Infrastructure and Local Insights
Ballarat and Central Victoria are experiencing a post lockdown population boom as Melburnians leave the city for the enviable lifestyle on offer in our region. This influx of new residents is being supported by significant council and government investment to deliver vital infrastructure and transport upgrades that position the region for future population growth.
The Ballarat CBD is being revitalised by large-scale spending to improve public transport, amenity and business opportunity in the region. The $51 million Ballarat Railway Station precinct redevelopment, new bus interchange and 77-room hotel are at the heart of the major transformation of the city centre.
The City of Ballarat’s $15 million investment in the redevelopment of Bakery Hill and the Bridge Mall is another major step forward in the revitalisation.
The City of Ballarat’s $15 million investment in the redevelopment of Bakery Hill and the Bridge Mall is another major step forward in the revitalisation.
This vibrancy is further enhanced by the $100 million Ballarat GovHub, which will house up to 1,000 Victorian government employees, creating a new community, government and commercial precinct.
A $7 million Mair St upgrade, $2 million program to construct 1,000 carparks, and $700,000 for outdoor dining and streetscape activation are further supporting future population and economic growth.
The completion of the half-billion-dollar Ballarat Line Upgrade, including the new Cobblebank Station and duplication of 18km of track between Deer Park West and Melton, has delivered much-needed extra services for growing communities along the line. The critical infrastructure project has also enabled additional services and connections to Melbourne.
Substantial community infrastructure spending over the next 12 months, including targeted investment in cycling, will improve amenity and liveability in Ballarat. This includes $6.9 million for the new Ballarat Central Library redevelopment, a $500,000 expansion of Sebastopol South Kindergarten and $1.58 million for footpath renewal and construction. Community sporting facilities at Wendouree West Recreation Reserve, Alfredton Recreation Reserve, Buninyong's Royal Park and MARS Stadium are also in line for major improvements.
Ballarat Base Hospital will receive a half-billion-dollar investment, delivering a new emergency department, and 100 extra inpatient and short-stay beds by 2027, while capacity at Ballarat Airport will be increased with a $15 million upgrade.
Castlemaine, Daylesford and Woodend
In the Macedon Ranges, the footprint of Gisborne and Kyneton continues to sprawl, with the areas identified by the shire for large-scale subdivisions featuring sporting facilities and retail spaces. Pockets of subdivision within Greater Castlemaine have been designated in Campbells Creek and Mckenzie Hill.
In Mount Alexander Shire, the Renewable Newstead plan will generate solar power to supply the local Newstead community by 2022, and a community engagement project is underway to grow the township of Harcourt while maintaining its village setting.
The Hepburn Hub at The Rex project will create a community facility with new library and auditorium, while work to redevelop the Trentham Community Hub is expected to begin next year. Trentham Sportsground Pavilion will get a $2.4 million upgrade, and the first stage of the Creswick Trails Project will see 60km of mountain bike trails constructed in bushland near the town centre. Hepburn Shire Council has also committed more than $1 million to upgrade four kindergartens across the Shire, which will be a boon for young families.
© Jellis Craig 2021