WESTERN LINK ROAD 

The Western Link Road will provide a connection between existing transportation infrastructure of regional importance, the Employment Zone and residential development in Ballarat West.  The improved linkage between the Western, Glenelg and Midland Highways will improve the efficiency of logistics, provide an alternative route to the Central Business District for the transportation of freight, and provide access to developable land particularly in the Ballarat West Growth Area and Employment Zone.  

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Council adopted the preferred road alignment for the Ballarat Western Link Road on 24 February 2010 following a long period of investigation and community consultation. With the route chosen, the next stage is to place a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) on land that will be purchased and used for the road over time.  The PAO process includes detailed technical reports on aspects of the land and environs which are being undertaken.

Amending the Ballarat Planning Scheme to introduce a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) will provide certainty about where the future road will be located and allow compulsory acquisition once funding is secured and the road is ready for construction.  The project will be executed in four stages:

• Phase 1: Background studies and reports (commenced)
• Phase 2: Environmental referrals
• Phase 3: Planning Scheme Amendment Documentation Preparation
• Phase 4: Planning Scheme Amendment and Public Exhibition

Current Status

Consultants AECOM are finalising technical reports on air quality, noise impacts, heritage and flora and fauna.   

A report on the findings will be assessed by Council which will simultaneously consider a recommendation to apply the Overlay into Ballarat Planning Scheme. 

An Environmental Effects Statement (EES) referral was submitted to the Minister for Planning. An EES is an assessment of a project or works that are capable of having a significant effect on the environment. The Minister for Planning has determined that an EES is not required for the Ballarat Western Link Road project. Heritage and environmental aspects will be dealt with under the relevant legislation.

The planning scheme amendment process to introduce a Public Acquisition Overlay for the future road alignment will now be commenced. Public consultation will form part of this process. 

Please contact the Strategic Planning unit on (03) 5320 5536 or email: strategicplanning@ballarat.vic.gov.au should you require any further information. 

View the Western Link Road Fact Sheet