Inspectors warm up for fire season

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 | 22-Oct-2012

Greater Bendigo will begin its fire inspection program in the coming weeks, and have urged locals to prepare their properties for the coming season

The officers will begin their inspection program from the second week in November, starting in the northern parts of Greater Bendigo.

Officer Eric Smith said the council appreciated the efforts of property owners who have already cleaned up their properties to reduce the risk of fire.

“We encourage everyone in the municipality to take responsibility themselves and clean up their property to lessen the risk of fire,” he said.

“Talking to neighbours, assisting the elderly and working together on a plan also helps in the preparation.

“Early indications are that the fire danger period will be a bit above average this year due to rapid grass growth in the region.

"We will get some grass fires, but hopefully not too many and not too severe.”

To help residents prepare for the fire season, the council is providing the opportunity to dispose of green waste free at the Eaglehawk and Heathcote landfills on the weekends of October 27 and 28 and November 24 and 25.

The two free waste disposal weekends will help locals to prepare for the summer fire danger period and by taking advantage of the free disposal, residents will save $10 per ute or small trailer load at the landfill.

For more details phone 5434 6000.