QUESTIONS FROM LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT
How will property values of nearby residential areas be protected?
The BWEZ Master Plan will ensure the appropriate location of industry uses within the site, along with suitable landscaping, buffers and visual screening between existing residential areas and the new employment zone. These measures will reduce impacts on the surrounding residential areas including potential impacts to property values.
What is the size of the proposed buffer zones around the site? And will the buffer zones provide adequate distance between homes, habitat areas and the development?
The size of the buffer zones around the site will vary depending on the features and existing uses of adjacent areas. These buffer zones will be in set by the provisions of the Ballarat Planning Scheme and EPA Guidelines. Both of these planning tools provide strict requirements to ensure suitable distances are maintained between development, residential areas and sites of environmental value. In addition to the size of the buffer zones the Master Plan will make recommendations on building design, landscaping and tree planting to minimise the impact of the BWEZ on surrounding areas.
Will the employment zone be visible from homes in the area?
There may be some visual impact of the BWEZ on surrounding residential areas. A Visual Impact Assessment has been undertaken as part of the Master Plan and measures will be put in place to ensure visual impacts are minimised through the use of landscaping to screen the development from residential areas. Requirements on building design and location of buildings within the BWEZ will also be used to minimise the development’s visual impacts.
What provisions will be made for local clubs currently occupying the site?
The development of BWEZ will not have any direct impact on the local clubs currently operating within the airport precinct. All these clubs can continue operating in their current locations. Clubs within the BWEZ will have the opportunity for consultation directly through the Master Plan process.
Why will businesses and industry be attracted to the area?
BWEZ offers business and industry a range of allotments in various sizes, has good access for vehicle traffic, is located close to the new Ballarat West Growth Area nearby residential areas for employees, and air and rail links for freight requirements. Additionally, it is anticipated the site will offer clustering, access to alternative energy sources and R&D facilities.
Will land around airport be preserved for future airport/runway extensions?
The BWEZ Master Plan does not include determining the land use at the airport. This is looked after by a separate Airport Master Plan which is currently underway. Within the Airport Master Plan, the City of Ballarat will determine suitable areas in and around the Airport which will be preserved for future potential runway extensions and airport expansions.
There are a number of heritage listed buildings in the area, how will these be protected?
The heritage listed buildings in the BWEZ are confined to the Airport and these buildings will be protected by the Heritage Overlay provisions of the Ballarat Planning Scheme. These buildings are proposed to be retained as part of the Airport precinct. The BWEZ Master Plan does not include determining plans for the airport. This is looked after by a separate Airport Master Plan, which is currently underway.
Will a shopping centre complex be considered as part of the Master Plan?
A shopping centre complex is not being considered as part of the Master Plan. There will be some convenience and industry supporting shops within the BWEZ, however the area is being investigated for industry and employment generating land uses.
As part of the Ballarat West Growth Area the City of Ballarat has designated areas for shopping to the south of the BWEZ in Alfredton, Sebastopol and Delacombe. The Ballarat West Growth Area is being designed to cater for residential growth and provide services and infrastructure for new communities.
Will open space for recreational users be retained? And how will the Skipton Rail Trail be impacted?
Yes. The BWEZ includes areas of public open space for recreational use, in particular walking and bicycle trails incorporating the environmentally significant areas of the BWEZ and surrounds including the Winter Swamp. The Skipton Rail Trail is a rail reservation and will be retained for these purposes.
The Winter Swamp provides important habitat for indigenous plants and animals. Will this area be protected?
The Winter Swamp is not included in the BWEZ area. However, some of the land surrounding the Winter Swamp is captured within the BWEZ. To ensure environmentally sensitive plant and animal habitat in the swamp is protected the Master Plan will provide for an appropriate sized buffer of land to be retained between the swamp and the BWEZ.
Does the BWEZ Master Plan integrate with the proposed Western Link Road?
Yes, although the Ballarat Western Link Road is a separate project. The Link Road will provide great transport links to the employment zone, creating an appealing business environment. The Link Road will also improve safety and traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance access for users of the transport corridor, which will assist in reducing the volume of heavy vehicle use of local roads around the area.
During heavy rain there are stormwater drainage issues in the area; will stormwater drainage be upgraded as part of the Master Plan?
The stormwater and flooding issues in the area have been assessed as part of the technical reporting phase of the BWEZ Master Plan. As part of the development of the BWEZ, a range of stormwater management tools and assets such as retention and retarding basins, rainwater tanks and wetlands will be installed to minimise flood risks and optimise reuse opportunities for stormwater.
During heavy rain, an overflow sometimes occurs at the local sewerage pumping station. Will the wastewater network be upgraded to accommodate for the employment zone?
As part of the BWEZ development the site’s water and wastewater infrastructure will be upgraded to accommodate the additional water use demands that the development will require of both the wastewater network and the drinking water network.
Water scarcity is an important issue for the Ballarat region. How will the Master Plan address this issue and will water recycling, stormwater harvesting or other conservation measures be included in plans for the Employment Zone?
Technical studies undertaken as part of the BWEZ Master Plan have included Water Reuse Investigations, which have identified opportunities including centralised stormwater storage for onsite reuse, rainwater harvesting and onsite grey-water treatment. These options will be investigated further as the Master Plan progresses.
Will Blind Creek Road be used to gain access to the Employment Zone? And how will heavy vehicles gain access to the site?
Road access points for BWEZ are still being determined. Due to the size of the BWEZ site, it will require multiple access points. The majority of the access to the site will be from the Ballarat Western Link Road. Provisions will be made for access to residential areas to the west of the BWEZ site to ensure access is maintained.
Where will the road entry and exits points for the Airport be located?
The road network is still being determined and we are working with the Western Link Road project team to make sure access to the Airport is maintained, if not upgraded.