The rural communities of Bungaree and Wallace could soon be the Moorabool Shire’s newest growth zones if a push to have sewerage connected to the two towns is completed.
The project was listed among the council’s four priority projects for the coming year at a recent meeting.
By 2031 the municipality’s population is expected to swell to 46,124, up from the 32,126 counted at the 2016 census.
West Moorabool councillor Tom Sullivan, whose ward takes in both Bungaree and Wallace, said the project would allow the municipality to more evenly manage growth in the coming decades.
Almost half of the shire’s population currently resides in Bacchus Marsh.
“What we’re experiencing in Bacchus Marsh is a microcosm of what’s happening in Ballarat so the opportunity to have a dispersed growth model across the shire is a really positive one,” Cr Sullivan said.
“There’s a significant opportunity to capitalise on the existing infrastructure such as the highway.”
A 2015 report commissioned by the council found Bungaree and Wallace, which as of 2016 had populations of just 269 and 187 respectively, could house up to 8000 residents if sewerage was installed.
Both the council and Central Highlands Water are chipping in up to $50,000 to see a full investigation completed with costings by 2023.
CHW infrastructure planning and operations general manager Jeff Haydon said sewerage delivery timeframe was undetermined.
“This study is proposed to be completed in conjunction with the necessary community consultation and land use planning investigations by council to inform the extent of township development and growth areas along with the timing and logical staging of infrastructure works,” he said.
While a train line runs through the two townships it is expected to be decommissioned by 2019 as the state government replaces the Bungaree Loop with a smaller alternative track as part of its $518 upgrade to the Ballarat line.
Moorabool Shire Council has unsuccessfully lobbied state government to keep the loop open.
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The Age
