Q. Who can I speak to about investing in Ballarat?
Our Economic Development team is skilled with the knowledge and expertise to answer any questions you have about investing in Ballarat.
Please call +61 3 5320 5500 and ask to speak to an Investment Facilitation Officer, or email economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Q. Does the City of Ballarat provide funding incentives to attract new businesses?
The City of Ballarat prides itself on being a location of choice for many businesses due to its location in western Victoria, close proximity to Melbourne, highly-skilled workforce, affordable lifestyle, and ever-advancing facilities and infrastructure. While we do not provide funding incentives for businesses, we make it our priority to work with state and federal government bodies in order to understand the opportunities, financial or otherwise, that are available to prospective businesses in our city.
Q. Can you help me find a suitable property or land where I can locate my business?
Yes! Our team can help you understand which areas best fulfil your requirements – whether you’re seeking a commercial or industrial space to set up shop, or the best parcel of land to position your business.
The City of Ballarat also has a close working relationship with local commercial real estate agents and developers, allowing our team to keep informed with up-and-coming opportunities. We also partner up with large-scale projects such as the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) – a strategically located, high-profile industrial precinct developed to support the future economic growth of Ballarat and surrounds.
Q. Can you provide information on the workforce in Ballarat and whether the skills required for my business are available?
Most certainly. Our connections with both employers and employment agencies can provide us with first-hand knowledge regarding who and what is available for your business. While our city has close to 50,000 people employed over a broad section of industries, there are many individuals who are constantly seeking work and boasting a high calibre of skill sets and qualifications.
Q. Can you assist my business with planning permits and other compliance requirements?
Our Investment Facilitation team is well-placed to obtain planning advice on specific properties, zoning and business use, as well as queries surrounding council requirements pertaining to the environment, health, local regulations and heritage laws. We also have a close working relationship with the City of Ballarat’s Strategic Planning and Statutory Planning teams and can facilitate the planning of permit pre-application meetings to kick-start this process.
Q. Can you provide data to support a business case or due diligence proposal?
The City of Ballarat has access to a broad range of data that we are happy to customise to suit your specific questions. We can also provide published strategies and plans, research, and relevant articles to support your decision-making process.
Q. As a newcomer to Ballarat, how can I ensure I will be supported by the existing business community?
Ballarat is renowned for its thriving and collaborative business community, and we have no doubt you will quickly discover a robust support network within the city.
One of the key focuses for our team is connecting businesses in order to continue this process of learning, growing and collaborating. Our network is made up of business leaders in areas such as education, health, advanced manufacturing, circular economy and renewable energy, technology, and medtech, as well as key organisations such as Commerce Ballarat, Regional Development Victoria, Committee for Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Tourism.
Q. What supply chain and distribution issues will I face in Ballarat?
Ballarat’s proximity to Melbourne and its extensive road and rail network makes for the prompt supply and delivery of anything that cannot be sourced locally. The broad range of industries thriving in Ballarat is testament to the business opportunity that exists within our city, and our team is more than happy to research any specific requirements regarding supply chain and distribution information.
