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1 Planning and Environment Act 1987 BALLARAT PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT C158 EXPLANATORY REPORT Who is the planning authority? This amendment has been prepared by the City of Ballarat on behalf of the Minister for Planning, who is the planning authority for this amendment. The amendment has been made at the request of the City of Ballarat. Land affected by the amendment The amendment applies to approximately 1,290 hectares of land as shown in Plan 1, which forms part of the Ballarat West Growth Area. The overall precinct comprises three (3) sub- precincts: Sub-Precinct 1 Bonshaw Creek: Approximately 707 hectares; Sub-Precinct 2 Greenhalghs Road: Approximately 296 hectares; and Sub-Precinct 4 Carngham Road: Approximately 287 hectares. (Sub-Precinct 3 is covered by the Alfredton West Precinct Structure Plan, which is already in force.) Plan 1: Amendment area
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Planning and Environment Act 1987

BALLARAT PLANNING SCHEME

AMENDMENT C158

EXPLANATORY REPORT

Who is the planning authority?

This amendment has been prepared by the City of Ballarat on behalf of the Minister for Planning, who is the planning authority for this amendment.

The amendment has been made at the request of the City of Ballarat.

Land affected by the amendment

The amendment applies to approximately 1,290 hectares of land as shown in Plan 1, which forms part of the Ballarat West Growth Area. The overall precinct comprises three (3) sub-precincts:

Sub-Precinct 1 Bonshaw Creek: Approximately 707 hectares;

Sub-Precinct 2 Greenhalghs Road: Approximately 296 hectares; and

Sub-Precinct 4 Carngham Road: Approximately 287 hectares.

(Sub-Precinct 3 is covered by the Alfredton West Precinct Structure Plan, which is already in force.)

Plan 1: Amendment area

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What the amendment does

The amendment incorporates the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan (Ballarat West PSP), Development Contributions Plan (Ballarat West DCP) and Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (Ballarat West NVPP) into the Ballarat Planning Scheme. The urban structure proposed by these documents is shown in Plan 2.

To do this, the amendment seeks to:

Rezone all land covered by the Ballarat West PSP which is not zoned Urban Growth Zone to the Urban Growth Zone (Clause 37.07);

Apply Schedule 2 to the UGZ to all land within the Ballarat West PSP area (Clause 37.07);

Apply the Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) to land identified as having a High Potential for Contamination in accordance with Ministerial Direction No. 1;

Apply the Heritage Overlay (HO194) to the Prince of Wales / Bonshaw Company former gold mining site within sub-precinct 1;

Introduce the Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO) into the Ballarat Planning Scheme and apply Schedule 1 to the DCPO (DCPO1) (Clause 45.06);

Introduce the Business 3 Zone (B3Z) and schedule into the Ballarat Planning Scheme (Clause 34.03);

Replace the schedules to the Mixed Use Zone (MUZ), Business 1 Zone (B1Z) (Clause 34.01) and Business 4 Zone (B4Z) (Clause 34.04);

Amend the schedule to Clause 52.01 to implement the minimum passive public open space contribution for the Ballarat West PSP area;

Update the Schedule to Clause 52.16 to include reference to the Ballarat West NVPP;

Update Clause 61.03 to make reference to new maps to be introduced into the planning scheme;

Amend Clause 81.01 to include the Ballarat West PSP, Ballarat West NVPP, and Ballarat West DCP as incorporated documents;

Make consequential changes to local policy (Clauses 21.04 and 21.09).

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Plan 2: Future Urban Structure established by the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan

The amendment also seeks to remove the following controls from the Ballarat Planning Scheme, which are superseded by the Ballarat West PSP, Ballarat West NVPP, the associated Growling Grass Frog Conservation Management Plan and flora and fauna studies completed during the development of these:

The existing Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 1 over 25 Schreenans Road

The Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 2 from the parts of Kensington Creek covered by the Ballarat West PSP

The Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 5 from a small line of trees adjacent to Ross Creek Road.

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Strategic assessment of the amendment

Why is the amendment required? Ballarat West is identified in the Ballarat Planning Scheme and Ballarat West Growth Area Plan 2009 as Ballarat‟s primary growth area for the next 30 to 40 years. Most of the land identified within the Ballarat West Growth Area was rezoned to the Urban Growth Zone in 2009 in preparation for its transition from farming to urban land. The Urban Growth Zone prohibits urban development until a Precinct Structure Plan has been prepared for the land and is incorporated into the planning scheme. An amendment to the Ballarat Planning Scheme is required to give effect to the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan and facilitate development of Ballarat West in accordance with Ballarat West Growth Area Plan and Ballarat West PSP.

How does the amendment implement the objectives of planning in Victoria?

Consistent with the objectives set out in Section 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Ballarat West PSP:

Provides for the orderly development of Ballarat West by allocating land for residential, community, retail and business uses that are necessary to support the new community

Balances the need for new housing against the environmental constraints and opportunities of the area

Provides design guidelines and expectations for development to ensure that the new community is a pleasant, efficient and safe place to work and live

Integrates and protects a heritage place that was found to be of local significance through the inclusion of this area in a Heritage Overlay and encumbered land (Heritage Conservation Area). (Aboriginal cultural heritage will be addressed through the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans where required as part of permit applications, in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006)

Provides for the servicing of the new community and the equitable sharing of cost for infrastructure necessary to service the area

The amendment represents an appropriate balance between the present and future interests of all Victorians by providing a structure for urban growth of the area that will cater to Ballarat‟s growing population.

How does the amendment address the environmental effects and any relevant social and economic effects?

Environmental effects

The majority of the area covered by the Ballarat West PSP has a history of grazing and other agricultural pursuits, with a number of former gold mining leases and some pockets of existing rural residential development. The overall environmental condition of the precinct is degraded due to its historical land uses. No remnant patches of vegetation were identified within the precinct, only scattered remnant trees. The creek lines which run through the Ballarat West PSP area were also identified as having a degraded state.

Given the degraded state of the area, the Ballarat West PSP presents an opportunity to generate significant environmental gains. The PSP sets aside Kensington, Winter and Bonshaw Creeks as open space corridors with a primarily environmental purpose. For example, landscape design requirements for the creeks encourage planting of species indigenous to Ballarat, improvement of biodiversity and provision of potential habitat.

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The PSP‟s requirements are supported by the Ballarat West NVPP, which identifies trees to be retained and the offsets necessary for trees that have been identified as being suitable for removal. The future urban structure and Ballarat West NVPP identify preferred locations for offsets along the creek lines and in areas with larger numbers of remnant trees within the Ballarat West PSP area. Where offsets along creeks are taken up, they will assist with the revegetation of the creeklines and their restoration to corridors of high quality habitat that are well connected to the wider landscape. All offset areas are of a size that can remain ecologically viable over time (for example through natural replacement of old trees).

Suitable habitat for the Growling Grass Frog was identified in Sub-Precinct 1, including seven sites with Growling Grass Frogs present. All inhabited sites are believed to form part of a larger metapopulation structure, with movement between water bodies and breeding and non-breeding habitats necessary to maintain population viability. However, six of the inhabited sites are fragile habitat; small farm dams or flooded holes left over from gold mining that are separated from creeks by land that is likely to be developed for housing in future.

To manage these issues and ensure an environmental net gain, a Growling Grass Frog Conservation Management Plan (CMP) has been prepared for the Ballarat West PSP area. The CMP requires any development that would disturb a Growling Grass Frog site or land that provides a link between them and waterways to provide suitable offset habitat prior to disturbance, as well as relocation of frogs to that habitat once it is established. Sites suitable for constructing new habitat have been identified along Winter and Kensington Creeks where they would link more directly to the rest of the metapopulation. Growling Grass Frog movement corridors of at least 70m in width have also been included along Bonshaw, Winter and Kensington Creeks, to be protected as open space. Again, these offset areas will assist with the revegetation of the creeklines and their restoration to corridors of high quality habitat that are well connected to the wider landscape.

A drainage scheme has been prepared and will be implemented through the Ballarat West PSP and DCP. The drainage scheme will ensure that stormwater runoff is collected and treated prior to discharge into creeks. This will ensure that the health of the waterways is not adversely impacted by future development and will improve the current state of these waterways.

Land within the Ballarat West PSP area has been assessed for potential for contamination in accordance with Ministerial Direction No. 1. Land identified as having a High Potential for Contamination will have the Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) applied. Affected sites are mostly former gold mining leases, but also include some agricultural and small light industrial uses (e.g. automotive repairs). Land identified as having a Low or Medium Potential for Contamination will be required to provide evidence that the land is suitable for its proposed use prior to development of the land.

A number of possible heritage sites were identified within sub-precincts 1 and 2 during a heritage assessment. One of these sites has been found to be of local significance and is to be protected through a Heritage Overlay and is shown in the Ballarat West PSP as encumbered open space. The other sites were found to be of low significance and suitable for incorporation into future development.

The Ballarat West PSP and planning scheme amendment also address potential impacts from air and noise emissions associated with existing industries within the Carngham Road industrial area, immediately east of sub-precinct 4. Air emissions buffer needs and noise affected areas have been identified during development of the PSPs. The PSP excludes sensitive land uses from the air emissions buffer area determined in accordance with EPA procedures. For land affected by noise emissions, sensitive uses will be required to demonstrate that the appropriate noise levels can be achieved having regard to SEPP N-1 prior to development; for example through construction of a noise wall, reduction at source and/or noise insulation at the sensitive use.

Three existing environmental overlays (ESO2, ESO5 and VPO1) are superseded by the Ballarat West PSP within the PSP area as follows:

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ESO2 provides creekline protection for parts of Kensington Creek and other creeks in the City. In the PSP area, this is being superceded by: the drainage scheme, which will ensure urban runoff is appropriately managed; the protection of the creekbanks as open space to a minimum of 35m from each side of the creek centreline; the PSP‟s open space construction and landscaping requirements; and the Ballarat West NVPP which allocates much of the creekline as a possible vegetation offset receiving area.

ESO5 protects a small, isolated group of pine trees adjacent to Ross Creek Road and Bonshaw Creek as possible koala movement habitat. The PSP will instead establish high quality habitat along Kensington, Winter and Bonshaw Creeks which could act as a corridor for a wide range of fauna.

VPO1 seeks to protect areas of high-quality native vegetation. On review of the original background study for the VPO, it appears to have been applied in error in this case. The flora and fauna study for the PSP also confirms that no significant natural vegetation is present on this site.

Social effects

The implementation of the Ballarat West PSP and DCP will generate significant social benefits.

The Ballarat West PSP will facilitate the delivery of a range of community services and facilities such as primary/secondary schools, kindergartens, active and passive open space areas, shared trails, activity centres, emergency services facilities, public transport services etc. These will have positive social effects by providing services to support future residents as well as providing new facilities for the wider area.

A number of these facilities will also be funded through the Ballarat West DCP, which is included in this amendment. The Ballarat West DCP will ensure that the costs associated with the provision of necessary infrastructure and services are equitably divided across the precinct, so that there is not an unfair impact on any one person or landholder.

Economic effects

The Ballarat West DCP will ensure that the provision of necessary infrastructure and other services is delivered in a fair and equitable manner.

The activity centres throughout the precinct will provide a mix of retail, offices and community facilities, creating local employment opportunities. Part of the Air Emissions Buffer will also be established as an Industrial/Commercial Precinct (Business 3 zone). This will create a flexible employment precinct that can cater for land uses such as integrated office/industry developments that are not readily accommodated in Ballarat‟s Central Business District or the proposed Major Activity Centre. The provision of new schools, childcare facilities, home based businesses etc will also provide additional employment opportunities.

As discussed above, the Ballarat West PSP includes a number of requirements to manage the interface between existing industry and new residential development in sub-precinct 4. These will ensure that existing industries and businesses in the Delacombe industrial area can continue to grow without being impacted by further residential encroachment. They will also help to protect Ballarat‟s supply of smaller greenfields Industrial 1 Zone sites.

Development of this area will also have flow-on benefits to the wider region. It will facilitate new construction activity within Ballarat and support Ballarat‟s roles as a key regional centre for western Victoria.

Does the amendment address relevant bushfire risk?

The risk of bushfire in the Ballarat West PSP area is low and the Bushfire Management Overlay does not apply. The Ballarat West PSP area is bounded by existing urban areas

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to the north and east, rural-residential areas to the south and farming land to the west. The existing urban areas present little bush fire risk. Similarly, the rural land has been modified and cleared by past land uses, has very sparse tree canopies and presents a low to moderate risk for bushfire.

Does the amendment comply with the requirements of any Minister’s Direction applicable to the amendment?

The amendment is consistent with the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes under section 7(5) of the Act. Direction 1 - Potentially contaminated land Direction 1 requires the planning authority to consider the suitability of land for proposed sensitive uses. Preliminary site contamination assessments have been carried out for the Ballarat West PSP area. The assessments identified land as having either Low, Medium or High Potential for Contamination. In accordance with this Ministerial Direction, this amendment applies the Environmental Audit Overlay to land identified as having a High Potential for Contamination. Through the schedule to the Urban Growth Zone, land identified as having Low or Medium Potential for Contamination will be required to demonstrate suitability for sensitive uses prior to development of the land commencing. Direction 11 – Strategic Assessment of amendments Addressed by this explanatory report. Direction 12 - Urban Growth Areas

The amendment is consistent with Direction 12 (Urban Growth Areas). Part 6 of Direction 12 requires that when preparing an amendment to introduce or change provisions in a schedule to the Urban Growth Zone, a planning authority must evaluate and include in the explanatory report a discussion about the following -

How the framework plan (in this case the Ballarat West Growth Area Plan 2009) has been implemented

How the Precent Structure Plan implements the Precinct Structure Plan Guidelines

How the provisions give effect to the intended outcomes of the Precinct Structure Plan

How a translation of the provisions can be achieved, once development anticipated by the Precinct Structure Plan is substantially complete.

In the Ballarat West Growth Area Plan, the Ballarat West PSP area is identified for predominantly residential uses that are supported by a mix of activity centres and community facilities. The Plan also identified possible expansion of the existing industrial area on Carngham Road subject to further investigation. The Ballarat West PSP gives effect to the intent of this plan and the basic urban structure it identified. The Ballarat West PSP has further refined the urban structure in the Growth Area Plan reflecting more detailed studies that have been done since this plan was prepared (e.g. a drainage scheme and industrial interface investigations).

The Ballarat West PSP has been developed in accordance with the Precinct Structure Planning Guidelines approved by the Minister for Planning. The PSP fosters the creation of a sense of place by creating a future urban structure which comprises a mixture of activity centres, community facilities and a variety of open spaces to support future residents. These facilities have been evenly distributed throughout the sub-precincts to ensure the creation of compact neighbourhoods where future residents are within walking distance of a range of facilities.

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The Ballarat West PSP provides for a diverse mix of housing types and expects to achieve an overall density of 15.69 dwellings per net developable (residential) hectare. The Housing Plan proposes medium density housing around activity centres, open spaces and community facilities and acknowledges that lower density development may need to occur within the existing rural residential areas within the precent and in steeper areas along the southern edge of Sub-precinct 1. The Housing Plan coupled with the design guidelines within the PSP will guide residential development in the area and ensure that new housing within the precinct will meet the needs of future residents and contribute to the creation of safe and interesting living environments.

Four activity centres (a Major Activity Centre, a Neighbourhood Activity Centre, and two Local Activity Centres) are proposed within the Ballarat West PSP area. The Major Activity Centre will provide for up to 29,500 square metres of retail floor space along with 21,500 square meters of office/non-retail commercial floor space and up to 20,000 square metres of bulky goods (restricted retail) floor space. It will act as the primary activity centre for Ballarat West. This centre will be supported by the Neighbourhood Activity Centre and Local Activity Centres which will have a weekly and daily shopping function respectively. The PSP includes guidelines and principles for development of the activity centres to: ensure the creation of vibrant centres that will act as the hubs of the new communities; encourage a mixture of uses within each of the centres; ensure the centres are accessible via public transport; and require built forms that support street based activity. In addition the activity centres will provide opportunities for local employment and business activity.

The Ballarat West PSP also provides an Industrial/Commercial Precinct located on 15.04 hectare of land in sub-precinct 4 within the Air Emissions Buffer of industries in the existing Delacombe industrial area. This will create a flexible employment precinct that can cater for land uses such as integrated office/industry developments that are not readily accommodated in Ballarat‟s Central Business District or the Glenelg Highway Major Activity Centre.

The Ballarat West Employment Zone, located to the north of the precinct, along with Ballarat‟s Central Business District are expected to be the primary employment areas for new residents in the growth area. Both are close to the PSP area, being eight kilometres or less from the proposed new homes. The Industrial/Commercial Precinct and activity centres within the precinct have been designed to supplement these employment areas but not detract from their functions

The road network proposed by the Ballarat West PSP establishes an integrated network of roads, cycling, walking and public transport links throughout the precinct. The transport network links key centres and community facilities and supports a comprehensive public transport network that meets the requirements of the Planning Scheme. A mixture of on- and off-road paths are proposed throughout the precinct to create a trunk walking and cycling network that caters for all user groups, supports commuter travel and recreational use, and encourages an active lifestyle less reliant on cars.

Consideration has also been given to impacts of development on biodiversity and cultural heritage. As discussed above, the amendment provides for the revegetation of key creeks and waterways to bring them back to a healthy state, improving habitat for Growling Grass Frogs and the protection through a Heritage Overlay of a former gold mine which is considered to have local heritage significance.

An Integrated Water Management Plan has also been included as part of the PSP. The Integrated Water Management Plan seeks to achieve an integrated approach to water management across the precinct by implementing the Ballarat West drainage scheme and by encouraging individual land owners to consider alternative solutions to reduce water consumption.

This planning scheme amendment uses the schedule to the Urban Growth Zone to give effect to the Ballarat West PSP. A standard schedule format is used to allow for simple translation of the UGZ into underlying zones once development is substantially complete.

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Directions on Development Contributions Plans

The amendment complies with these directions. Infrastructure to be funded by the Development Infrastructure Levy includes construction and land acquisition for roads and intersections, basic active open space and the kindergarten components of integrated multi-purpose community centres. The Community Infrastructure Levy is used for other community and active open space facilities. Levies are also not applied to non-government schools, in accordance with the most recent Ministerial Direction.

The Ballarat West DCP sets out over $285 million of infrastructure works and land acquisition for the area. The DCP levies over $240 million of this amount from developers in the precinct. The balance of funding is the responsibility of the City of Ballarat

Proposed development contribution rates as at June 2012 are:

Development Infrastructure Levy – standard – residential: $156,730 per hectare

Development Infrastructure Levy – standard – commercial: $73,002 per hectare

Development Infrastructure Levy – drainage: $90,832 per hectare

Community Infrastructure Levy: Capped at $900 per dwelling.

How does the amendment support or implement the State Planning Policy Framework?

The amendment is consistent with and has been prepared in accordance with the State Planning Policy Framework as detailed below -

Clause 11 Settlement

The amendment promotes the sustainable growth and development of regional Victoria by encouraging urban growth in Ballarat‟s identified growth areas. The amendment provides activity centres of appropriate size that cater for a range of functions and are well connected by public transport and shared pathways. The amendment implements the Ballarat West PSP which has undergone a thorough precinct structure planning process. Open space networks have been planned for in the PSP to cater for both active and passive recreation purposes.

Clause 15 Built Environment and Heritage

The amendment supports this Clause by introducing a requirement for an Urban Design Framework to be approved for the Major Activity Centre Precinct and the Neighbourhood Activity Centre. Urban design treatments will be used to reinforce the identity of each place, as well as legibility and safety. Heritage conservation is supported by the amendment and the Heritage Overlay will be applied to the Prince of Wales/Bonshaw Company former gold mining site within sub-precinct 1 (Heritage Inventory references H7622-0217 & H7622-0173)

Clause 16 Housing

The Ballarat West PSP supports this clause by providing for different housing market segments in Ballarat through the delivery of a range of housing choice, lot sizes and densities. It also provides housing that is in a well planned location close to services and jobs, transportation and community facilities.

Clause 17 Economic Development

The amendment supports this Clause by providing well planned neighbourhood activity centres in specific locations to meet the needs of the new community. It also caters for the expected population growth of Ballarat.

Clause 18 Transport

The amendment supports integrated transport by creating a sustainable transport system through: an urban structure that reflects walkable design principles such as the provision

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of local parks, community facilities and activity centres for each neighbourhood; a comprehensive network of walking and cycling paths; a public transport network that links homes to key destinations such as schools, shops and employment areas; and a road network that will cater for the traffic needs of the future community. The PSP has been planned in an integrated manner to incorporate the proposed Ballarat Western Link Road which will run along the western boundary of the PSP area.

Clause 19 Infrastructure

Ballarat West will provide for community and education facilities in locations that are accessible by walking and cycling. The Ballarat West PSP area will also have access to reticulated water supply, sewerage and drainage services to meet the needs of the local area. The Ballarat West DCP will provide funding for the key road, drainage, open space and community facility projects that are required to create a liveable community.

How does the amendment support or implement the Local Planning Policy Framework?

The Ballarat West PSP and DCP are the culmination of a substantial effort over the past seven years to plan for the city‟s future growth. This amendment therefore implements many sections of the local policy.

Clause 21.02 Key Issues

The amendment supports Clause 21.02-1 by planning for future urban growth; ensuring proposed sensitive development is not within the existing industry buffers and facilitating the delivery of activity centres in appropriate locations. The amendment also supports the retention of existing character and ensures that existing character is built on in new areas; heritage areas and sites have been retained where possible, environmental values have been preserved and will be enhanced through the implementation of the Ballarat West NVPP and CMP.

Clause 21.03 Ballarat’s Strategic Framework

Ballarat‟s Strategic Framework - The amendment implements the City of Ballarat‟s Overall Framework Plan. The plan identifies the Ballarat West PSP area as “Short to Medium Term Urban Growth (primarily residential subject to precinct structure planning process)”. The PSP also addresses the need for buffer treatments to existing industry, as shown on the Framework Plan.

NOTE TO DPCD OFFICERS: This amendment relies on C138 being in place first as C138 includes a critical change to the Framework Plans. C138 was submitted to the Minister for approval earlier this year.

Clause 21.04 Land Uses

Clause 21.04-1– Settlement – This clause outlines that urban expansion in the west of Ballarat should occur in accordance with the Ballarat West Growth Area Plan 2009 and that between 10-15 years land supply is available for major land uses (residential and industrial). The Ballarat PSP implements the Ballarat West Growth Area Plan. It has considered a longer time horizon than 10-15 years and will allow for 30-40 years of future urban expansion within Ballarat.

Clause 21.04-2 Housing - As noted above, the Ballarat West PSP is consistent with the Residential Framework Plan, which identifies the area as “Short to Medium Term Urban Growth (primarily residential subject to precinct structure planning)”. The Ballarat West PSP provides a wide range of housing choice and diversity through a range of lot sizes and densities. Minor revisions to Clause 21.04 are being introduced as part of this amendment to update it as it relates to Ballarat West.

Clause 21.04-4 Retail/Commercial - The Ballarat West PSP facilitates the delivery of new activity centres, which are implemented through applicable zoning and identification on the future urban structure plan. A list of retail centres is currently included within this clause and the proposed Ballarat West activity centres will be added to this list in a revised Clause 21.04-4.

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Clause 21.04-8 Rural Residential - The Ballarat West PSP facilitates residential development rather than rural residential development. This clause has been amended to specifically discourage any further rural residential development in the Ballarat West PSP area.

Clause 21.04-9 Further Strategic Work – This amendment completes several priorities listed as future strategic work in this Clause and the Clause is being updated accordingly.

Does the amendment make proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions?

The amendment makes proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions by incorporating the Ballarat West PSP, Ballarat West DCP and Ballarat West NVPP into the Planning Scheme.

The use of the various zones and overlays detailed above are considered to be the most appropriate combination of planning tools required to facilitate the implementation of the PSP.

How does the amendment address the views of any relevant agency?

All relevant agencies have been consulted throughout the preparation of the PSP including VicRoads, the Country Fire Authority, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Central Highlands Water, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Transport and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Consultation with these agencies has included membership of a senior-level Steering Committee which meets regularly to discuss Ballarat West growth projects, Agencies also participated in Technical Working Groups on topic areas such as Environment and Heritage, and Employment and Economy. These Technical Working Groups met six times during the development of the Ballarat West PSP to provide technical advice to the City of Ballarat on the urban structure, transport network, response to environmental issues and so forth. This was followed by an informal submissions period on the draft PSP in December and January 2011. Submissions were received from a number of government agencies and these have been resolved through follow-up meetings where required.

The CMP and Ballarat West NVPP have also be reviewed and approved by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The NVPP has been approved by the Minister for Environment.

NOTE TO DPCD OFFICERS: Approval of the NVPP by the Minister for Environment is currently underway.

Does the amendment address relevant requirements of the Transport Integration Act 2010?

The Transport Integration Act 2010 came into effect on 1 July 2010 „to create a new framework for the provision of an integrated and sustainable transport system in Victoria‟ that recognises the interdependency of transport and land use. Under Section 25 of the Transport Integration Act 2010, the Minister for Planning is required to have regard to the objectives and decision-making principles of the Act when making an approval decision under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for any planning scheme amendment that will have a significant impact on the transport system.

The amendment is consistent with the objectives and decision-making principles of the Transport Integration Act 2010, in particular by facilitating the following:

Access to social and economic opportunities by providing a new urban development area that is close to employment, that includes an activity centre and community services in each neighbourhood and that provides an integrated transport system which includes an arterial and connector road network, public transport routes within 400m of 95% of homes and a comprehensive trunk walking and cycling network that links homes to jobs and services;

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Economic prosperity by planning for future upgrades to the arterial road network required for freight movement, including protecting the corridor for the future Western Link Road, which will provide a critical freight bypass of Ballarat;

Improved environmental sustainability through provision of an efficient transport system that facilitates public transport as well as providing an extensive trunk walking and cycling network;

Effective integration of transport and land use, with high activity generating uses along arterial and connector roads in locations where they are also well served by the public transport, walking and cycling networks;

Efficient land use and an efficient, well-integrated transport system; and

Improved safety, health and wellbeing by encouraging walking and cycling within the Precinct, as well as introducing DCP funding to ensure delivery of the upgrades to Council roads that are needed to create a safe road network through the Ballarat West PSP area.

Resource and administrative costs

What impact will the new planning provisions have on the resource and administrative costs of the responsible authority?

The City of Ballarat will be required to process future planning permit applications within this precinct, which is not outside of the Council‟s normal role or responsibility. The delivery of this precinct will occur over a long timeframe, which will ensure the future resource demands on Council can be adequately managed.

The amendment will not significantly increase the administration costs of the Council.

Where you may inspect this Amendment

The amendment is available for public inspection, free of charge, during office hours at the following places:

The City of Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt Street Ballarat VIC 3350

The amendment can also be inspected free of charge at the City of Ballarat‟s website www.ballarat.vic.gov.au and the Department of Planning and Community Development website at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/publicinspection.


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