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Remediation at the former Ballarat Saleyards

In late October 2025, Development Victoria started demolition and remediation works, to clean up the land of the former Ballarat Saleyards. These works are expected to take 12 months to complete, depending on the conditions of the site and weather throughout the year.

Detailed site investigations have now been completed which included soil testing and excavation to determine the level of contamination on the site. The site is now ready to be remediated so it can be re-developed for other uses.

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).

Once remediation is complete, the project has the potential to deliver a new employment precinct and, in the longer term, new homes to support the growing needs of the Ballarat region.

If you are impacted by these works, you can call 03 8317 3400 or email ballaratsaleyards@development.vic.gov.au.

In October, we distributed a newsletter about the works. You can read it here.

How to stay up to date about the works?

Continue to check in on this project website and register your details to the project mailing list: ballaratsaleyards@development.vic.gov.au.

Remediation FAQs

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.

Updated on 27 February 2026