Delacombe is a large and rapidly growing industrial/residential suburb on the south west rural-urban fringe of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The population at the 2021 census was 5,408[1] making it the fifth most populated in the Ballarat urban area.
In 1965, it was announced that the estate was to be named Delacombe after Sir Rohan Delacombe, Governor of Victoria 1963–1974.[3] Non-military industrial and residential areas were zoned during the late 1960s.[5]
During the 2011 Victorian floods, flash flooding caused the Banyule drain to overflow on more than one occasion, causing flooding to homes.[6] The floods spurred implement stormwater upgrades[7] and a flood strategy from the City of Ballarat[8] including the creation of artificial wetlands.[9]
Urban form and housing
The majority of Delacombe's residential areas have been developed under the concepts of street hierarchy with light industry and commercial areas centred on the main streets with single-family detached homes along branching cul-de-sacs.
Delacombe Town Centre is a sub-regional shopping centre serving the western Ballarat growth area. Developed by Troon Group in 2017, it was acquired by SCA Property Group in 2021.[10]
Education
Delacombe Primary School opened in 1981.[11] Lumen Christi Primary School is a Catholic school which opened in 1990.[12]
Transport
The main form of transport in Delacombe is the private motor car and it can be classed as a car dependent suburb and over 50% of all households with more than two vehicles. The suburb is serviced by Ballarat taxis and the Route 25 bus service operates to the city.
A branch of the disused Cattleyards freight railway line terminated in Delacombe and was proposed by the Victorian Greens transport policy as the site of a potential railway station, however the line was demolished in 2010. The nearest railway station is Wendouree 5 km to the north.
Parks and open space
Delacombe Town Centre, August 2017
While there is still much greenfield land in Delacombe, currently the Delacombe Sports Centre is set aside as a public recreation space.
The Delacombe wetlands are currently under construction. Storm water from the recent housing developments will create this into a vibrant flora and fauna area.
