Gas rollout brought forward

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 | 23-Oct-2012

THE Viewpoint residential subdivision at Huntly has hastened the rollout of natural gas to the town.

Gas was not expected to reach Huntly for another 18 months, but negotiations between the State Government and developers are behind the changed rollout date, which is expected to be early next year.

Luke Goggin Real Estate agent Tom Isaacs said he received the news on Friday.

“Integra, the developer of Viewpoint Huntly has been successful in negotiating the installation of reticulated gas to the Viewpoint Huntly community,” he said.

“The gas infrastructure will be installed as part of the construction currently underway at Viewpoint and will be available to every lot within Viewpoint.

“The cost to Integra for providing this alternative energy source to Viewpoint will provide residents with a more cost effective way of living.

“As a result of the number of households within Viewpoint the government will now extend the gas infrastructure to the greater Huntly region as part of their Energy for the Regions program.”

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the unavailability of natural gas prevented growth and hindered business.

“Households and businesses in regional Victoria without access to natural gas are forced to use expensive bottled Liquid Petroleum Gas and electricity,” he said.

“Natural gas is a cheaper and cleaner source of energy that can lower household costs by anywhere between $600 and $1200 a year.

“These savings have major economic benefits, boosting the prosperity of towns and making it easier to establish and grow businesses in regional Victoria.”