Detailed plans outlining the future of Miners Rest - one of the fastest growing areas around Ballarat - will be discussed by councillors this Wednesday evening.
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The Miners Rest Township Plan includes a broad range of proposals for the area's development until 2040.
They including flood management plans around Burrumbeet Creek, upgrades for its primary school, potential areas for new housing and jobs growth as well as new sporting facilities, and walking trails. One of the plan's stated aims is to preserve Miners Rest's "historic and natural assets", and to establish "a connected and unified township".
Another is "to embrace and celebrate the equine industry and integrate into the township".
The last strategic plan put in place for Miners Rest was adopted in 1994. Since then, the area has been one of the most rapidly expanding around Ballarat. According to the 2016 census, there were 4,430 people living in Miners Rest, an increase of 11 per cent since 2011.
Almost half of households included children, much higher than the Ballarat average, which is placing pressure on the primary school. The projected population of Miners Rest/ Mitchell Park for 2036 is 6,119 residents, which would be an increase of 42 per cent.
The plan in its current form notes that this figure would mean around 600 new properties would need to be built. However, it does also say the estimates "have not taken into account a detailed analysis of physical constraints and strategic considerations" that may limit growth.
Other considerations include the proximity of the Dowling Forest equine area, Ballarat Airport and the new animal saleyards that opened last year.
One potential area for debate concerns planning restrictions around the Dowling Forest Equine Precinct. These prevent a small number of landowners near Dowling Forest from developing their property or selling it to anyone not involved in the equine industry.
A report on Dowling Forest Equine Precinct planning restrictions is due to be presented to council in July this year.
The Miners Rest plans are among the more complicated township plans. The area has two distinct areas - the more historic north and the more recently developed south.
Feedback during the consultation suggested many residents wanted a "true" town centre to be developed. Poor quality development and infrastructure lagging behind growth were among other concerns expressed.
Initial consultation for the Miners Rest Township Plan began in early 2017 and a draft plan was published last August.
This Wednesday will be the second time the plan has been considered in front of a full council meeting after councillors voted to defer a vote in December last year.
If approved, the plan would be worked into the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
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