The Environmental Significance Overlay affects my land. What does this mean for future development?

The Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) is applied to land where development may be affected by environmental constraints or be incompatible with existing environmental values.   

In the Ballarat North precinct, Schedule 4 to the ESO applies to land adjoining the Ballarat North Wastewater Treatment Plant. The purpose of this specific schedule is to provide a buffer area around the plant, preventing development which may have a detrimental impact on the operation of wastewater treatment.  

The VPA is currently preparing a precinct structure plan (PSP) for the precinct, however no change to this overlay is proposed as part of this process.  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 City of Ballarat.  

Where an application for development within this overlay is proposed, it must demonstrate there would be no detrimental impact on the operation of the plant. The City of Ballarat would assess this as the responsible authority.