The proposed rezoning of three blocks from rural living to commercial is part of the Woodmans Hill Gateway Precinct Master Plan commissioned by the City of Ballarat in 2015 which outlines council's vision for the gateway precinct.

The Courier spoke to multiple business owners along the affected section of the Western Highway who believed the entrance to Ballarat needed improvement.

READ MORE: Rezoning potential for Woodmans Hill block near highway

Shady Acres Caravan Park owner Linda Norton said the improvements needed to start with some of the disused buildings in the area.

"The old motel next door to our business has been closed for a number of years now, it's graffitied, it has smashed windows. It looks like an absolute debacle yet nothing is being done to make it look any better," she said.

"As soon as people are entering this end of Ballarat, and it's the same with the Brewery Tap Hotel over the road which hasn't been operating for probably 12 months or more, it just turns to rack and ruin and nobody does anything about it.

"I think they just need to do something with those businesses that are no longer operating to actually make them look a bit better so that when people are coming into Ballarat, it doesn't look like it's just the rack and ruin of the businesses that are at this end."

Gold Rush Mini Golf director Wayne Johnston said inspiration could be taken from Victoria Street's manicured median strip.

"If there's shops or some commercial land and that there, people may stop and then decide to come into Ballarat as well. Of course, the businesses there will probably promote going into Ballarat anyway," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"I think that it could be dressed up a bit more as you're approaching the 80km/h zone coming in and you're slowing down to take it in to go off into Ballarat so I think it'd be nice to make it more attractive."

Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn owner Cindy Hong said the area was not clearly the entrance to the city.

"I think you could make it a big welcome to Ballarat because I always get guests stay here and ask how they get into Ballarat and I need to point them to go down the road and take the Ballarat exit. They probably think this is outside of Ballarat," she said.

"I think they are developing a lot in Lucas and Alfredton, a lot of facilities, the CBD has been shifting towards that area. They can be doing the same to develop this part of Ballarat so everyone doesn't have to go to Lucas and Alfredton, maybe more people can stay around Brown Hill and Warrenheip."

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.