Politics · Australia · 5 hrs ago
Victoria approves new Ballarat suburb for more than 13,000 residents
Victoria has approved plans for a new suburb in Ballarat, a regional city about 105 kilometres from Melbourne.
Called Ballarat North, it will cover 832 hectares of rezoned farmland near Mount Rowan and Miners Rest.
The suburb is planned for more than 13,000 residents, with almost 6,000 homes.
Plans also include four schools, a neighbourhood centre, two sports reserves and 7.5 hectares of parkland.
The project is part of the state’s housing plans and is intended to support Ballarat’s growth.
The council estimates $164 million will be invested in transport, recreation and community facilities.
The suburb is due to be formally gazetted in the coming days, while planning is also expected to begin for another nearby housing development.
Victoria has approved plans for Ballarat North, a new suburb expected to be home to more than 13,000 residents.
The 832-hectare suburb will be built on rezoned farmland near Mount Rowan and Miners Rest, north of Ballarat.
Plans include almost 6,000 homes, four schools, a neighbourhood centre, two sport reserves and 7.5 hectares of parkland.
The project is a priority under the Victorian government's Housing Statement 2024-2034.
The suburb is expected to be formally gazetted in coming days.
- Who
- The Victorian government approved the plans. Ballarat North is expected to house more than 13,000 residents.
- What
- Plans for a new suburb have been approved, including almost 6,000 homes and four schools.
- When
- The approval was reported on November 2, 2026. Formal gazettal is expected in coming days.
- Where
- North of Ballarat, near Mount Rowan and Miners Rest, about 8 kilometres from the Ballarat CBD.
- Why
- It is a priority project under the Victorian government's Housing Statement 2024-2034 and is intended to support Ballarat's growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Victorian government approved plans for the new Ballarat North suburb.
The suburb is expected to be formally gazetted.
- Area
- 832 hectares
- Expected population
- More than 13,000 residents
- Homes
- Almost 6,000
- Schools
- 4
- Parkland
- 7.5 hectares
- Distance from Ballarat CBD
- About 8 kilometres
What people are saying
We have worked closely with the Department of Transport and Planning throughout the development of the plan and are pleased to see this important milestone reached,
Ballarat North will play a significant role in supporting our city's economic growth, creating jobs during construction and creating opportunities for future employment as the community develops,