The Shire needs strategic planning projects to guide its development as its population increases.
Read about our current and completed projects, and download relevant strategy documents.
Strategic planning for significant growth
Plan Melbourne and the Central Highlands Regional Growth Plan identify the Shire as a growth area.
Our population is set to increase by more than 80% in the next 20 years to 63,838.
We are undertaking various strategic projects to guide the Shire's development during this period.
Current strategic planning projects
Maddingley Planning Study project
Status: Draft Planning Study currently being prepared
- Provides direction for future statutory planning decisions to the Maddingley Waste and Resource Recovery (WRR) Hub
- Recommends an updated suite of planning controls for land within the study area and land within buffers (separation distances)
- Recognises that the Maddingley WRR Hub is currently within the Special Use Zone 1 - Coal Mining (SUZ1)
- Current planning controls fail to acknowledge the site as a State significant WRR hub
- The SUZ1 also applies to land beyond the mining licence boundary - a cause for concern for affected landowners with no association with the WRR hub
Background Report
- Background report completed in March 2019
- Extensive community/stakeholder consultation undertaken during November – December 2019
- Council received 32 written submissions and various verbal feedback
- Our consultation phase concluded in July 2020
Moorabool Carparking Study
Status: Study expected to be complete mid-2021
- Identify current car parking requirements in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan
- Explores whether the current provision is acceptable
- Considers on-street, off-street, and unofficial parking
- Forecasts future car parking requirements
- Provides recommendations on parking management strategies
Background Report
- Occupancy surveys in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan undertaken in December 2019
- Shopper Intercept Surveys completed in December 2019
Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District Planning Study project
Status: Study commenced in early 2020. It includes engagement with relevant landowners and stakeholders
The Study was identified as part of the Bacchus Marsh Urban Growth Framework (UGF). The UGF will develop 3 new residential precincts that border the Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District (BMID).
Key objectives:
- Review the current and ongoing viability of land within the BMID
- Provide direction on the future of the BMID
- Provide planning policy and controls for the protection of, and investment in, the BMID
Completed strategic planning projects
Ballan Strategic Directions
Ballan Strategic Directions provides clear strategic direction for the future of Ballan and was a base for the Amendment C88.
View the respective documents:
Ballan Strategic Directions Part 1
Ballan Strategic Directions Part 2
Urban Growth Framework (UGF)
We prepared the Bacchus Marsh UGF with the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA). It was adopted by Council on 19 September 2018.
What is the Urban Growth Framework?
Strategic document that guides the growth of Bacchus Marsh to 2041 and beyond
Defines the settlement boundary
Nominates new growth precincts: Merrimu, Parwan Station, Parwan Employment, and Hopetoun Park North.
For further information please refer to the Amendment C81 webpage.
Small Towns and Settlements Strategy
The Small Towns and Settlements Strategy (STS) provides the future vision on the management of our small towns and settlements.
Download sections of the Small Towns and Settlements Strategy:
Bacchus Marsh Housing Strategy
Council has prepared a housing strategy called Housing Bacchus Marsh to 2041. It addresses how to manage growth pressures and preserve neighbourhood character.
Key reasons for this strategic direction:
- Regional service centre role
- Accessibility to Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat
- Well-established town centre
- Availability of greenfield and infill development opportunities
Download the Strategy documents:
- Housing Bacchus Marsh to 2041
- Annexure 1 - Spatial Economics Background Report
- Annexure 2 - Precinct Change Area Matrix
- Annexure 3 - Key Statistics for Character Precincts
- Annexure 4 - Neighbourhood Character Brochures
- Annexure 5 - Proposed Residential Zones. Case Studies
Retail Strategy 2041
This Strategy outlines a vision for the retail landscape in Moorabool to 2041.
Download the Retail Strategy 2041.
Moorabool Shire Economic Development Strategy
The Economic Development Strategy identifies the vision and objectives for the future of the Shire's economy. It details the strategies and actions to support local growth while enhancing liveability.
Download the Economic Development Strategy
Moorabool Industrial Areas Strategy
The Strategy sets out the direction for industrial land use. Population growth means careful planning to ensure the local economy provides opportunities for an expanding workforce.
View the Industrial Areas Strategy
Gordon Structure Plan
Gordon Structure Plan guides and manages the future development of the township and its surrounds. It addresses land use, zoning, urban design, visual amenity, facilities, and infrastructure.
