Aubry re-signs for Spirit

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 | 06-Sep-2012

CANADIAN Olympian Chelsea Aubry will re-join her Bendigo Spirit team mates for a fourth consecutive season with the club.

Aubry has become a core part of the Spirit roster over the past few years and will once again team up with centre Gabe Richards and new American forward Kathleen Scheer in Bendigo’s front court.

Last season Aubry averaged seven points and four rebounds a game and registered a field goal percentage of 47 per cent and a three point percentage of 39 per cent.

Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said it was great to have Aubry returning after representing Canada at the Olympic Games.

“I was fortunate to be in London for the Olympics and it was great to see Chelsea there making her Olympic debut and it was amazing to see the game between Australia and Canada, with both Chelsea and her

Spirit team mate of the past few years, Kristi, on court together,” he said.

“Chelsea looked in good form during the games and we’re really hoping for big things from her this season with the Spirit. Her numbers were a bit down last year, and it’ll be a focus this year to get her some more shots.

“She can play in the post and shoot the three and when you have a player who’s field goal percentage is around 50 – we need to make sure we get her a couple more shots.”

Aubry said it was great to be back among friends in Bendigo and while she always wanted to reassess her priorities after the Olympics had finished she’s excited to be back in Bendigo and getting ready to suit up for the Spirit.