City of Ballarat councillors will address an item in Wednesday’s agenda that recommends the use of an independent planning panel to examine proposed changes to a planning scheme amendment that would allow a Public Acquisition Overlay to reserve and acquire land for the project’s second stage.

Should the item be approved, a panel will address the amendment in a directions hearing on October 17 before a panel hearing on November 14.

City of Ballarat city services general manager Terry Demeo said the PAO would require the acquisition of approximately 26.44 hectares of land attached to the properties.

“Council would have to await the independent planning panel's report before it can make a final decision on the amendment and seek approval from the Planning Minister (Richard Wynne),” he said.

“Land is often included in a PAO years in advance of proposed land acquisitions for transport and other public projects. This enables affected landowners and others in the vicinity to make informed decisions about the use and development of their land.”

The project is expected to cost $150 million and will be delivered over 20-30 years, with both the land acquisition and construction subject to funding.

Mr Demeo confirmed council is lobbying for funding at both state and federal level.

“Following completion of the planning scheme amendment reserving the land for the purpose of the BWLR, council will start preparing a business case to secure funding for complete detailed design and procurement for construction,” he said.

The project will deliver massive dual carriageway stretches between Alfredton and the Midland Highway, with existing roads intersected through roundabouts.

Council received 18 residential submissions in the public exhibition period.