BENDIGO’S residential Strategy will be reviewed because of greater than expected growth.
The State Government has announced a grant of $50,000 to carry out the review.
The review is needed because, according to the State Government, 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.
Regional Development Parliamentary Secretary Damian Drum made the announcement this morning.
Mr Drum said the Bendigo Residential Strategy Review would deliver greater community and investor certainty, helping the region grow.
“The Bendigo Residential Development Strategy was adopted in 2004 and is currently being audited because of the faster than anticipated growth that has occurred in Bendigo in recent years,” he said.
“Strong residential growth has many flow-on economic benefits and having a clear framework for future development will position Greater Bendigo City Council to undertake more detailed, place-based planning in the future.”
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said about 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.
The Residential Strategy impacts directly on where and how property developments use “infill” parcels of land, range of housing styles and also on housing affordability.
“This project will review the strategy, assess current and estimated land supply and demand and consider various legislative and policy changes,” Mr Ryan said,
“It will also consider the latest demographic data and establish a new strategic framework to guide the long-term residential growth of Greater Bendigo.
“The project will result in a revised residential strategy that will give developers, the community and service providers greater surety and confidence about where land can be developed for residential purposes, and that sufficient land is available to accommodate the City of Greater Bendigo’s future growth.”
Mr Ryan said a contemporary strategic planning framework was essential to the economic development of a large regional centre like Bendigo.
“Clearly identifying future growth options and supporting infrastructure needs will enable the Greater Bendigo City Council and other infrastructure providers to plan their capital works programs well in advance,” he said.
“Identifying long-term growth areas will enable the council and other service authorities to start planning for the delivery of services, thereby minimising the lag time between when residential development occurs and when the services need to be in place.”
Gender is no longer an issue, according to the newly endorsed Labor candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo.
But if she does get elected, she will be the first woman to represent the region.
"In Bendigo we need a strong Labor voice, and I will be that voice," Lisa Chesters said today.
"I am young, I have energy and passion.
Ms Chesters lives in Kyneton, and is the Bendigo representative of United Voice, formerly the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union.
She grew up in regional Queensland, and gained a degree majoring in psychology and politics from the University of Queensland.
She moved to Victoria eight years ago.
"As the longest serving member for this electorate, Steve Gibbons (who is retiring) has followed Labor's proud tradition of fighting for local people on local issue and I intend to continue that legacy," she said.
Ms Chesters was endorsed as the candidate unopposed.
Bendigo lawyer Greg Westbrook told the Bendigo Weekly online yesterday he had pulled out of preselection.
EARLIER
Kyneton-based union official Lisa Chesters is expected to become the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo.
The Bendigo Weekly understands her main rival for the position, Bendigo lawyer Greg Westbrook, has withdrawn from the race.
Mr Westbrook is a partner in law firm Petersen Westbrook Cameron, alongside former state Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron.
Mr Cameron, a political ally of Mr Westbrook, refused to deny Mr Westbrook had pulled out of the race.
"You will have to speak to him about that," he said.
Mr Cameron's name was also linked to the preselection, but he ruled himself out.
"I am in no position to be away from Bendigo," he said.
"It I was, I would still be the Member for Bendigo West."
The Weekly is awaiting comment form Mr Westbrook and Ms Chesters.
Ms Chesters is a union official for United Voice's Property Services division.
EARLIER
THERE is strong speculation Labor Party preselection for the federal seat of Bendigo may be down to just one.
The Bendigo Weekly understands lawyer Greg Westbrook, who the Weekly revealed a year ago was a preselection candidate, has pulled out.
Mr Westbrook is a partner in law firm Petersen Westbrook Cameron, alongside former state Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron.
The Weekly left messages with Mr Westbrook this morning.
Preselection for the seat opened on July 27.
Mr Cameron, a political ally of Mr Westbrook, refused to deny Mr Westbrook had pulled out of the race.
"You will have to speak to him about that," he said.
Mr Cameron's name was also linked to the preselection, but he ruled himself out.
"I am in no position to be away from Bendigo," he said.
"It I was, I would still be the Member for Bendigo West."
A withdrawal from Mr Westbrook would leave Kyneton-based union official Lisa Chesters as the frontrunner.
Sitting Member, Steve Gibbons, will retire at the 2013 election, after becoming the longest-serving Member for Bendigo.He was first elected in 1998.
BENDIGO’S residential Strategy will be reviewed because of greater than expected growth.
The State Government has announced a grant of $50,000 to carry out the review.
The review is needed because, according to the State Government, 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.
Regional Development Parliamentary Secretary Damian Drum made the announcement this morning.
Mr Drum said the Bendigo Residential Strategy Review would deliver greater community and investor certainty, helping the region grow.
“The Bendigo Residential Development Strategy was adopted in 2004 and is currently being audited because of the faster than anticipated growth that has occurred in Bendigo in recent years,” he said.
“Strong residential growth has many flow-on economic benefits and having a clear framework for future development will position Greater Bendigo City Council to undertake more detailed, place-based planning in the future.”
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said about 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.
The Residential Strategy impacts directly on where and how property developments use “infill” parcels of land, range of housing styles and also on housing affordability.
“This project will review the strategy, assess current and estimated land supply and demand and consider various legislative and policy changes,” Mr Ryan said,
“It will also consider the latest demographic data and establish a new strategic framework to guide the long-term residential growth of Greater Bendigo.
“The project will result in a revised residential strategy that will give developers, the community and service providers greater surety and confidence about where land can be developed for residential purposes, and that sufficient land is available to accommodate the City of Greater Bendigo’s future growth.”
Mr Ryan said a contemporary strategic planning framework was essential to the economic development of a large regional centre like Bendigo.
“Clearly identifying future growth options and supporting infrastructure needs will enable the Greater Bendigo City Council and other infrastructure providers to plan their capital works programs well in advance,” he said.
“Identifying long-term growth areas will enable the council and other service authorities to start planning for the delivery of services, thereby minimising the lag time between when residential development occurs and when the services need to be in place.”
ALP heavies have denied us choice in selecting our candidate to replace Steve. Pretty ordinary.
Millie commented on 14-Aug-2012 02:17 PM
Melbournes choice not Bendigos. Having Lisa as candidate has split our branch.
Captain Carbon Rides Again commented on 15-Aug-2012 01:16 PM
What's happened to the local Labor people? Have none of them the courage to stand for pre-selection? Have none of them the talent to challenge a light-weight like the Melbourne girl who has been gifted the candidacy? She's made her priorities clear in
her first interview where she said: "I will represent the Labor Party..." It's clear from that statement why she was forced on the local Labor party as Melbourne's candidate. She’s been groomed to toe the party-line and represent the best interests of the
‘faceless men’ who are the real ‘king-makers’ of the Labor Party, not the region’s locals they will expect to hand out her flyers.
John Ellis commented on 16-Aug-2012 11:55 AM
A brilliant candidate from Kyneton pre-selected unopposed - says something really. The enthusiasm being generated in Labor ranks as a result provides new and real opportunities!
