Ballarat Saleyards

Remediation is the process of restoring contaminated land to get the site ready for future uses. The site requires demolition and remediation due to its historical use as a livestock exchange and has been an important future development location for the City of Ballarat for several years.

Remediation works will start in late October 2025. The clean-up may take up to 12 months, depending on the site conditions and weather throughout the program of work.

Following a competitive tender process, Industrial Environmental Services has been appointed to safely deliver these works. All works will be delivered in accordance with strict regulations on environmental health and safety standards by the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).

Remediation and demolition activities will include:

• Demolition of hard stand areas including concrete
• Earthworks machinery and trucks to excavate and move soil
• Stockpiling of soil on site
• Low to medium levels of noise in compliance with general working hours from Monday to Friday (7am to 6pm)
• Several temporary site sheds and parking areas.

You will see large trucks and excavation equipment on site which are required to undertake these works. The remediation and demolition contractor will also likely establish several temporary site sheds and parking areas.

The site contains some areas of low-level contamination associated with the site’s historic use as a stock saleyard facility.  Some of these contaminants will require removal while others are aesthetic in nature and suitable for reuse on site.

Where possible, non-hazardous materials will be reused or recycled to reduce waste and support sustainability.

The health and safety of the community is our top priority. These works are not expected to be a risk to any nearby residents and businesses as contamination levels are low.

You may see our teams on-site wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), in line with Work Safe Australia guidelines. This is a standard safety measure and does not indicate an increased risk to the community.

The environmental impacts of the works will be actively managed and monitored through the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

• Dust and odour control during excavation, stockpiling and truck loading
• Management and control of noise and vibration during operating hours
• Managing air quality during excavation, stockpiling and truck loading works
• Keeping the site secure and clean of litter.

Traffic impacts will be minimal to local businesses and residents. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be in place to safely manage vehicle movements in and out of the site. No access impacts on surrounding businesses will be created due to the works.

To read detailed frequently asked questions about the demolition and remediation works, visit our dedicated remediation page: here

To enable a variety of future uses, the site requires remediation due to its historic use as a livestock saleyards and rail siding.

The site is predominantly vacant land, except for historic structures associated with its use as a stockyard; a selling pavilion, administration building and stock pens.

These historic structures will permanently remain on-site.

A voluntary Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) has been approved by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for the site and works will be subject to management conditions.

Heritage Victoria and the appointed archaeologist will oversee future works and management of the sites listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory.

The site is Crown Land. Development Victoria is the land manager.

Unlocking the former Ballarat saleyards could offer a new employment precinct and long-term transition to future housing opportunities for the Ballarat community.

The City of Ballarat with the support of Development Victoria is undertaking strategic planning to guide the future use of the site and the broader precinct.

The City of Ballarat with the support of Development Victoria is undertaking strategic planning to guide the future use of the site and the precinct.

The local community and City of Ballarat will be kept well informed ahead of any planned remediation activities.

The City of Ballarat has previously undertaken community consultation regarding the future of the Ballarat Saleyards and will undertake further consultation as part of the Strategic Planning for the precinct.

The City of Ballarat will undertake further consultation as part of the Strategic Planning for the precinct.