Community feedback invited on Ballarat 11 Waterways flood planning update

The City of Ballarat is inviting residents, landowners and stakeholders to have their say on proposed changes to flood planning controls across eleven waterways, with a public exhibition period now underway.

Ballarat Planning Scheme Amendment C217ball is on public exhibition from 29 April to 29 May 2026, following authorisation by the Minister for Planning.

The amendment proposes to introduce updated flood and stormwater overlays into the Ballarat Planning Scheme, based on the Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Study (2025).  

The study was prepared for the City of Ballarat in partnership with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and was adopted by Council at the Planning Delegated Committee Meeting in December 2025.

The updated overlays are intended to ensure land use and development decisions are informed by the most current and accurate flood hazard information, helping to manage flood risk and support safer long‑term growth across Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said having up‑to‑date flood information in the planning scheme is essential for protecting the Ballarat community.

“Flood modelling can raise concerns for some people, and Council understands those sensitivities,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“However, ensuring our planning scheme reflects current flood risk information is critical to protecting lives, homes and community infrastructure. It also supports emergency services and helps the City make informed decisions about future development.”

Cr Hargreaves encouraged community members to review the amendment and participate in the exhibition process.

“This work follows years of detailed technical investigation, peer review and extensive community engagement,” she said.

“Exhibition is the formal opportunity for people to see what is proposed, understand how it may affect them, and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.”

The amendment applies to land identified as being subject to inundation during a 1‑in‑100‑year flood event associated with the following waterways:

• Yarrowee River
• Gnarr Creek
• Canadian Creek and tributaries
• Bonshaw Creek
• Redan Creek
• Kensington Creek
• Chase Waterway
• Little Bendigo Creek
• Hit or Miss Gully
• Warrenheip Creek
• Ryans Drain

Owners and occupiers of direct properties are being notified directly.

Amendment documentation can be viewed free of charge on the City of Ballarat MySay page or in person (by appointment) at the City of Ballarat Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat.

The amendment is also available via the Department of Transport and Planning website or by calling 1800 789 386.

Any person may make a submission on the amendment. Submissions must be received by 5.00pm on 29 May 2026 to strategicplanning@ballarat.vic.gov.au or via post to City of Ballarat – Strategic Planning, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3353.

For further information, contact the City of Ballarat Strategic Planning team on (03) 5320 5500 or email strategicplanning@ballarat.vic.gov.au.