Art helps out

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.”

Bendigo Weekly | Bendigo Weekly | 16-May-2012

Two exquisite paintings of wrens sold immediately on the opening night of St John of God's Art Show fundraiser.

The water-colours, sold as a pair, are by Bendigo artist Gail Taverner, who has worked tirelessly for three decades.

Also quick to go was a magnificent big tree by Col Brown, which holds pride of place on one wall in the hospital's Atrium alongside the cafe and gift shop.

Watercolours by Terry Jarvis, several big pairings by Eileen Ballanngarry, and Georgina Riseley, as well as still lifes by Gail Casey, oils by Geoff Paynter and Patrick Verdon and works by Brian Thompson - including an intriguing small painting of a crayfish pot marker buoy - will all be on show until May 27.

The works are priced from $330 to $2400, with part of the proceeds going towards the Hospital Expansion Project.

There is also a People's Choice draw (entry forms available in the Atrium) and a $2 raffle, with first prize a Geoff Paynter painting, and second prize a limited edition print by Gail Tavener.

The Art Fundraiser, now in its sixth year, also has on display a record 660 entries from primary school students.