It follows meetings this week between Ballarat City councillors and action group Alfredton For Lifestyle over council's bid to rezone farmland opposite the road into a light industrial zone.

The Courier spoke to residents yesterday, with most people surveyed saying they were against the proposal, while others were unfazed.

Resident Bianca Tuhoro said she sent a submission to council outlining her family's concerns.

"We're totally against it," she said.

"One of our points was that there are not enough footpaths in the area and the kids at the primary schools criss-cross on their way home, so there's a real safety issue in terms of the increased traffic that light industry could bring."

But another resident, who only wanted to be known as Andrew, said a light industrial area would draw more people to the region.

"Everything has to expand, and the more we expand the more people will come to Ballarat," he said.

"Regardless of what people do, I think the rezoning is bound to go ahead."

Alfredton Drive resident Peter Lucey said he was concerned about possible pollution.

"It's a bit of a backwards step," he said.

"If it was rezoned there would be more pollution and that's not good for the young kids and families in the area."

But resident Peter Fothergill said it did not bother him, as long as it was not going to be major industry.

"I would be okay with storage units but not with scrap yards and buildings producing emissions," he said.

Council is accepting public submissions on the matter.

At a meeting on Monday night with the action group, Ballarat mayor Judy Verlin said an industrial 3 zone could create a buffer between a heavy industrial 1 zone and homes, protecting lifestyle.