Town Hall costs cause problems
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.”
Rosemary Sorensen | Bendigo Weekly | 19-Sep-2011 3.33pm
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HOPING FOR RESIDENCE: The Bendigo Chamber Choir members say the town hall is a natural fit.
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Town Hall busy but community groups concerned about bookings
BENDIGO Town Hall is hopping with events, attendances and revenue all well up in the past year.
There are concerns, however, that the change in management has made the city’s most prestigious venue less-accessible to community groups.
Bendigo Chamber Choir, which presents its 30th anniversary concert at Sacred Heart Cathedral this Sunday, has been frustrated in its attempts to secure a booking at the town hall for its Christmas concert.
Choir members say the hall is a “natural fit” for the choir but they have had “nothing but trouble” confirming bookings.
Funded by the City of Greater Bendigo, the choir struggles to make ends meet, as it costs about $4000 to put on a concert.
Although it is delighted to be singing its anniversary concert in the cathedral, the acoustics and size of the town hall make that venue its first choice.
At a rehearsal this week for its anniversary concert, choir conductor Michael Bottomley confirmed the group would appreciate a rethink from the City of Greater Bendigo about its status in relation to the town hall.
“If there was the opportunity for an in-residence status for the choir, that would be very good,” Mr Bottomley said. Management of the town hall was transferred to The Capital at the end of the 2009 financial year.
Capital CEO David Lloyd said this week that community groups were welcome but it was also important that the “real costs” of running the venue were met.
“For many years the town hall has been significantly under-used, and it was getting to the point where it needed some tlc,” Mr Lloyd said.
“A lot more people are now accessing the town hall than ever before and that comes with a cost.”
In the 2008-9 financial year, prior to The Capital taking over management responsibilities, 12,100 people attended 63 events, resulting in $18,500 revenue for council.
Last financial year, 22,000 people attended 168 events, with $85,500 going into council coffers as a result.
Mr Lloyd said the idea of Bendigo Chamber Choir having in-residence status should be given consideration.
“I can’t discount anything, and I’d like to hear their direct concerns.
“There’s certainly a broader discussion to have with us about community and cultural development.”
Mr Lloyd said council had been discussing “quarantining” an amount to fund the long-term organisations, such as the choir and the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra.
“These are important organisations that deserve support,” Mr Lloyd said.
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.”
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