GBAC discusses region’s growth

THE Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils, or GBAC, have met with Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to discuss priorities for the region.

Mayors and chief executive officers from the six member municipalities attended the meeting at the Ballarat Town Hall to discuss the future growth and liveability of the region.

Topics included how coordinated land use, transport, and infrastructure planning can help achieve the State Government’s plan for Victoria, including the target of 85,550 new homes across the GBAC region by 2051.

GBAC chair and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the discussion focuses on how local and State governments can work together to reach the target.

“GBAC Councils are ready to play their part in accommodating population growth from Melbourne to the regions, with the right infrastructure investment to support that growth,” she said.

“Demand for housing continues to grow, but this can only be met if critical infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and public transport is in place to maintain liveability and thriving communities.”

GBAC members are the City of Ballarat, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Hepburn Shire Council.