Food on the move

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 | 13-Sep-2012

Where better to enjoy a tasty meal or snack after a workout than in your friendly gym?
Fit Republic in Abel Street incorporates the Star Cafe where Chilean-born chef Alexis Carrasco dishes up breakfast for early birds and great lunches and coffee for the latte set. You can even take dinner home with you if you haven’t got the energy or inclination to cook after an evening session.
Alexis will make protein shakes, fresh juices and elements of the Paleo “caveman” diet for those interested in following a healthy high protein, un-processed diet with lots of fresh fruit and veg.
It is no coincidence that Alexis is also a National Karate Champion and a fitting example of the Paleo diet principle.
The cafe is open to the public and will soon have it’s own entrance off Abel Street, so anyone can enjoy a meal or one of Alexis’ home made muffins and a coffee without the guilt trip.
Alexis’ sidekick Jo Walters, has an Italian heritage and together they produce a great blend of Spanish and Italian dishes with Jo making all the pasta and gnocchi dishes fresh daily.
“I like to mix the menu up,” Alexis said. “When I see something I like I add my own interpretation to it.”
Like the ingenious omlette-wrapped meat loaf he was busy creating during my visit and there was an amazing looking roast vegetable stack lurking in the display fridge.

A cafe within a gym makes Fit Republic a real one-stop shop and brings a new dimension to the idea of food on the go.

The McIvor Road milk bar is enjoying a new lease on life with a new owner and new name.

Moving into his own food business is the culmination of many years around the hospitality industry for McIvor Road Cafe Deli owner, Joel Salau.
“I originally trained as a graphic designer but always had a flair for food and enjoyed cooking for family and friends,” Joel said.
“To be running my own food business after spending time in fish and chips, pizza and liquor outlets is amazing.”
His expectations for the cafe after only six weeks are right on target.
The lively lunch and coffee stop specialises in all-day breakfast from 7am, lunches – choose from foccacias, sandwiches, pasta or Thai beef salad to name a few.
“My focus is to serve good quality, fresh food with the emphasis on really friendly customer service. We make all the food on the premises and I love getting to know my customers, “Joel said.

“We’re open from 7am to 5pm with convenient parking at the front door.”

- Vicki Harrington