The finalised Cardigan Village Plan is due to be released by the end of February, after the draft plan’s 18 month consultation and review period comes to a close. 

A freshly refurbished community centre with kindergarten services opened in June last year, which City of Ballarat North Ward councillor Daniel Moloney says was a step in the right direction to improved infrastructure for the small community. 

Cardigan Village has a population of around 500 people, which is likely to increase in the near future, with many new developments commencing or near completion. 

With no retail or commercial services in town, the Cardigan Village Community Centre forms the heart of the community as a space for social interaction, kindergarten services and private events. 

Cr Moloney said Cardigan Village needed good infrastructure to be a stand alone community and not rely on Ballarat. 

“Buninyong is a good example of a community which has developed with shops and cafes and spaces for people to meet. Unfortunately, because of priorities, this has not happened in other areas like Cardigan Village and Miners Rest,” he said. 

Residents of Cardigan Village are reliant on their car for transport, with only one morning and evening V/Line bus and a school bus service in town. 

Cr Moloney said residents had to constantly travel to access services. 

“We’re not talking massive distances to Ballarat, but why should these communities be without basic infrastructure that so many other areas enjoy, such as good community meeting rooms, a good little retail precinct and a place to be able to go out for a coffee in the morning,” he said. 

“It is a marvel that Cardigan Village and Miners Rest have such strong communities with such little infrastructure.” 

The Cardigan Village Plan will reflect the community’s long-term vision and assist the management of change.

The draft plan details the second priority for the future of the village to maintain a country lifestyle in an urban setting, by limiting residential growth to the current township zone, with no new residential zone land to be introduced.

Once current development is completed, the town’s population will stabilise and experience little change, as the surrounding area is zoned as farming land. 

Cardigan Village resident Kathryn Kosloff moved with her family from Alfredton into a newly built home on a two acre block in November. 

She said her family was drawn to the country living lifestyle in close proximity to Ballarat. 

“One of the biggest reasons for us was to come to a place that has a good sense of community and a large outdoor area for our children,” Ms Kosloff said. 

“We lived for many years in Alredton and didn’t know our neighbours. We have only been here three months and can already feel the community spirit.” 

Cardigan Village resident Kate Ritchie said she valued the quiet nature of the town.

“Personally I don’t think there is a big need for a heap of infrastructure or commercial or retail,” she said. 

“I am happy to travel into Ballarat (to get to retail and services) and come back home for the peace and quiet here.

“But a family venue at the Windemere pub would be really good for the township.” 

Priority three of the draft plan focuses on a place for recreation and social gatherings, including improvements to the Cardigan Village park.

A ‘strong community’ is priority four, with the community centre available to host community events, kindergarten services and regular senior’s lunches. 

The City of Ballarat strategic planning team are currently working on the updated version of the Cardigan Village Plan which will be made public by the end of February, before being presented to council for approval. 

Visit http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/media/3765739/cardigan_village_townships_plan_draft_18_august_2016.pdf to read the full Cardigan Village draft plan. 

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