Ballan’s predicted population growth is set to place pressure on some of Ballan’s ageing transport infrastructure.
Moorabool council tabled its draft Ballan Integrated Transport Strategy at its November council meeting, following feedback from the community.
The council said the engagement provided clear direction that the community expects safer, more accessible and better-connected transport options.
Among the calls from residents is a local bus service along with better connectivity with Ballan train station, schools and nearby townships such as Gordon and Mount Egerton.
Feedback consistently highlighted the need for missing footpath links, safety for children walking or cycling to school was raised as a priority and concerns about parking shortages along Inglis Street and near the railway station.
The draft report was framed around five key themes; road network, major intersections, active transport, car parking, and public and other transport.
Included in the themes include upgrading key legacy streets such as Steiglitz, Edols and Atkinson streets to accommodate growth and providing more connections to the Western Freeway and realign Denholms Road to enhance access for future precincts.
The report said there were calls to advocate for roundabouts at critical points, including Western Freeway ramps-Ballan-Daylesford Road and Inglis and Cowie streets, along with proposing turn treatments and intersection upgrades along Old Melbourne Road and Geelong- Ballan Road to reduce congestion.
The draft report also highlighted addressing missing footpath and cycling connections, improving safe crossings through raised intersections, bridges and underpasses, ensuring better access between town, schools and recreational areas.
Conducting a formal parking review of Atkinson Street and encouraging removal of shop front driveways on Inglis Street were among the key themes as was advocating for a local ‘flexi-ride’ bus service and support a community-led not-for-profit transport model.
The report also highlighted looking at upgrades to level crossings (e.g. Cowie Street, Ingliston Road, Windle Street, Old Geelong Road) to incorporate pedestrian, bicycle and DDA-compliant facilities.
The report said developer contributions should play a role in helping fund some of these upgrades.
The population of Ballan is predicted to grow from 3200 in 2022 to approximately 6900 residents by 2046, with Precinct 5 likely to commence in the next 12 months and further precincts to follow in coming years.
Council will now put the report out for community consultation.
