THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS
Q. How will planning for the BWEZ be undertaken?
Council is undertaking a significant Master Planning project for the Employment Zone. The Master Plan will include inputs from a number of technical studies being prepared to understand the site constraints and opportunities. The Master Plan is essentially a land use plan that maps out how the precinct will be developed over the next 20 years. The current project also includes a development strategy and Business Case which will assist in gaining public investment for the zone.
Q. When will development begin?
The BWEZ is a long term project and is currently in the planning phase. Following the Master Plan process there will be a planning scheme amendment process to rezone the land. The actual development of the area is likely to occur in stages, with the first stage taking place in around 2015.
Q. How will current Planning Panel Hearings impact on the development of the Employment Zone?
The Employment Zone Master Plan will consider the key issues and recommendations of relevant past and current Planning Panel Hearings, particularly where recommendations have translated into the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
It is not yet known what type of zoning will be applied to the Employment Zone, however this will be determined as part of the Master Plan. Once the Master Plan is completed, a Planning Scheme Amendment process will be undertaken.
Q. How do we make sure it’s an environmentally sustainable precinct?
The Employment Zone Master Plan includes a series of technical background studies including numerous environmental assessments and an alternative energy study. These investigations will identify Environmentally Sustainable Development options for the area and will be implemented through the Master Plan.
Q. Will innovative approaches to supplying energy on site or water harvesting be included in the planning and design of the Employment Zone?
The Master Plan process includes a series of technical background studies in order to fully understand the site’s opportunities and constraints. These technical studies includes an Alternative Energy Investigation, a Hydrology Assessment, and a water reuse study, all of which will provide direct recommendations into the Master Plan for the future development of the site in relation to energy and water harvesting.
Q. How much will it cost and who pays?
The cost of future development is not yet known. The business case for the Employment Zone will assess the indicative costs and on flow benefits, such as employment and new businesses from future investment in order to make sound investment decisions for the prosperity of Ballarat. Funding will be sought through the State and Federal Governments for components of this project.
Q. What will be the impact on traffic?
It is not yet known what the impacts will be on traffic. As part of the Master Plan, a technical assessment into Transportation has been undertaken to inform future development and transportation networks. The Western Link Road will accommodate the majority of industrial and through traffic which will leave the balance of the traffic network to handle local traffic movements.
Q. How can I stay informed?
The City of Ballarat is committed to keeping stakeholders and the community informed on the development of the BWEZ Master Plan.
A range of consultation activities will be undertaken as part of this project. Information sessions will be held during the Master Planning process and project updates will be provided on the City of Ballarat’s website or you can contact the project team at employmentzone@ballarat.vic.gov.au