Support for the next stage of Ballarat Link Road crucial to Ballarat’s future economic growth

The City of Ballarat is calling for funding support from the Victorian and Australian governments to build the next stage of Ballarat Link Road. 

And Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said Ballarat residents can help keep the project moving by giving their feedback at the City of Ballarat’s mysay site. 

“This is an important project for residents and businesses, not just in our city’s west but across Ballarat,” Mayor Moloney said. 

“As we continue to advocate for the Ballarat Link Road, we want your input to help us build the case with other levels of government that this project needs to happen and soon.” 

“If you would like to see the next stage of Ballarat Link Road built, including the duplication of Dyson Drive, Alfredton, please make a quick visit to mysay and let us know about it.” 

What is the next stage of the Ballarat Link Road?  

A 12-kilometre arterial link along the western boundary of Ballarat, from Remembrance Drive, Alfredton, and including the duplication of Dyson Drive, to the Midland Highway, south of Sebastopol. It will connect to the existing section of Ballarat Link Road at Remembrance Drive. 

Why do we need the next stage of the Ballarat Link Road? 

Mayor Moloney said the rapidly growing population in the city’s west – more than 10,000 residents have moved to the Ballarat West Growth Area since 2011 - was reflected in climbing traffic numbers on Dyson Drive, Alfredton in the past five years. 

“Back in 2016, there was an average of 6,529 vehicle movements along Dyson Drive each day.  

“Today the data shows the figure has jumped to 10,490 vehicles a day,” Mayor Moloney said.  

“We need to build the Ballarat Link Road to service that growth that’s already happened and to plan for the 16,000 people who will move into places like Lucas, Winter Valley and Bonshaw over the next five years.” 

City of Ballarat Chief executive Officer Evan King said the Ballarat Link Road was vital for the city’s future economic growth.  

“This week’s announcement from the Victorian Government that five new businesses, supporting 152 jobs, will be established at the Ballarat West Employment Zone, only underscores the growing importance of the Ballarat Link Road,” Mr King said.  

“This project was first identified as a need for our city back in 2007. We all know how much the city has changed since then. 

“Completing the Ballarat Link Road will help ensure goods from our key industrial and jobs centre can reach all our major highways quickly and efficiently. It will also improve traffic flow across our traffic network.”  

“We’re calling for state and federal governments to support what is a crucial piece of infrastructure not only for Ballarat’s west, but for the whole city.” 

What is the City of Ballarat doing to advance the project to build the next stage of the Ballarat Link Road? 

In the lead up to upcoming state and federal elections, the City of Ballarat is advocating to the Victorian and Australian governments to provide funding support to complete the next stage of the Ballarat Link Road, including the duplication of Dyson Drive between Remembrance Drive and Ballarat-Carngham Road.