The proposed Central Victoria Livestock Exchange will be located between the Sunraysia Highway and the Western Freeway south-west of Miners Rest.

A combined Planning Scheme Amendment and EPA Works Approval Application for the saleyards was due to be published online late on Wednesday.

The application will be explained in detail at two information sessions at Miners Rest in early March, where residents will get to ask questions of the council, the EPA and the developer.

Mayor John Philips said he planned to attend the information sessions to hear residents’ views on the project.

He also said he wanted to hear all opinions before he made up his own mind.

“We want people to have their say,” he said.

“My mind is staying wide open on this; all I want to do is end up with a facility that works for the community. 

“Whether it’s in that location or another location – I’m not fazed about it.”

The information sessions will be hosted at the Ballarat Turf Club on Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3, from 4pm to 7pm.

The planning documents will be published on the City of Ballarat website (ballarat.vic.gov.au), the EPA website (epa.vic.gov.au) and the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website (dtpli.vic.gov.au/publicinspection).

Submissions can be sent to Planning Strategy, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat, VIC 3350 or by email to strategy@ballarat.vic.gov.au.

The closing date for submissions is Friday, March 20.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Saleyards information sessions

WHERE: Ballarat Turf Club, Miners Rest

WHEN: March 2 and 3, 4pm to 7pm