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

54.1/100

#221 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

How this score is calculated

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 ProfileAustralian 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

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

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 & closuresState 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 use
    402 SOUTH STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of outbuilding, alterations and additions to dwelling and construction of a carport
    422 DAWSON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a second dwelling and two lot subdivision
    3 ASCOT STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350In progress
  • Removal and replacement of roofing
    40 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and alterations to a dwelling
    220 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 outbuilding
    210 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 Crossover
    105 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 fence
    219 DOVETON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and works to facade
    15-21 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 signage
    30 ARMSTRONG STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a verandah
    26 JOHNSON STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and alterations to dwelling
    227 LYONS STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of two dwellings and two lot subdivision
    109 HICKMAN STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of carport and pergola
    50 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 signage
    112 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 signage
    210 DANA STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to a dwelling and demolition of carport
    408 CRESWICK ROAD BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External alterations to the building at Level 2, 3 Bath Lane
    2/1-3 BATH LANE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Withdrawn
  • Demolition and replacement of a fence
    601 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Installation of a solar energy system
    518 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 spaces
    4 LYONS STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of temporary business identification signage
    309 DANA STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling
    319 WINDERMERE STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • June 2021

  • Demolish existing fence and develop a new fence
    51 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to a dwelling
    412 ASCOT STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of business identification signage and exterior painting of building
    613 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 garage
    102 MILL STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling
    30 LOCH AVENUE BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to existing dwelling and development of an outbuilding
    7 TALBOT STREET NORTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Heritage reconstruction of commercial shopfronts
    323 MAIR STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to dwelling
    310 DOVETON STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and development of a new building
    107 LYDIARD STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • 43 lot subdivision
    11 DAVEY STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Retrospective demolition and development of a fence
    427 ARMSTRONG STREET SOUTH BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of business identification signage
    907 Sturt StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to existing building
    1 Drummond Street NorthNo permit required
  • Alterations to an existing building, diplay of business identification signage including internally illuminated signs
    1302 STURT STREET BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and alterations to a building
    CAMP 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 amenitiesOpenStreetMap 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

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

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 registerState heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Ballarat Fidelity Club Kindergartenkindergarten

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare servicesOpenStreetMap · 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 overlaysState 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 featuresOpenStreetMap 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 indexSuburb 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 servicesOpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • State heritage registerState heritage authority · Updated on site

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Suburbs with a comparable population profile, socio-economic decile, and location.