Backing a good cause

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 | 27-Sep-2012

IN TUNE: Keith Sutherland and Luke Owens will work together for homeless youth. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

Community advocate and businessman Keith Sutherland has put his support behind a campaign to create housing options for young people.
Mr Sutherland, who is also chairman of the Bendigo Weekly, was this week named patron of Bendigo for Homeless Youth, set up by a group of local musicians.
Organiser Luke Owens said Mr Sutherland has been working with them for some time.
“Many Central Victorians already know Keith and respect him for his tireless work with local community groups and causes,” Mr Owens said.
“Keith’s role will involve encouraging as many people and business as possible tickets to our gala dinner, make a donation or purchase Bendigo for Homeless Youth merchandise.”
Mr Sutherland said it is important the Bendigo community does not think homelessness is “a problem confined to our nation’s capital cities.
“Most would be surprised to find out there are more than 700 children in our community who are homeless or don’t have a stable living environment,” he said.
The Bendigo Homeless Youth project was launched earlier this year with plans to record and perform music created for and by the group.
The CD launch will take place at a Charity Dinner on October 20 at the Bendigo Town Hall, where Father Bob Maguire will be a guest.

Tickets for the event are available at www.bendigoforhomelessyouth.com
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