Campaigner in running for council election

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 | 31-Aug-2012

RUNNING: Environment campaigner Karen Corr.

ENVIRONMENT campaigner Karen Corr will announce today she will run in the City of Greater Bendigo council elections in October.

Ms Corr describes herself as a business owner, community leader, social entrepreneur of the year and mother of two boys.

She will run in the Lockwood Ward.

Ms Corr, who is also the head of the Bendigo Sustainability Group and Central Victorian Greenhouse Aliance chairman, said it was her aim to make Bendigo the envy of the rest of the world.

“Let’s meet the growth challenges ahead while maintaining our rural, village and community feel,” she said.

“Let’s build on our local communities and cater for local businesses and local services.

“Let’s ensure that the services we need are accessible to all through an integrated transport system that caters for everyone.”

Ms Corr will host a series of Cuppas with Karen across the ward.

“All are welcome to attend, come along and have a chat and share ideas, concerns and needs for the community,” she said.

Her first session will be fro 11am to noon today at the Quarry Hill Hall.