Food vendors approved

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 | 30-Aug-2012

THE City of Greater Bendigo has issued 12 month permits for two late night food vendors to operate in the CBD.

Council Environmental Health and Local Laws manager Susannah Milne said the food vendors were initially given six week permits as a trial under the Itinerant Trade Local Law.

“After reviewing feedback from the community and having majority support from key stakeholders, the council has decided to grant their applications for 12 month permits,” she said.

“The trial demonstrated that the food vans operated successfully without negatively impacting the amenity of the area, without compromising public safety and provided a service for patrons attending the late night precinct.

The vans will operate from Thursday to Sunday morning from 10pm to 4am at the end of Bull Street.

“These vendors are locally based businesses that will provide a late night service to people leaving the clubs and pubs during these hours or those who are waiting for taxis," Ms Milne said.

“Historically, there have been a number of after hour food vans in Bendigo, most famously the Dunny Diner that operated for many years in the CBD.”