SOME Ballan residents are alarmed at a Moorabool Council blueprint for their town that estimates it could double in size over 15 years.
The draft structure plan reveals the town’s population could rise by 2000 to more than 4090 people by 2026.
The plan foreshadows housing development to the south and west of the town, with an extra 1040 houses needed by 2026. It also projects 340 lots will be needed to house new Ballan residents over the next five years.
Four residents raised issues with the plan at a council meeting last Wednesday. “I am extremely concerned with how this plan would impact my property,” one resident said.
During consultation held in 2011, residents called for improvements to street amenity, better use of the Werribee River and the addition of a cinema. They also said new growth should occur south of the railway line.
“In 2011, council representatives walked around Ballan talking to pedestrians, traders, workers and visitors about their thoughts on the town — what they liked and what they’d like to see changed,” mayor Pat Toohey said.
There were also calls for a town square, with residents seeing Ballan as a model for finding a balance between retaining its charm while welcoming new development.
The plan, which doesn’t forecast the need for a secondary school, is open for public comment until June 7.
More details: moorabool.vic.gov.au
