2017 (Dec): Heritage Plan 2017–2030 adopted — “Our People, Culture & Place”
  • 2018: Long Term Growth Options Investigation (Hansen/Arup/Tim Nott) — not in corpus

2019

Budget & Finance

  • 2019 (Jan 30): Revised 2018/19 Budget adopted. Developer contributions recognised over preceding two years: 42.4M** (infrastructure assets transferred by developers). Infrastructure backlog: **40–50M for existing infrastructure in Ballarat West growth area (Source: 30-january-2019 minutes)

Strategic Planning & Growth

  • 2019 (Mar 13): Urban Forest Action Plan adopted — 40% canopy cover target by 2040 (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Apr 3): Carbon Neutrality & 100% Renewables Action Plan endorsed — corporate zero by 2025, $5M high-priority (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Apr 3): Miners Rest Township Plan deferred — awaiting Dowling Forest review, Boral quarry, airport, Northern GA investigation (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Apr 3): Miners Rest Township Plan adopted. Council resolved to seek authorisation for planning scheme amendment to introduce Township Plan, Local Planning Policy, and GRZ2 schedule. Rescinded 2011 R505/11 for Cummins Rd/Lindsays Rd amendment (Source: minutes, R83/19)
  • 2019 (May 15): Creative City Strategy and Creative Precinct Master Plan adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (May 15): VPA funding of $160,000 secured for planning work (Source: 27-october-2021 agenda)

Heritage

  • 2019 (Apr 3): Interim Heritage Overlay — 113 Lofven Street Nerrina (Eureka Lead pump shed, partial demolition occurred) (Source: minutes, R83/19)

Amendments & Rezonings

  • 2019 (Jul 3): Amendment C216ball authorised — rezone 3 surplus Council land parcels (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Jul 3): Amendment C207 (Clarendon College campus) abandoned — 37 submissions, heritage concerns (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Oct 2): Multiple rezonings carried: 209A/211 Gillies St North (I1Z to GRZ), 7-17 Learmonth Rd (I1Z to GRZ), 19 Learmonth Rd (I1Z to LDRZ), Botanica Estate (MUZ to GRZ) (Source: minutes)

Growth Areas & Infrastructure

  • 2019 (Oct 2): Wendouree Station Precinct Master Plan adopted — transit-oriented development; Department of Transport contributed $40,000 to master plan; Council resolved to engage State Government on direct second platform access (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Oct 16): Amendment C220ball — Dowling Forest Equine Precinct planning controls review authorised (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan adopted — Council committed $15M over 3 years to kick-start short/medium/long-term actions (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): Ballarat Long Term Growth Options — Northern and Western GIAs identified as future growth areas; Ballarat West approaching 15-year supply threshold. Council resolved to seek Ministerial authorisation for amendment identifying growth fronts (Source: minutes, R280/19)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): DCP infrastructure cost per lot estimated at 2,000–4,000 for Western, Northern and North-Western growth areas (Source: agenda)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): 5.215M in monetary developer contributions received; 38.607M in non-monetary contributions (infrastructure assets) (Source: agenda)

Infrastructure Authorities

  • 2019 (Oct 30): Central Highlands Water — sewerage infrastructure costs for growth areas estimated 40–50M** for upgrades to existing infrastructure, potentially further **50–80M if new treatment plant needed. Ballarat North pump station identified as key constraint. CHW does not own sewer assets along northern/eastern GIA boundaries (Source: agenda)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): Powercor/AusNet — AusNet operates Ballarat Terminal Station (BATS) and Ballarat South Terminal Station (BSTS). Combined capacity 147.5–167 MVA. Powercor confirmed limited supply to all GIAs — not within 10-year forward plan. Longer-term plan: establish substation in Ballarat East (Source: agenda)
  • 2019 (Oct 30): $4.5M shared services program with Pyrenees, Hepburn, Golden Plains, and Ararat shires (Source: agenda)

Townships

  • 2019 (Nov): Ballarat Municipal Flood Emergency Plan
  • 2019 (Dec 11): Miners Rest Township Plan adopted — PSA for NRZ rezoning of Miners Rest North (min 750sqm, 45% site coverage) (Source: minutes, R323/19)
  • 2019 (Dec 11): Ballarat Airport runway upgrade — 5M federal application authorised, 5M Council match (Source: minutes)
  • 2019 (Dec 11): Ballarat Station Redevelopment — $50M State Government investment noted (Source: agenda)

2020

Amendments & Rezonings

  • 2020 (Feb 19): Amendment C216ball split — Part 1 adopted (Giot Dr, Albert St); Part 2 (Lake View Ct) to Panel (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Mar 11): Ballarat Prosperity Framework adopted — “Ballarat is Open” (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Apr 22): Amendment C216ball Part 2 adopted following Panel — 15 Lake View Ct rezoned PPRZ to GRZ1 (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Aug 12): Amendment C224ball — Minister requested to correct zoning anomalies at 200, 200A, 200B Victoria Street (Source: minutes)

Heritage

  • 2020 (Jul 22): Amendment C222ball adopted — Heritage Overlay on former Ballarat Saleyards, 1020 Latrobe St (Source: minutes)

Strategic Planning

  • 2020 (Jul 22): Yarrowee River Masterplan adopted — 25-year vision, 38km river + 35km tributaries (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Jul 22): Ballarat Strategy 5-year review — 58% of actions completed, population growth tracking accurately (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Aug 12): Ballarat Integrated Transport Action Plan adopted — 375 submissions, less car-dependent system (Source: minutes)

Growth Areas

  • 2020 (Jun 24): 1.5M project funded by Ballarat West DCP; 2.7M Social Infrastructure Program investment (Source: agenda)
  • 2020 (Jul 8): Bakery Hill funding reduced from original 10M allocation to 4M available (Source: agenda)
  • 2020 (Aug 12): 1.7M park funded through Ballarat West DCP; 750K from 20/21 capital infrastructure budget for recreation. Noted: funding levels “too low for Ballarat’s growth rate” (Source: agenda)
  • 2020 (Sep 2): $33M in DCP projects delivered to date (Source: agenda)
  • 2020 (Sep 16): Growth area rezoning accelerated — UGZ rezoning for Northern and Western GIAs included in same amendment as policy change. Council resolved to partner with landowners and developers to deliver PSPs and DCPs (Source: minutes, R238/20)
  • 2020 (Sep 16): Community Infrastructure Planning Policy adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2020 (Sep 16): Amendment C215ball — new Planning Policy Framework translation carried (Source: minutes)

Infrastructure Authorities

  • 2020 (Dec 2): Council streetlighting costs 2M/yr** (1.2M electricity + 0.8M Powercor management). **3.5M allocated for LED conversion, expected to save $9.8M over 20 years (Source: agenda)

2021

Strategic Planning

  • 2021 (Mar 24): Net zero emissions — community-wide aspirational target of zero by 2030 adopted in principle (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (May 26): Western Victoria Transmission Network — Council forms position, advocates for undergrounding (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (Jun 23): Ballarat Airport — 5M federal grant accepted, matched by 5M Council for runway upgrade (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (Aug 25): Council Plan 2021–2025 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (Nov 24): Bridge Mall concept design endorsed — $15M commitment, eastbound one-way traffic (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (Dec 15): Design Review Panel — 28 members appointed (Source: minutes)

Budget & Finance

  • 2021 (May/Jun): **130.9M Capital Works program** for 2021–22 (with 38.1M carry forward). 37.7M** State/Commonwealth grants. **7.6M Ballarat West DCP contributions. Developer Contributions Reserve: $17.9M (Source: 9-june-2021 agenda)
  • 2021 (May 12): Planning Scheme Amendment (Stage 2) total cost: $300,000 (Source: planning agenda)
  • 2021 (Sep 22): 2.045M capital adjustment approved. **75.5M** in developer contributed infrastructure assets recognised (Source: minutes)
  • 2021 (Oct 27): 160K VPA funding confirmed for planning work. 6M budgeted for Council DCP projects (only 299K expended). 4M for Bakery Hill expected in 2021/22 (Source: agenda)

Heritage

  • 2021 (Apr 14): Amendment C212ball abandoned — permanent Heritage Overlay for Eureka Lead Sluicing Shed at Lofven Street no longer warranted after demolition (Source: minutes, PDC8/21)

Growth Areas

  • 2021 (Apr 28): Miners Rest North NRZ rezoning carried. Fast-track Growth Areas to North and West resolved (Source: minutes)

Infrastructure Authorities

  • 2021 (May): Central Highlands Water completing installation of new sewer main on Peel Street (CBD link road). Council works timed to commence immediately after CHW completion (Source: agenda)

2022

Growth Areas

  • 2022 (Feb 23): Amendment C221ball — Growth area boundary definition — authorisation sought for UGZ rezoning of Northern, Western, NW growth areas; PSP for Northern to commence; quarterly reporting established (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Jun 22): Growth Areas quarterly update — note progress of UGZ rezoning (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Aug): Minister appoints VPA as planning authority for Northern Growth Area PSP; core area rezoned to UGZ

Budget & Finance

  • 2022 (Apr 27): **127.3M Capital Works program** (90.9M new, 36.4M carry-over). Budget noted: 15M DCP revenue for growth area infrastructure; committed to planning three new growth areas over four years (Source: agenda)
  • 2022 (May 25): Draft Community Infrastructure Plan 2022–2037 endorsed for exhibition (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Jun 22): 19.3M** allocated to Major Community Infrastructure. **6.4M on sustainable capital projects. Bridge Mall Special Rate set (Source: agenda)
  • 2022 (Aug 24): $2.69M allocated from Development Contributions for drainage/infrastructure construction in growth area (Source: agenda)
  • 2022 (Sep 28): 10M budgeted for strategic land purchases** (did not eventuate — deferred to future budgets); **8.27M for projects from DCP reserves (Source: agenda)

DCP Financial Data (2022/23)

  • 2022/23: DCP levies received: 6.04M**. Works-in-kind accepted: **9.71M, including: drainage sub-catchment C/O (2.84M), drainage sub-catchment KL (2.37M), drainage sub-catchment U/Z (1.50M), Western Link Road Stage 2b land (250.8K), new north-south road land (575.6K), Greenhalghs Rd widening land (60K), biofilter land (337.8K), Retarding Basin 4 land (324.4K), Retarding Basin 5 land (261.8K), new north-south road construction (1.19M) (Source: 25-october-2023 agenda)

Strategic Planning

  • 2022 (May 25): ESD Planning Scheme Amendment — authorisation sought for Particular Provision (30+ council initiative); Advisory Committee requested (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Jul 27): Community Infrastructure Plan 2022–2037 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Jul 27): Draft Net Zero Emissions Plan endorsed for exhibition (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Oct 26): Ballarat Net Zero Emissions Plan endorsed — community emissions target zero by 2030 (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Nov 23): Biodiversity Vision and Commitment endorsed (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Dec 14): Council writes to new Minister for Planning — seeking urgency on VPA HLSR and Northern GA timeline (Source: minutes)

Heritage

  • 2022 (Aug 10): Interim Heritage Overlay for Victory House, 742 Geelong Road — motion LOST at first attempt (Source: minutes)
  • 2022 (Sep 14): Interim Heritage Overlay for Victory House — carried on second attempt (PDC26/22); interim HO to 23 August 2023, permanent amendment authorisation sought (Source: minutes)

2023

Heritage

  • 2023 (Feb 8): Amendment C240ball — interim and permanent HO for Holmes Street Precinct (7–19 Holmes St) and five heritage places (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Jun 28): Holmes Street Precinct interim HO withdrawn — heritage protections progressed through Amendment C240ball instead (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Jul 12): Interim Heritage Overlay — Lintel Grange farmhouse, 127 Edmonston Rd Addington (demolition threat) (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Sep 13): Amendment C240ball — HO228 for 89 Magpie Street; Heritage Gap Study update requested (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Dec 13): Amendment C240ball split — Part 1 (5 places + Holmes St) adopted; Part 2 (89 Magpie St) abandoned; Part 3 (Selkirk House) adopted with reduced extent (Source: minutes, R197/23)

Budget & Finance

  • 2023 (Feb 22): 1.94M** approved from DCP Reserve for drainage basin RB11 in Ballarat West PSP (Source: minutes). DIL at **271,556 per net developable hectare for residential development
  • 2023 (Apr 26): 2023/24 Budget — $721K for 6 additional planning staff (3 statutory, 1 strategic, 2 growth) (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Apr 26): **129.4M** Capital Works program (60.9M new, $68.5M carry-over) (Source: agenda)
  • 2023 (Jun 28): $125,000 for Biodiversity Values and Strategy development (Source: agenda)
  • 2023 (Aug 23): **144M** capital works program (with further 60M in planning) (Source: agenda)
  • 2023 (Oct 11): $15M of 2023 budget related to DCP infrastructure delivery (roads) (Source: agenda)
  • 2023 (Dec 13): $5.09M contract for M.R. Power Park drainage basin (DI_DR28) to Winslow Constructors — DCP-funded (Source: minutes)

Strategic Planning

  • 2023 (Mar 8): Amendment C235ball (Miners Rest Township Plan) — referred to Planning Panel (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Mar 8): Sustainable Subdivision Framework adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Mar 22): ESD Policy for Planning Applications adopted — interim measure pending planning scheme amendment (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Aug 9): Amendment C235ball (Miners Rest) — Panel recommendations accepted, adopted, submitted to Minister (Source: minutes, PDC14/23)
  • 2023 (Aug 9): Amendment C243ball (Bridge Mall Built Form) — authorisation sought from Minister (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Aug 23): Draft Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study endorsed for consultation — carried 5-4, contentious (Source: minutes, R130/23)
  • 2023 (Aug 23): Growth Areas — Cambrian Hill (Golden Plains) noted as concern; VPA IGAF expected Sep 2023; 65/35 greenfield/infill split vs 50/50 target (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Nov 8): Design Review Panel extended 2 years (Source: minutes)

Permits

  • 2023 (Jun 28): PLP/2022/644 — Ballarat Gold Mine TSF4 granted — highly contested (carried 6-3), 16 public representations (Source: minutes)
  • 2023 (Jun 28): Buninyong Botanic Gardens Master Plan adopted (Source: minutes)

DCP Revenue Performance

  • 2022/23 Annual Report: Development Infrastructure Levies 3.9M below budget**; Open Space and CIL **1.3M below budget (timing variance) (Source: annual-report-2022-2023)

2024

Growth Areas & Infrastructure

  • 2024 (Feb 28): CRITICAL — Bonshaw sewer constraint: Public question raised about CHW/Council failure to provide sewer infrastructure in Ballarat West PSP (Bonshaw). ~3,000 lots waiting for BK SPS infrastructure. Council confirmed monthly meetings with CHW, VPA, and DTP. Sewer delivery is CHW’s responsibility per 5-year Development Servicing Plans (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Feb 28): Powercor zone substation controversy — proposed at 203 York Street, Ballarat East, 3 blocks from CBD in residential area. 2,000+ petition signatures. Mayor expressed displeasure with Powercor spokesperson’s “lack of respect” and “lack of empathy.” State Government is planning authority for this infrastructure (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Mar 27): Growth Areas Quarterly Update — C221ball UGZ rezoning progressing (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Apr 24): Bonshaw sewer questions raised again in Council agenda (unresolved) (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (May 8): Growth Areas Framework Plan endorsed for informal consultation (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (May 8): Powercor infrastructure assessment for Ballarat West PSP: two existing zone substations (BAN and BAS). Powercor planning Ballarat East (BAE) zone substation, most likely in 2025. New BAS31 feeder to Sebastopol/Delacombe planned 2023/24. Per-lot electricity demand increasing due to EVs and battery storage (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (Jun 26): Powercor substation — Council wrote to Powercor 27 May 2024 seeking onsite meeting. Powercor declined but agreed to community meeting (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (Aug 14): Growth Areas Framework Plan adopted — Western (1,035 ha, 12,900–17,200 dwellings, pop 34,800–46,000) and NW (698 ha); Western GA PSP work to commence immediately; Housing and Growth Portfolio established (carried 8-1) (Source: minutes, PDC21/24)
  • 2024 (Aug 14): MAJOR — Growth Area Infrastructure Costings: Total infrastructure: 673M** (Western) and **458M (NW). Development contributions: 452M (W) + 237M (NW). State/Federal: 43M (W) + 12M (NW). Council funding gap: 52M (W) + 42M (NW) under lower external demand. Higher scenario: Council liability **178M** (W) alone. DIL rates: 520,913–710,494 (W), 490,288–$882,800 (NW) (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (Sep 11): Ballarat West DCP review: current DIL 341,627/NDHa (residential), 235,924 (commercial). Proposed increase to 422,774** (residential), **277,795 (commercial). Total infrastructure rising from 181.98M to **229.71M**. Open space item DI_OS_06 increased from 13.6M to **58M**. DCP funding gap blown out from 51M (2014) to 77.1M (current) to projected $118.7M — driven by 40% of land developed at old rates + construction cost escalation (Source: agenda)

Housing & Strategic Planning

  • 2024 (Aug 14): Housing Strategy 2041 and Neighbourhood Character Study adopted (Source: minutes, PDC22/24)
  • 2024 (Aug 14): Amendment C254ball authorised — to implement Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan into Planning Scheme (Source: minutes, PDC23/24)
  • 2024 (Aug 14): Plan for Victoria submission — Council responds to State Government housing targets (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Aug 14): Amendment C243ball split — Part 1 (HO176 update) to Panel; Part 2 (DDO1) postponed pending flood amendment (Source: minutes, PDC24/24)
  • 2024 (Sep 11): Amendment C234ball — Ballarat West PSP and DCP review; revised PSP and DCP adopted; authorisation sought from Minister. Stakeholder Reference Group established (Source: minutes, R150/24)
  • 2024 (Sep 11): Footpath Construction Strategy adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Sep 11): Ballarat Energy Network — $30K allocated for proof of concept (Source: minutes)

Budget & Finance

  • 2024 (Feb 28): 36.3M capital road infrastructure**. Bridge Mall total project budget: **23.3M (15M original + 4.7M overrun + 4.3M additional). Drainage Scheme for Developments: 3.2M. Major Community Infrastructure: $5.9M (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (May 22): 2024/25 Budget adopted — rates 129.4M, new borrowings up to 20.16M. 122.8M** Capital Works (94.3M new, 28.5M carry-over). **8.8M in significant capital drainage projects. DCP revenue: 6.5M cash contributions + 23.0M non-cash infrastructure assets. Additional staff reallocation to Strategic Planning (Source: agenda)
  • 2024 (Oct 9): Capital expenditure in 2023/24 was a record $100M (Source: annual report agenda)
  • 2024 (Dec 11): Ballarat West PSP/DCP Stakeholder Reference Group TOR adopted — 4 development industry members to discuss DIL increase from 341,627 to 422,774 before Planning Panels hearing (Source: minutes)

Heritage

  • 2024 (Mar 13): Heritage Overlay for Osborne House (214 Creswick Rd) — interim HO requested following s29A demolition threat; Percy Richards-designed 1912 Federation house (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Mar 13): Amendment C245ball (Lintel Grange Homestead HO) — submissions received, Panel requested (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Mar 27): Amendment C240ball Part 2 formally abandoned; Parts 1 and 3 submitted to Minister (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Mar 27): Heritage Gaps Review confirmed underway — multi-year, municipal-wide, 1,000+ places (Source: minutes, QT9/24)
  • 2024 (Apr 24): Six statutory planning policies reviewed/updated; three outdated policies revoked (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (May 8): Extension of Interim HO for Lintel Grange (C248ball) — 12 months to Sep 2025 (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (May 22): Heritage Advisory Committee expanded — 4 new community reps, 5 co-opted members (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Jun 12): Amendment C245ball (Lintel Grange HO) adopted following Panel — submitted to Minister (Source: minutes, PDC16/24)
  • 2024 (Jun 26): Biodiversity Strategy “Healing Country Together” adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Jul 10): Amendment C252ball — Heritage Overlay for Former Carriers Arms Hotel, 9 Creswick Rd (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Jul 24): Ballarat Airport Strategy and Master Plan 2024 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Jul 24): Social and Affordable Housing Action Plan endorsed (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Aug 28): Prince of Wales Park Master Plan adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Aug 28): Recreation Infrastructure Plan 2024–2039 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Dec 4): Heritage Overlays — Amendments C257ball (McGrath Blacksmith, Ascot) and C258ball (Price’s Grocery, Lyons St) authorisation sought (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Dec 4): PLP/2022/718 — 37 dwellings at 112 Sim St, Black Hill (former landfill) — Notice of Decision to Grant (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Dec 11): Airport Road discontinuance progressed — Gazette notice; “Aviation Close” naming consultation (Source: minutes)

DCP Revenue Performance

  • 2024/25: Development infrastructure levies 4.3M below budget** (downturn in development); Subdivider contributions **0.534M unfavourable (Source: 8-october-2025 annual report)

Cross-Jurisdictional

  • 2024 (Aug 23): DTP (on behalf of Minister) is Responsible Authority for Acciona wind farm. Council noted Western Renewables Link consultation was “farcical” (Source: minutes)
  • 2024 (Sep 11): DTP consulted on Ballarat West PSP roads/funding. DTP designed Carngham Road duplication between Dyson Drive and Wiltshire Lane. No commitment from DTP to timing or funding of these works (Source: agenda)

2025

Heritage

  • 2025 (Feb 12): Amendment C252ball adopted — Heritage Overlay for Former Carrier’s Arms Hotel (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Mar 12): Amendment C243ball Part 1 adopted — Bridge Mall/Bakery Hill Heritage Precinct HO176 update, Panel recommendations accepted (Source: minutes, PDC6/25)
  • 2025 (Mar 26): Heritage Victoria appeal — Lydiard Street railway gates permit P39923 review sought (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (May 14): Amendment C249ball (Osborne House HO) — submissions considered, Panel requested (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Jun 11): Amendment C263ball — Osborne House interim HO extended to Aug 2026 (Source: minutes, PDC13/25)
  • 2025 (Jun 11): Heritage Study Methodology Guidelines adopted — standardising heritage assessments municipality-wide (Source: minutes, PDC14/25)
  • 2025 (Oct 8): Amendment C249ball (Osborne House HO) adopted following Panel — submitted to Minister (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Oct 8): Amendments C257ball (McGrath Blacksmith) and C258ball (Price’s Grocery) adopted — submitted to Minister (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Five new Heritage Overlay properties added to planning scheme (Former St Mark’s Manse, Holmes Street precinct, Mossmont House, Victory House) (Source: agenda)

Growth Areas & PSPs

  • 2025 (Feb 26): Development industry members appointed to Ballarat West PSP/DCP Stakeholder Reference Group (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Mar 12): Ballarat West PSP and DCP — revised Feb 2025 versions adopted; C234ball authorisation sought (Source: minutes, PDC7/25)
  • 2025 (Mar 12): Plan for Victoria concern raised — Cr Taylor flagged potential impact on growth area PSPs; DTP briefing requested (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (May 28): Plan for Victoria sets target of 46,900 dwellings for Ballarat, split 60% infill / 40% greenfield (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Growth Areas Quarterly Update — including infill/greenfield housing analysis (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Oct 8): Amendment C234ball — Ballarat West PSP/DCP review exhibited (22 submissions, 7,938 property owners notified), referred to Planning Panel. Directions Hearing 3 Nov (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 12): Ballarat North PSP exhibition — Council endorsed submission (~80 recommendations); requested Expanded Area rezoned to UGZ before Panel via s20(4) Ministerial intervention; WL-03 placement reinvestigated on $16.4M Council-owned land. Strongly opposed car-first transport approach. Heritage assessment (RBA) rejected following GJM Heritage peer review. DCP gaps identified: Gillies Rd duplication, Western Fwy crossings missing. Expanded Area inclusion necessary to meet greenfield target of 18,900 dwellings (by 2051) (Source: minutes, PDC27/25)
  • 2025 (Nov 12): Ballarat North DCP draft: total infrastructure 184.2M**, DIL **672,901/NDHa (nearly double Ballarat West’s proposed $422,774). Developer submissions warn levy could make development unviable. Glenelg Hopkins CMA has NOT supported proposed waterway realignment (DR-01) (Source: agenda)

Strategic Planning

  • 2025 (Feb 26): Open Space Strategy review confirmed — revised draft with updated classifications expected later 2025 (Source: minutes, QT1/25)
  • 2025 (Mar 26): Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan — development commenced, significant consultation planned (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Jun 11): Victorian Transmission Plan submission endorsed — advocate for alternative routes and undergrounding (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Aug 27): Western Renewables Link EES submission endorsed — carried 8-1 (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Wastewater Management Plan 2025–2029 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Social and Affordable Housing Action Plan — Year 1 implementation report: 4 of 18 actions completed, 12 in progress. Inclusionary zoning initiated in Northern Growth Zone. Audit of Council-owned land completed. Data gathering on short-stay accommodation and vacant residential properties commenced (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Community Infrastructure Plan 2022–2037 — Year 3 report received (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025–2029 adopted — 3,170 properties with septic tanks; 5 special water supply catchments in municipality (Source: minutes, R227/25)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): La Trobe Street urban renewal — structure plan being developed for 20-30 year transformation (incl. former saleyards site); Development Victoria leading remediation. Queens Caveat lifted by Victorian Government (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Dec 3): Amendment C217ball — Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Study adopted — flood overlay update across 11 urban waterways (LSIO-2, FO-2, SBO-1); amendment authorisation sought (carried 5-4, contentious). Climate scenario: 1% AEP at RCP 8.5 for 2100. Joint initiative with Corangamite CMA, funded by DEECA (Source: minutes, PDC29/25)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): Ballarat Bus Network Review submission endorsed — advocate for efficient service without cutbacks (R248/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): Art Gallery Ballarat interiors construction contract awarded to S.J. Weir — $5,512,299 (ex GST) (R251/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): Confidential strategic land acquisition (R271/25, In Camera) — Development and Growth division (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): Wendouree Library — Weeramar Park endorsed as future site (R250/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Dec 10): E-scooter/micromobility — Council endorsed selection process for one shared provider, 3-year period (R249/25) (Source: minutes)

Budget & Finance

  • 2025 (Feb 26): **15.625M of 2024/25 budgeted borrowings deferred** to 2025/26; 3.6M unallocated savings used to remove Bridge Mall borrowing need (R20/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Feb 26): 2024/25 capital works forecast reduced to **95.8M** (from 122.8M) (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Apr 30): Financial Reserves Policy adopted (R68/25) — DCP contributions restricted reserves must be 100% backed by cash; public open space contributions restricted per P&E Act 1987 (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (May 28): Q3 budget review: town planning permit fees 200K below forecast** (development slowdown); supplementary rates **691K below (reduced activity); open space contributions each **400K below**. LED street lighting funded from unallocated savings (375K), removing $935K borrowing need (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Jun 25): **98.2M** Capital Works program (58.5M new, $39.7M carry-over) (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): **142.4M net new borrowings** required across 10-year Financial Plan. 23.3M total Bridge Mall project (2019 15M + 2023 additional allocation). Capital project carryovers: 16.3M (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Asset Plan 2025–2035 and Financial Plan 2025–2035 adopted (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Oct 8): 2024/25 Annual Financial Report: Capital expenditure **72.2M** vs 122.8M budget (41% underspend). Drainage: 3.5M vs 17.3M (80% underspend). New assets: 15.4M vs 62.5M (75% underspend). DIL revenue 4.3M below budget. Non-monetary contributions 14.6M below budget. Total income 298M; expenses 249.7M; operating surplus 48.3M (10.8M below budget). Net asset revaluation gain 188.7M (drainage assets 176M). Total assets $2.68B (Source: annual report)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Capital works forecast: **96.6M** (with 28.5M deferred). 1.4M** in DCP cash contributions received. **82M in transformative infrastructure advocacy. Planning grants: $300,000 for strategic planning work (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): **23.1M loan borrowings deferred** from Dec 2025; only 8% of capital program spent at Q1 (8.0M of $96.6M) (R234/25) (Source: minutes)

Permits & Other

  • 2025 (Feb 12): PLP/2023/349 — five-storey building at 115 Doveton St South granted (Source: minutes)
  • 2025: Community Vision 2025–2035 adopted
  • 2025: Council Plan 2025–2029 adopted
  • 2025 (Jul 23): Ballarat Gold Mine TSF4 — MMIRAP and HHRA endorsed; CMP endorsed Jul 2025 (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Aug 27): Ballarat Botanical Gardens Master Plan 2025–2045 adopted (superseding 1995 plan) (R149/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Intermodal Freight Hub advocacy commenced — Sunshine freight rail crossover removal; seeking DTP briefing (R170/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Road Management Plan 2025 adopted (R175/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Asset Plan 2025–2035 and Financial Plan 2025–2035 adopted (R167/25, R168/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): Bakery Hill outcomes: vacancies 30→7; Norwich Plaza refurbished; ~70% drop in CCTV crime requests. Bridge Mall opened 15 March 2025. Total project: $23.3M (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Oct 22): Ballarat North PSP public exhibition announced by State Government (567 ha, 5,600 new homes) (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Nov 10): Cr Tracey Hargreaves re-elected Mayor (1-year term); Cr Ben Taylor re-elected Deputy Mayor (R216/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Nov 26): Arts and Cultural Infrastructure Plan development endorsed; Creative industries contribute $658.4M to Ballarat economy (Source: minutes, R223/25)
  • 2025 (Dec): Biodiversity Strategy evaluation report

Infrastructure — Contracts & Projects

  • 2025 (Mar 26): Gillies Road Reconstruction contract awarded to Fulton Hogan — $5,059,269 (ex GST) (R36/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Apr 30): Frank Bourke Pavilion and Changeroom contract awarded to Modular by Shape — $4,432,433 (ex GST) (R65/25) (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Aug): Vickers Street Community Hub handed over ahead of schedule; **3.0M under budget** (10.9M vs $13.9M). Fully operational Jan 2026 (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Sep 24): 28.5M capital works reforecast from 2025/26 to 2026/27 (R171/25). 24.35M in carryovers to 2025/26 (Source: minutes)
  • 2025 (Oct): Ballarat Major Events Precinct: 5,000 new permanent seats (capacity to 10,000), funded through Regional Sports Infrastructure Program. Expected completion late 2026 (Source: agenda)
  • 2025 (Nov): Greenhalghs Rd/Finchs Rd roundabout and Avenue of Honour/Hendersons Rd safety works — $2,684,928 Black Spot Program funding (Source: agenda)
  • 2025: Flood mitigation — Miners Rest next stage underway; Charlesworth Street/Gong dam wall construction expected Mar 2026; Cardigan Village detention basins for 2025/26 delivery (Source: agenda)

Infrastructure — Enabling Growth (BNIF Advocacy, 2025 Pack)

  • Greenhalghs Road upgrade, Winter Valley: $1.84M (City of Ballarat)
  • Retarding basin near Delacombe Town Centre: $1.05M (City of Ballarat)
  • Bonshaw sewer pump station (CHW): $4.6M — unlocks up to 3,500 new homes on 200 ha. CHW Managing Director: “Sewerage infrastructure funding is a significant challenge for developers in the Bonshaw catchment. Land is highly fragmented into 50+ separate titles.”
  • Land for drainage basins, Schreenans Rd & Bells Rd: $2.04M
  • Land for Cherry Flat Rd duplication & Schreenans Rd widening: $1.84M
  • Land for library/community centre at Delacombe Town Centre: $700K
  • Trunk water pipeline, Greenhalghs Rd (CHW): $1.2M
  • Dyson Drive Duplication: total project cost **88.3M**. Traffic grew from 6,529 daily (2016) to 10,490 (2021). Construction would generate 560 local jobs, add 69.6M to economy

Infrastructure — Schools Advocacy (Feb 2026)

  • Two unfunded new schools in growth areas: P-6 primary at Delacombe Town Centre (Cherry Flat Rd) and P-12 at 512 Greenhalghs Rd, Winter Valley
  • Delacombe/Winter Valley/Bonshaw population grew 50%+ in five years to 10,661 (2021 Census); families grew 55.9%; projected 31,134 by 2046

2026

Amendments & PSPs

  • 2026 (Jan 29): C234ball Panel Report received by Council; released publicly 6 Feb. Panel (Con Tsotsoros, Peter Bettess) found amendment “well founded and strategically justified” (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (25 Mar): Ballarat West PSP/DCP review adopted by Council and submitted to the Minister. The February 2026 package lifts the target density for undeveloped sites, but the corpus does not contain Ministerial approval or gazettal; existing DCP rates remain operative until gazettal. (Source: 25-march-2026-council-meeting-agenda-with-attachments-reduced_part1.txt; Source: ballarat-west-development-contribution-plan-dcp-february-2026.txt)
  • 2026 (Feb): Ballarat West DCP updated (February 2026 version, v7.4). DIL revised to 424,406.51** (residential), **280,730.74 (commercial) post-Panel
  • 2026 (Feb): Ballarat West NVPP amended — sunset clause 30 December 2026 — after which native vegetation removal requires individual permits under Clause 52.17
  • 2026 (Feb): Batch of 15+ BNIF advocacy documents published (infrastructure funding requests)
  • 2026 (Feb): Victorian Goldfields added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List (most progress in 35+ years)
  • 2026 (Feb 19): Heritage Advisory Committee recommends Council advocate to State Government against heritage dilution in planning reforms (VicSmart expansion, neighbourhood character removal, reduced notification)
  • 2026 (Feb 25): Ring Road discontinuance at rail level crossing commenced (R8/26); $590K budgeted for 2026/27; 87 businesses consulted. Road physically closed 23 Jan 2026. Supports Victorian/Federal Intermodal Freight Hub at BWEZ (Source: minutes)
  • 2026 (Feb 25): Notice of Motion — graffiti and vandalism policy for heritage buildings (Source: minutes)
  • 2026 (Feb 25): $7.2M of 2025/26 borrowings deferred to 2026/27 (R9/26) (Source: minutes)
  • 2026 (Feb 25): Confidential planning matter (R23/26, In Camera) — classified under s3(c) land speculation provision; Principal Strategic Planner Peter Dreimanis (Source: minutes)
  • 2026 (Feb 25): Planning staff changes: S11A instruments issued for Claire Pepin, Aidan Willowhite, Alex Clements-Tyler; revocations for Umaiyal Kamalaneshan, Sam Jiang, Kate MacDougall (Source: minutes)

Budget & Finance

  • 2026 (Feb 25): Capital expenditure proposed to reduce to **90.1M** (3.0M reduction) (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): 27.4M increase** in drainage infrastructure costs (pipe infrastructure delivery and renewal). Schreenans Road Bridge: **17.2M (GHD concept design, up from 13M). PSP area drainage apportionment: **29.0M** (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): DCP DIL rates — Panel-endorsed: 424,406.51** (residential), **280,730.74 (commercial). Stakeholder Reference Group dissolved (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): Eastwood Leisure Complex — total budget **17,540,000** (City 9,010,000 + Federal Growing Regions Program $8,530,000). Six tender responses (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): Marty Busch Reserve Oval No.2 Changeroom — State Government 8,400,000 + City 1,025,929 (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): Leachate removal panel contract — estimated $9,755,428 over 9 years (Source: agenda)

Infrastructure

  • 2025/26: Ring Road area currently being designed with construction in the 25/26 financial year (Source: Nov 2025 agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar): Advocacy Priority Projects Pipeline launched ahead of 2026 state election — 40+ projects. Prior pipeline secured $44M in investment (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar): Burrumbeet Creek Flood, Drainage and Mitigation Investigation commenced — updating 2013 flood mapping for Miners Rest, Wendouree. Community engagement planned 2026–2027. Will result in planning scheme amendment (Source: agenda)
  • 2026 (Mar 25): C234ball recommended for adoption post-Panel; submit to Minister for Planning (Source: agenda)

Cross-Jurisdictional

  • 2026 (Feb 25): Ring Road discontinuance supports Victorian/Federal Intermodal Freight Hub at BWEZ — construction intended early 2026 (Source: minutes)
  • 2026 (Mar): Ballarat North PSP Panel hearing expected March 2026 (VPA-led) (Source: agenda)

Future (identified but not yet commenced)

  • Northern Growth Area PSP and DCP (VPA — Panel hearing expected Mar 2026)
  • Planning scheme amendment to implement Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan (C254ball — Ministerial authorisation pending; residential zones review 48% complete)
  • Heritage planning scheme amendment (anticipated April/May 2026)
  • Residential Zones Review (community engagement planned 2025)
  • CBD Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework (built form guidelines to follow Bridge Mall HO)
  • Urban Renewal Area structure plans (La Trobe Street precinct at 20% progress; Haymes Paint site at 20%)
  • Western Growth Area PSP preparation (commenced)
  • North Western Growth Area PSP preparation
  • Amendment C217ball — Flood overlays (Ministerial authorisation pending; carried 5-4)
  • Amendment C243ball Part 2 — Bridge Mall DDO (pending C217ball)
  • Burrumbeet Creek Flood Study — will result in further planning scheme amendment (community engagement 2026–2027)
  • Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan (in development)
  • Open Space Strategy refresh (draft expected late 2025)
  • Wendouree Station Masterplan (scoping and technical reports underway, 49% progress)
  • Industrial Lands Strategy (draft revisions, 47% progress)
  • NVPP sunset 30 Dec 2026 — Clause 52.17 applies thereafter
  • GGF Conservation Management Plan review (draft 2023 CMP incomplete; no regional funding framework)

Graph View