My land is affected by an Environmental Audit Overlay. What does this mean for future development plans?

The Environmental Audit Overlay (EOA) is applied to land which has been identified as potentially contaminated. The aim of the overlay is to ensure future land uses adversely affected by any contamination.  

The VPA is currently preparing a precinct structure plan (PSP) for the precinct, which involves undertaking a range of technical assessments of the precinct. The land capability assessment considers historic and current land uses and potential risk of land contamination.   

The EOA currently only affects a small portion of land in the southeast of the precinct, adjoining the Midland Highway. However, should the findings of the land capability assessment identify other areas which have potential for contamination, the overlay may be applied to additional parcels within the precinct.  

The EAO does not always prohibit future development, however, prompts further investigation of potential contamination before development can occur. When the PSP is complete, landowners who wish to develop their properties (in accordance with the PSP) will need to apply for a planning permit with the City of Ballarat. Where a sensitive land use is proposed on land which the EOA applies, landowners would be required to undertake a preliminary risk screen assessment. This assessment would determine the level of contamination and if any further investigation or remediation works are required, though an environmental audit process.