Housing strategy nearly built

THE draft Ballarat Housing Strategy is in its final stages, with the document available for the community to review.

The strategy has been developed from community consultation in 2023 as well as submissions from developers, landowners and the State Government.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the strategy is important in providing enough housing stock for an expanding population into the future.

“Ballarat is growing and housing affects the lives of everyone, which is why this draft Housing Strategy is vital in addressing how we live and grow in our city,” he said.

“This final housing strategy will, ultimately, support changes to zones and overlays within the Ballarat Planning Scheme across the municipality.”

Key changes made to the strategy following consultation include the addition of the CBD and urban renewal areas to provide an overview of housing supply in the region, adjustment to the application of change areas, and clarity to how Ballarat’s greenfield areas will contribute to housing supply.

There is also additional information to outline Ballarat’s approach to affordable and social housing, infill and growth area targets, biodiversity and climate change, infrastructure and accessibility, and heritage and character.

“I urge the Ballarat community to review the draft Housing Strategy online, to see how we are planning for our city’s growth,” Cr Hudson said.

The community can look at the document and ask questions until Friday 2 August at the MySay page.

The final strategy will be reviewed by council in August.