Growing kindergarten demand drives Binney Reserve planning

Community consultation is now underway to help shape the future of Binney Reserve and respond to growing demand for kindergarten places for Black Hill and the surrounding area. 

The precinct plan will consider the potential development of a larger, purpose built Black Hill Kindergarten within Binney Reserve. The existing Black Hill Kindergarten, located next to Black Hill Primary School, is more than 50 years old and is currently operating at its full capacity for 25 children.

The proposed new kindergarten facility would provide capacity for up to 99 licensed places, aligning with State Government priorities to improve kindergarten access and delivery under the Best Start, Best Life Infrastructure Strategy.

The Binney Reserve Precinct Plan will seek feedback on the entire reserve, not just the proposed kindergarten location. The existing oval at Binney Reserve will be retained as an overflow ground for junior cricket, with continued access maintained for Black Hill Primary School. The pool will also be retained as an existing key feature of the reserve.

Community input will help shape opportunities to improve access, connectivity and formalised car parking, supporting safer and more efficient use of the reserve beyond school and kindergarten hours. Opportunities to enhance biodiversity and improve the overall amenity of Binney Reserve will also be explored.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, said the Binney Reserve Precinct Plan is a critical step in meeting growing demand for kindergarten places while taking a longer term, community led approach to planning the reserve’s future.

“Ballarat has a clear need for more kindergarten places at Black Hill where the existing service is already full and no longer fit for purpose,” she said.

“This precinct plan gives us the opportunity to plan for modern kindergarten facilities that support local families, while also ensuring Binney Reserve continues to meet the needs of the wider community.

“With the primary school, pool and sporting facilities all located within the reserve, this is a busy and important community hub. We want to hear from residents about how we can improve access, safety and overall amenity to make the area work better for everyone.”

Future upgrades to the oval and the Black Hill Pool, also located within the reserve, have been identified in the City of Ballarat Recreation Infrastructure Plan and may be considered over time. This may include potential upgrades to the pool kiosk, changerooms, and oval surface.

Community consultation closes on Sunday 31 May.

A series of drop in sessions are available, providing an opportunity to speak directly with City of Ballarat staff.

• Thursday 14 May 2026
  Time: 8.30am - 10am
• Monday 18 May 2026
  Time: 3pm - 4.30pm
• Wednesday 27 May 2026
  Time: 4pm - 5.30pm

Community members, including local residents and current kindergarten, school and sport users, are also encouraged to share their feedback and help guide a way forward for Binney Reserve by visiting the City of Ballarat MySay page.