Ballarat. Now and Into the Future - Enabling Growth 2026

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Ahead of the upcoming Victorian state election, Ballarat. Now and Into the Future - Enabling Growth 2026 is calling on all sides of politics to support eight transformational projects for our city and region.

Ballarat has a clear vision for how it will grow – evolving as a university city, a hub for tourism, a sustainable city with an unparalleled quality of life, one which attracts investment, supports business, facilitates regional economic growth, and welcomes new residents, students and visitors.

Ballarat. Now and Into the Future - Enabling Growth 2026 is supported by eight Ballarat organisations representing our education, tourism, local government, business and essential services sectors. Together, we are seeking state and federal government funding for these growth enabling and economy building projects.

Projects: Enabling Community

Essential community facilities for Ballarat's growing population.

Wendouree Library and Learning Centre

Project cost: $23 million

Project highlights:

  • A safe, welcoming facility including library, Parent Place services and maker space
  • Will replace the present small library at Stockland Wendouree which has no capacity to expand
  • Will service more than 15,400 residents in future Ballarat North

View or download project page: Wendouree Library and Learning Centre - BNIF2026

Projects: Enabling Infrastructure

Key road, drainage, water and sewer infrastructure to unlock new housing and improve transport connections.

Housing and Growth-Enabling Infrastructure Package

Project cost: $95.27 million

Project highlights:

  • Package of eight projects to help fast track thousands of new homes in the Ballarat West Growth Area and Ballarat North Growth Area
  • Includes projects to enable or deliver key road, water and community infrastructure
  • Will support local construction jobs and business

View or download project page: Housing and Growth-Enabling Infrastructure Package - BNIF2026

Ballarat-Carngham Road Upgrade

Project cost: Not costed (Victorian Government project)

Project highlights:

  • Deliver a key transport corridor to support businesses and residents in the Ballarat West Growth Area
  • Duplication and upgrade will connect to Dyson Drive, identified as a priority project for duplication
  • The project is part funded with $6.6 million for design work through 2022/23 Victorian State Budget

View or download project page: Ballarat-Carngham Road Upgrade - BNIF2026

Duplication of Dyson Drive

Project cost: $88.3 million

Project highlights:

  • Improve connections and reduce travel times in Lucas and Alfredton
  • Create next stage of Ballarat Link Road
  • Drive economic and residential growth and support jobs in the Ballarat West Growth Area

View or download project page: Duplication of Dyson Drive - BNIF2026

Projects: Enabling Regional Investment

Transformational, regionally significant projects leading to job creation, increased investment, greater sustainability, better transport options.

Circular Economy Precinct: Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

Project cost: $37.1 million

Project highlights:

  • The MRF will have capacity to sort 30,000 tonnes recyclables each year
  • The MRF will provide local opportunities for commercial and industrial waste sorting and recycling
  • The precinct and MRF will ensure value of recyclables is retained and enhanced locally 

View or download project page: Circular Economy Precinct: Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

Western Victoria Aviation Precinct Ballarat

Project cost: $11.7 million

Project highlights:

  • Includes upgrades to Ballarat Airport main runway
  • Enable operation of Large Aerial Tankers (LAT) during the summer fire season, improving bushfire response and capability
  • Runway upgrade will create air freight capability for high value and express parcels

View or download project page: Western Victoria Aviation Precinct - BNIF2026

Projects: Enabling Workforce and Economic Growth

Major projects to build on Ballarat's strengths in higher education and tourism, grow the economy, jobs and skills.

Ballarat University Town

Project cost: $45 million

Project highlights:

  • Revitalise the CBD with the expansion of learning and innovation infrastructure at the SMB Campus, attracting thousands of students
  • Centralise Federation University teaching with TAFE in Ballarat's CBD, fostering stronger education industry ties
  • Inject $315.6 million into the economy during construction and create 1,762 jobs

View or download project page: Ballarat University Town - BNIF2026

Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault

Project cost: $22 million

Project highlights:

  • The new hero visitor experience planned for Sovereign Hill
  • It will increase annual visitation by 74,000 visitors
  • The Gold Vault will create an annual uplift in direct and indirect employment of 123 full time equivalent roles

View or download project page: Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault - BNIF2026

Watch the Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault video to hear more about how this exciting project will benefit our visitor economy.

Preparing for Growth: A strategic approach

Multiple plans and strategies are in place to help ensure Ballarat is ready for future growth:

Other strategies are currently in development. The plans are evidenced-based and guided by extensive consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

  • Draft Open Space Strategy
  • Draft Industrial Land Strategy

*Plans were adopted by City of Ballarat Council in August 2024. City of Ballarat is seeking authorisation from the Minister for Planning to exhibit a planning scheme amendment to formalise these plans.

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