Braves forward out for 2013

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 | 30-Oct-2012

Bendigo Braves forward Adam Tanner has decided not to play in the 2013 SEABL season.

In a statement released by the club today, Tanner said he has enjoyed the last four seasons with the club and thanked all those involved.

“I have really enjoyed playing the last four seasons," he said.

"It is a big commitment and everything I do I want to commit 100% to.

"I would like to thank all the supporters, sponsors and my family and teammates for their support over the last few years."

Tanner has played 116 games, averaging 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Braves coach Ben Harvey said he is "very disappointed" with the 27-year-old's decision not to continue playing.

"I am very disappointed with Adam’s decision not to play. He is only 27 and I believe still has a lot of basketball left in him,” Harvey said.

"Adam is a great, versatile player but unfortunately his heart wasn’t in it for another season.

"I respect his decision and this gives an opportunity for another player to fill his role.”

The announcement comes after the Braves recently signed American guard Jazzmarr Ferguson to play in 2013 alongside returning Braves' forward and former SEABL East MVP, Ivan McFarlin.

It is unknown whether Tanner will re-join the club in future seasons.