Finalists in 2011 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year

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 | 14-Jun-2011 3.36

The finalists in the 2011 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year competition have been announced.

The six finalists were selected by judges from 19 nominees who competed in this year’s heats.

REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year finalists are: Daniel Bullen from Philip Webb; last year’s winner, Adrian Butera of Compton & Green; Michael Choi from McDonald Real Estate; Harry Li of McDonald Real Estate; Mark Staples from Hocking Stuart in Carnegie; and Matthew Young from Buxton in St. Kilda.

Each participant had to conduct a mock auction dealing with difficult inquiries and competitive bidding from the audience.

A house in the mythical suburb of ‘Carringbush’ was auctioned.

The mock auction format ensures that the skills and knowledge of each contestant is tested.

The finalists will compete for the title of 2011 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year on Wednesday, 13 July at The Arts Centre.

The finals will be open to the public to attend.

The winner and runner-up will then represent Victoria in the 20th anniversary NAB Australasian Auctioneer of the Year competition to be held in Melbourne on 19–21 September.

Victoria is regarded as the auction capital of the nation but our auctioneers have been beaten by contestants from New Zealand and Queensland in recent years.

With the competition in Melbourne, the Institute has high hopes of success this year.

Enzo Raimondo
CEO REIV