Ballarat
Ballarat is an historical Victoria regional centre located approximately 120km from central Melbourne. It is the third largest city in Victoria with the population expecting to reach approximately 124,000 in June 2022. Ballarat has a rich history which dates back to 1800’s. You can see this in the charming city centre which is home to many buildings built during the wealth of the gold rush boom.
Highlights
- A thriving regional hub in easy reach of the Melbourne CBD
- Growing employment hubs around the city
- Excellent education opportunities with many top private and public schools as well as universities located here
- In the heart of the Victorian highlands with plenty of opportunities to be at one with nature
- Easy access to the Grampians, for camping and hiking activities
- Located around Lake Wendoree
- Many top restaurants and cafes
Major Projects
- The Ballarat West Employment Zone – This project is underway and will become the engine room of jobs and economic growth over the next 20 years. The project is developing Crown land for industrial, wholesale, logistics, construction, commercial and residential uses encouraging employment growth in Ballarat and the surrounding region.
- The Ballarat Gov Hub – this is a recently completed project based in the centre of Ballarat. The Gov Hub centralises the delivery of a range of government services in regional Victoria. It will house up to 1000 government workers and generate long-term job growth increased business confidence and private sector investment.
- Commonwealth Games 2026 The City of Ballarat will be one of the regional hubs hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and will provide an athletes village and sports program. It is estimated that this will bring in $3billion into the Victorian economy – creating 600 full time jobs before the games, 3,900 during the games and 3,000 after the games.
Growth Employment Industries
Key industries in Ballarat
- Health Services
- Education
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Visitor Economy
BALLARAT – LOCAL AMMENITIES AND LIVEABILITY
Education
Ballarat has two universities, five State Government-operated secondary schools, eight Catholic primary schools and three Catholic secondary colleges and three other non-government secondary schools.
Healthcare
Ballarat has two major hospitals including the Ballarat Base which services the entire region and the Queen Elizabeth Centre for aged care. The St John of God Health Care centre is currently the largest private hospital in regional Victoria.
Leisure and Recreation
There are many club sports to choose from in Ballarat. Including Australia Rules football, soccer, cricket, golf, rowing, kayaking plus many more.
Retail
There is plenty of choice for shopping with many big-name suppliers located in Ballarat CBD and in the outer suburbs.
Tourism
Ballarat attracts 2.2 million visitors a year and the tourism and hospitality industry is a A $480 million a year sector which accounts for around 15% of Ballarat’s economy and employs around 2,870 people. Tourism in Ballarat is promoted by Ballarat Regional Tourism.
