Bendigo-Echuca rail plan
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 | 24-Aug-2012
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Whipstick Ward candidate James WIlliams.
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CITY of Greater Bendigo election candidate James Williams has called for an upgrade of the rail line between Bendigo and Echuca.
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Mr Williams will run in the Whipstick Ward, which includes the smaller towns to the north and east of Bendigo.
He said an upgraded rail system would benefit the small towns, as well as Bendigo and Echuca.
“For too long we have simply given lip service to our small rural townships and failed to actually take positive steps in terms of investment, planning and promoting lifestyle and growth in these areas,” he said.
“Let’s take the rail link between Echuca and Bendigo. Millions of dollars has been invested to upgrade and provide safe and efficient rail between these two large and rapidly growing regional cities and a direct link to Melbourne.
“It is a great piece of infrastructure and an opportunity to better utilise it and grow Elmore, Rochester, Goornong and Huntly.
“So what’s required? A growth strategy that includes these townships. A full time train service running backwards and forwards between Echuca and Bendigo and governments at all levels supporting and funding the region to grow and expand on the opportunities provided.”
Mr Williams said the agriculture sector played an important role in the plan.
“This area, bound by Heathcote, Echuca and Bendigo, has some of the best soils for horticulture and viticulture in Victoria, good quality ground water and a generally reliable water supply in Lake Eppalock,” he said.
“It has an alternative water supply from Lake Eildon and the highly productive soils of the Campaspe valley and Corop Ranges.
“A fantastic opportunity exists to expand on Echuca and Bendigo’s tourist potential and again including these smaller towns in this opportunity.
“It can and should be a destination for people where the ambience and lifestyle make it the premier destination for relaxation and retirement.
“There is a lot more to say and discuss in regards to the opportunities this can create and I encourage people to speak up and discuss the concept. \“I envisage similar things for Neilborough, Raywood, Dingee, Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo but I also acknowledge it will take time and forward planning.”
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.”
regional towns have a lot to offer both socially and ecumenically. This is a step in a right direction. Leigh Wilson Rochester Chamber of Commerce & Industry