The Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) met with Minister for Planning, the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP, at Ballarat Town Hall today to discuss planning priorities critical to the future growth and liveability of the Ballarat and western Victorian region.
The meeting brought together mayors and CEOs from the six member councils of GBAC to discuss how coordinated land use, transport, and infrastructure planning can help deliver the Victorian Government's Plan for Victoria, including its target of 85,550 new homes across the GBAC region by 2051.
GBAC Chair and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the discussion with the Minister was an opportunity to explore how local and state governments can work together to better align planning frameworks with regional growth priorities.
"GBAC Councils are ready to play their part in accommodating population growth from Melbourne to the regions, with the right infrastructure investment to support that growth," Cr Hargreaves said.
"Demand for housing continues to grow, but this can only be met if critical infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and public transport is in place to maintain liveability and thriving communities," she said.
The GBAC Committee also discussed the need for collaboration between local and state governments early in the planning reform process, to provide certainty for planners, developers and communities.
About GBAC
GBAC brings together six western Victorian councils, City of Ballarat, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Hepburn Shire Council, to identify shared challenges and advocate for solutions that reflect the unique needs of regional and rural communities.
