City of Ballarat Councillors will receive an update on the progress of the Ballarat Western Link Road at their Ordinary Meeting to be held tonight.

The report will detail the design of the proposed intersection with the Avenue of Honour, environmental studies, and the preparation of further background technical studies for the project.

Growth and Development Portfolio Councillor Noel Perry said this work would enable Council to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare an amendment to the Ballarat Planning Scheme to implement a Public Acquisition Overlay for the road.

“Council has also commenced discussions with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to commence the process to acquire the Crown Land required for the first stage of the road”.

“The land for Stage 1, situated between Learmonth Road and Sturt Street, will be required to allow work to progress as planned”.

Councillor Perry said Council had been continuing consultation with the community through meetings and information sessions, newsletters, and steering committee meetings.

Further consultation with landowners, government departments and the public will form part of the Planning Scheme Amendment process. 

The Ballarat Western Link Road, when completed, will be a 16 kilometre link from the Western Freeway to the Midland Highway. It will deliver major benefits along the city’s west corridor and will also be a major north/south arterial road servicing Ballarat West and the regional community.

The new link road will improve safety and traffic flow, reduce congestion through the city, connect new residents moving into the Growth Area, and support business in the growing transport and commercial corridor.

For more information on the Ballarat Western Link Road project, click here.