BENEFITS AND PROJECT DRIVERS
Q. What is the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ)?
The BWEZ is a long term project to develop a precinct in the west of Ballarat as an employment zone, which will create new opportunities for business, industry and services including transport and logistics. The project will be delivered via a number of stages over a 20 year period. The initial stage of the project is to develop a Master Plan, a Business Case and a Development Strategy.
Eventually the area will include a range of industrial business activities that will provide for additional employment opportunities and a stronger economy for Ballarat. Situated in close proximity to the future Western Link Road, the Ballarat West Growth Area, the Ballarat Airport and rail infrastructure, this large tract of flat, undeveloped land is an ideal site for the future employment zone.
Q. What kind of benefits will the BWEZ deliver to our local economy?
The BWEZ will create new opportunities for modern and competitive manufacturing facilities in Ballarat as well as associated opportunities for logistics, transport and commercial activities. As part of the Master Plan, a Development Strategy is being prepared to identify how to attract new manufacturing and industry to Ballarat and achieve the best outcomes for the Employment Zone.
Q. How will the BWEZ provide increased employment opportunities?
The provision of industrial land is vital for long term growth of businesses in the Ballarat region, initial assessments indicate the BWEZ has the potential to accommodate over 3,900 jobs.
Ballarat is experiencing strong population growth and has a higher than average unemployment rate compared to the rest of Australia. Developing the Employment Zone will help to create good job opportunities for the residents of Ballarat and is part of Council’s strategy to proactively manage Ballarat’s growth. In addition the development will provide a range of construction jobs in the short to medium term.
Q. What type of businesses and industries can we expect to see in the Employment Zone once it’s developed? And what type of jobs will be created?
The BWEZ will contain a range of industrial, manufacturing, freight and logistics, commercial aviation and other business type activities. Uses may include such things as a freight hub, warehousing, construction, wholesaling, food processing, research and development facilities and business support services, among other things.
It is anticipated that the Employment Zone will provide a over 3,900 industry based jobs, which will include manufacturing, along with a diverse range of other employment opportunities reflecting the multiple business types that will be located in the precinct.
Q. How does this project fit in with other strategic planning projects in Ballarat?
The BWEZ is a key part of the City of Ballarat’s strategic vision to unlock land for industry and meet the needs and aspirations of our growing population.
The City of Ballarat is committed to planning for three interrelated projects to ensure the city can accommodate population growth in a sustainable manner, capitalise on investment opportunities and improve transport efficiency. The other two projects are the Ballarat West Growth Area and the Ballarat Western Link Road.
Q. Why is manufacturing so important to Ballarat’s economy?
Manufacturing remains an important to Ballarat’s economy as it makes up about 37% of the City’s economic output, 15% percent of all Ballarat jobs and is the leading generator of export earnings. 62% of Ballarat manufacturers indicated expansion plans over the next five years. Manufacturing is a key wealth generator for the Ballarat community and is vital for the Ballarat Economy to remain balanced. The Employment Zone will provide for a mix of industry uses and employment types, including manufacturing.
Q. I’ve heard manufacturing is in decline. Why are we investing in this industry?
Manufacturing remains an important driver of Ballarat’s economy and a significant contributor to the region. The Employment Zone, through the Master Plan, will encourage the development of innovative industry and support a globally competitive future for our region. 62% of Ballarat manufacturers have indicated plans to expand over the next five years.
Q. What incentives will there be for businesses?
It is envisaged that businesses will be drawn to the Employment Zone because of the opportunity to establish industry in close proximity to key transport links such as the Western Link Road and Ballarat Airport. Businesses will also have access to alternative energy sources, recycled water and large lot sizes. The Employment Zone will also allow industries to cluster in the precinct which can assist with business innovation, cost reduction and use of common facilities.
The location is also ideal as in the long term it will provide good access to a large pool of employees.
Q. Why is it important to plan for population growth?
Population growth, similar to economic growth is essential to the sustainability of regional cities. The role and function of Ballarat, as a major regional centre of Victoria is complex in terms of impact to Victoria’s economy and liveability. Population growth in regional Victoria provides a range of benefits that help maintain our current standard of living and ensures we live in a vibrant and dynamic community. By planning now for the growing population Council can be confident that it has the infrastructure and jobs available to deliver the best outcome for the new and existing community.
Q. What is VicUrban’s role in this project?
VicUrban has been working closely with Council to develop the Master Plan and Development Strategy for the Employment Zone. It is possible that VicUrban may also play a role in the development of the land.