The group is protesting the five-storey “block of flats” apartment complex and the proposed conversion of the Goods Shed in a meeting place and retail area they say is unwarranted.

They would like to see more money spent on the restoration of the station with restoration and patron comfort a priority.

But the groups plan, seem to have already fallen on deaf ears with the state government promising to push forward with the redevelopment works.

SOS president Gerald Jenzen tied a petition which has collected more than 2500 signatures around redevelopment works signage to launch the campaign.

“Time is of the essence to get the plan changed,” Mr Jenzen said.

“Ballarat cannot afford to have the station precinct destroyed through bad planning. It is our heritage and it is not for sale.” 

Regional development minister Jaala Pulford said the state government would not break its promise on the redevelopment works.

“Essentially that’s what this group wants us to do,” Ms Pulford said.

“Before the 2014 election, Ballarat City Council and community said they wanted something done on the north side of the station. I will respectfully decline the invitation to slow down this investment.”

Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.