- Published:
- Thursday 29 May 2025
The Allan Labor Government is supporting even more businesses looking to set up in Ballarat, with 155 hectares of industrial land now unlocked at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ).
Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes and Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing at BWEZ to officially mark the completion of Stage 2 civil works and the extension of Liberator Drive.
Both packages of work were delivered by Winslow Constructors following individual competitive tendering processes.
BWEZ is set to bring 1,200 jobs and $171 million in investment to the Ballarat region and means future tenants and companies like Field Air and John Valves now establish operations at BWEZ and join and companies already on site – including CHS Broadbent, Kane Transport, Luv-A-Duck, Westlab and Athlegen.
The Labor Government announced the initiation of BWEZ in 2015 as a joint initiative with the City of Ballarat to support economic growth.
Since then, the Labor Government has invested more than $45 million to further develop the land, in addition to $12 million invested to establish the BWEZ Acacia residential land development. The Victorian and Australian Governments have also committed funding to deliver the precinct’s Ballarat Freight Hub.
The project is on track to become the engine room for jobs and economic growth in Ballarat by developing more than 400 hectares of Crown land in stages over two decades.
For more information, go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“BWEZ is an ambitious project that is coming to fruition through the delivery of these staged civil works. It’s well on its way to becoming the economic engine for Ballarat and the Central Highlands, and I’m excited to see tenant businesses continue to set up shop in the precinct.
Quote attributable to Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing
"We’re determined to continue supporting Ballarat’s economic growth in the BWEZ precinct by creating jobs on prime industrial land with access to road, rail and the nearby Ballarat Airport. This is providing more housing opportunities close to jobs, education and services, which is an essential part of in managing the growth of our regions.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“The completion of Stage 2 civil works and the extension of Liberator Drive are important milestones in realising our long-term plans for BWEZ, and I look forward to welcoming even more local businesses and jobs established here.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Completion of the interim Liberator Drive extension means that businesses will have easier access to the airport and the regional supply chain, boosting growth and providing more job opportunities for local workers.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“Stage 2 of this project has delivered 55 more hectares of prime industrial land near Ballarat Airport. Sites are ready for businesses with essential sewer, drainage, gas, water, electrical and NBN connections installed. This will benefit our region’s economy for years to come.”
Quote attributable to Cr Tracy Hargreaves, Mayor of City of Ballarat
“The City of Ballarat is proud to partner with the Victorian Government on the delivery of the Ballarat West Employment Zone. It is exciting to see a further 55 additional hectares of industrial land adjacent to the Ballarat Airport unlocked, which will support economic growth and investment in our city and region.”