Key step taken for more than 850 new houses in Ballan

ABOUT 100ha of land has been rezoned for a $325 million project that could be home to at least 2000 residents and more than 850 houses in Ballan.

The 98.5ha farmland is between the Western Freeway, Geelong-Ballan Road, Old Melbourne Road and the Werribee River.

Andrew Welsh, founder and managing director of the project’s developer Wel.Co, said the approval was an important step towards more housing supply to regional Victoria.

“This amendment unlocks a significant new housing opportunity for Ballan and the broader Moorabool region,” he said.

“As project development partner, Wel.Co focuses on identifying strategically located farmland and working closely with councils, government agencies and local stakeholders to help transition land into new communities. This outcome reflects several years of work to unlock housing supply in areas of Victoria experiencing strong demand.”

The project would provide community playing fields, three local parks and about 3km of shared walking and cycling paths along the river.

“Our focus is on creating well-planned communities that provide both new homes and the amenity people need to live well,” Mr Welsh said.

“Generous open space, recreational facilities and connected neighbourhoods will help ensure the community complements Ballan’s character while supporting its future growth.”

Sales for the project are expected to begin later this year, along with the announcement of further project details.

Wel.Co began as the project’s development partner in 2022. It managed more than 13,000 residential lots and 15 commercial projects with an estimated end value of more than $3.5 billion across Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

Derek Madden, Moorabool Shire Council’s chief executive officer, said the minister for planning had approved the required amendment, which was implemented into the shire’s planning scheme on 13 March.

“We expect that the proponent will submit an application for approval of a development plan in the very near future,” he said.

“Once the development plan has been approved to the satisfaction of council, we can expect to receive permit applications for staged residential subdivision of the land.”