VIC · Ballarat Council
Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350
Current weather
9.5°CRain showers
96% humidity · 34.4 km/h wind · 12.2° / 7.6° today · 8.3 mm rain
Desirability index
#221 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Suburb snapshot
Ballarat Central is a smaller suburban community in the Ballarat area, home to around 5,378 residents (2021 Census). Recent indicators show 2,952 offences in 2026 with rising year-on-year trends (+9%), roughly 548.9 offences per 1,000 residents, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, a higher concentration of local shops, services, and recreation amenities, 5 active roadworks or transport incidents on nearby routes, and notable planning and development activity on record. Snapshot data also shows hospitals or GP clinics within the suburb.
Population
- Population
- 5,378
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $1,454
- Dwelling vacancy
- 12.6%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 339 of 2,683
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,600
- Employment rate
- 58.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 205 / 302 / 273
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
- Total offences (2026)
- 2,952
- Against the person
- 315
- Against property
- 1,384
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 548.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 17 residents
- State safety percentile
- 97.7th (lower crime is better)
- Year-on-year change
- +9.3%
Most common offence types
- B21 Criminal Damage173
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle234
- B43 Steal From A Retail Store392
- E21 Breach Family Violence Order317
- E23 Breach Bail Conditions484
Data sources & freshness
- Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Year ending March release
Public transport
63 public transport stops in this suburb
- Ballarat Base Hospital/Drummond St N
- Macarthur St/Drummond St N
- Mill St/Drummond St N
- Oddie St/Drummond St N
- St John of God Hospital/Drummond St N
Data sources & freshness
- GTFS public transport stops — State transport authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed
Roadworks & transport
5 active roadworks / incidents
- SprayLine Road Services activities occurring between 01/07/2025 and 21/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.DOVETON STREET S, EYRE STREET30 Jun 2025 – 20 Aug 2026
- SprayLine Road Services activities occurring between 01/07/2025 and 21/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.DOVETON STREET S, STURT STREET30 Jun 2025 – 20 Aug 2026
- SprayLine Road Services activities occurring between 01/07/2025 and 21/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.DANA STREET, LYONS STREET S30 Jun 2025 – 20 Aug 2026
- SprayLine Road Services activities occurring between 01/07/2025 and 21/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.DANA STREET, ARMSTRONG STREET S30 Jun 2025 – 20 Aug 2026
- SprayLine Road Services activities occurring between 01/07/2025 and 21/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.ARMSTRONG STREET S, DANA STREET30 Jun 2025 – 20 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported
Planning & development
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
233 planning-related records
2021· 88 proposals
August 2021
- Demolition of outbuildings, removal of trees, construction of four dwellings and a reduction in carparking requirements associated with existing hotel use402 SOUTH STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Demolition of outbuilding, alterations and additions to dwelling and construction of a carport422 DAWSON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Development of a second dwelling and two lot subdivision3 ASCOT STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350In progress
- Removal and replacement of roofing40 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and alterations to a dwelling220 DRUMMOND STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of land for a tavern, use of the land for the sale and consumption of liquor (on premises licence)26-34 LYDIARD STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Alteration and extension to a building including development of outbuilding210 CRESWICK ROAD BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works for the construction of a food and drink premises a reduction of car parking; and creation of access to a Road Zone, Category 1.222 MAIR STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Withdrawn
- Construction of a Vehicle Crossover105 FRANK STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and alterations to a dwelling (recladding roof) and demolition of front fence219 DOVETON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and works to facade15-21 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2021
- S72 Amendment to: Increase the red line area to include the first floor area, and increase the reduction of car parking. Existing Permit for: Sale and consumption of liquor, reduction in carparking requirements and display business identification signage30 ARMSTRONG STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Development of a verandah26 JOHNSON STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and alterations to dwelling227 LYONS STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Development of two dwellings and two lot subdivision109 HICKMAN STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Demolition of carport and pergola50 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of existing building for restricted recreation facility for yoga and pilates studio and display of business identification signage112 LYDIARD STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of land for indoor recreation facility (martial arts studio and 24-hour gym) and ancillary food and drink premises (cafe) and display of business identification signage210 DANA STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to a dwelling and demolition of carport408 CRESWICK ROAD BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- External alterations to the building at Level 2, 3 Bath Lane2/1-3 BATH LANE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Withdrawn
- Demolition and replacement of a fence601 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Installation of a solar energy system518 MAIR STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works associated with a seven storey apartment building, three townhouse dwellings, use and development of a food and drink premises (cafe) with a cafe and restaurant liquor licence, partial demolition of a building, demolition of front fence and a reduction in car parking spaces4 LYONS STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Display of temporary business identification signage309 DANA STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling319 WINDERMERE STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2021
- Demolish existing fence and develop a new fence51 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to a dwelling412 ASCOT STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Display of business identification signage and exterior painting of building613 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Demolition of a garage (retrospective), partial demolition, alterations and additions to a dwelling, demolition of an outbuilding and development of a garage102 MILL STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling30 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to existing dwelling and development of an outbuilding7 TALBOT STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Heritage reconstruction of commercial shopfronts323 MAIR STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling310 DOVETON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and development of a new building107 LYDIARD STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- 43 lot subdivision11 DAVEY STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Retrospective demolition and development of a fence427 ARMSTRONG STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Display of business identification signage907 Sturt StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition, alterations and additions to existing building1 Drummond Street NorthNo permit required
- Alterations to an existing building, diplay of business identification signage including internally illuminated signs1302 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Partial demolition and alterations to a buildingCAMP STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 145 proposals
145 proposals lodged in 2020. Individual listings are kept for the most recent proposals.
Data sources & freshness
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020; 2020–2022; 2021 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access
Amenities
492 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- BWSAlcohol
- Dan Murphy'sAlcohol
61 Curtis Street
- LiquorlandAlcohol
- Commonwealth BankATM
- People's ChoiceATM
- WestpacATM
- Beechworth BakeryBakery
6 Grenville Street South
- Evans Home Made PastriesBakery
- Ferguson Plarre's BakehouseBakery
- Greens Hotline BakeryBakery
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 16
- Emergency department
- On site
- Ballarat Base Hospitalhospital
- Ballarat Group PracticeSturt Streetdoctor
- Chemmart Crawford's PharmacySturt Streetpharmacy
- Dorevitch Pathologydoctor
- Dr Jasmyn SteelSturt Streetalternative
- Ear Nose Throat BallaratSturt Streetdoctor
- Eureka Medical & Dental Centredoctor
- Haintz PharmacySturt Streetpharmacy
- Health First Medical GroupDoveton Street Southdoctor
- Integrated HealthMair Streetalternative
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 6/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Heritage
44 state heritage places
- ALEXANDRIA TEA ROOMSNH0115
- ANZ BANKNH0114
- BALLAARAT MECHANICS INSTITUTE COLLECTIONYH2096
- BALLARAT POST OFFICENH1018
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXNH0902
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXNH0902
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXNH0902
- BALLARAT TOWN HALLNH0978
- BALLARAT TRADES HALLNH0657
- CRAIG'S ROYAL HOTELNH0111
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Ballarat Fidelity Club Kindergartenkindergarten
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 23
- Parks (OSM)
- 22
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability index
- Desirability score
- 54.1/100
- Cohort rank
- #221 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Ballarat Fidelity Club Kindergartenchildcarekindergarten
- ALEXANDRIA TEA ROOMSheritageNH0115
- ANZ BANKheritageNH0114
- BALLAARAT MECHANICS INSTITUTE COLLECTIONheritageYH2096
- BALLARAT POST OFFICEheritageNH1018
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXheritageNH0902
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXheritageNH0902
- BALLARAT RAILWAY COMPLEXheritageNH0902
- BALLARAT TOWN HALLheritageNH0978
- BALLARAT TRADES HALLheritageNH0657
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site
Similar suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable population profile, socio-economic decile, and location.