I have an Erosion Management Overlay affecting my land. What does this mean for future development?

The Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) is applied to land which has been identified as prone to erosion, landslip, or other land degradation. The overlay aims to minimise land disturbance and inappropriate development in these areas. In the Ballarat North precinct, the EMO affects some land directly adjoining the Burrumbeet Creek in the northwest and areas surrounding Mount Rowan in the northeast of the precinct.  

The VPA is currently preparing a precinct structure plan (PSP) for the precinct, however this existing overlay will remain during plan preparation and once the plan is complete.  

Any planning permit application (including subdivision applications), where land is affected by the EMO, is required to demonstrate the objectives of the overlay are appropriately met. That may include submitting additional information on existing site conditions, the extent of proposed earthworks and/ or stabilisation methods. Based on the information provided, the City of Ballarat as the responsible authority will determine if the risk of erosion can be effectively managed.