Where and How Should We Grow? / Short and Long Term Impacts of Settlement Patterns FINAL REPORT 4.2.3 Ross Creek The development context of Ross Creek Ross Creek is located in the north-west of Golden Plains Shire. It is covered by the Rural Living Zone to the north of Lacys Road and the Farming Zone to the south. Due to its close proximity to Ballarat, Ross Creek has become a highly desired location for rural lifestyle living. Ross Creek was selected as an example of dispersed development, which is predominantly market- led. Consultation with Council identified that the precedent in ad hoc development approvals throughout Ross Creek had already been set and was therefore likely to continue. However, it is worth noting that as the Crown land allotments that comprise the area cannot be subdivided, there is not likely to be a significant increase in capacity in Ross Creek. Ross Creek is unsewered and there is therefore a requirement for all lots to treat wastewater. Up-front fiscal costs of development in Ross Creek There is limited infrastructure in Ross Creek. Typically, new development will rely on septic tanks and open-cut drains which are at the cost to the resident or developer. More development in Ross Creek may however require gravel roads to be sealed, should traffic counts exceed 75 vehicles per day. Further to this, community facilities may need to be provided nearby to cater for a growing population. Ongoing costs Increased development in Ross Creek may require more regular maintenance of roads. This includes grading of gravel roads, maintaining sealed roads and additional roadside slashing. There is a possibility that road upgrades in Ross Creek will be needed to cater for an increased population, which will also increase ongoing costs. In terms of social infrastructure, ongoing costs include aged care services such as community transportation and meals on wheels services. Garbage collection is also a service provided by Council and is funded by a rate of $187 per year per dwelling, however this is a flat rate charge regardless of location. Council identified that services such as health services, community services and education facilities required by residents of Ross Creek are provided by the nearby City of Ballarat. This reduces the need for new, large-scale community facilities in the immediate area. Triple-bottom line costs Social isolation is a risk for dispersed, ad-hoc development, leading to pressures for community service provision. Environmental costs include tree clearing for development purposes and the potential for development to impact biodiversity and natural features around Ross Creek. 20110382
Where and How Should We Grow? / Short and Long Term Impacts of Settlement Patterns FINAL REPORT 4.2.3 Ross Creek The development context of Ross Creek Ross Creek is located in the north-west of Golden Plains Shire. It is covered by the Rural Living Zone to the north of Lacys Road and the Farming Zone to the south. Due to its close proximity to Ballarat, Ross Creek has become a highly desired location for rural lifestyle living. Ross Creek was selected as an example of dispersed development, which is predominantly market- led. Consultation with Council identified that the precedent in ad hoc development approvals throughout Ross Creek had already been set and was therefore likely to continue. However, it is worth noting that as the Crown land allotments that comprise the area cannot be subdivided, there is not likely to be a significant increase in capacity in Ross Creek. Ross Creek is unsewered and there is therefore a requirement for all lots to treat wastewater. Up-front fiscal costs of development in Ross Creek There is limited infrastructure in Ross Creek. Typically, new development will rely on septic tanks and open-cut drains which are at the cost to the resident or developer. More development in Ross Creek may however require gravel roads to be sealed, should traffic counts exceed 75 vehicles per day. Further to this, community facilities may need to be provided nearby to cater for a growing population. Ongoing costs Increased development in Ross Creek may require more regular maintenance of roads. This includes grading of gravel roads, maintaining sealed roads and additional roadside slashing. There is a possibility that road upgrades in Ross Creek will be needed to cater for an increased population, which will also increase ongoing costs. In terms of social infrastructure, ongoing costs include aged care services such as community transportation and meals on wheels services. Garbage collection is also a service provided by Council and is funded by a rate of $187 per year per dwelling, however this is a flat rate charge regardless of location. Council identified that services such as health services, community services and education facilities required by residents of Ross Creek are provided by the nearby City of Ballarat. This reduces the need for new, large-scale community facilities in the immediate area. Triple-bottom line costs Social isolation is a risk for dispersed, ad-hoc development, leading to pressures for community service provision. Environmental costs include tree clearing for development purposes and the potential for development to impact biodiversity and natural features around Ross Creek. 20110382
Where-and-how-should-we-grow-final-report-Jan-2012.docx