Giftware is fair game

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 | 03-Aug-2012

YUMMY: St Monica’s Primary School students Emma De Bruyn, Chloe Kelly and Blake Walker prepare.

IT may be early, but there is a great chance to get your Christmas shopping over and done with early this year.

St Monica’s Primary School will hold its Giftware Fair at the school in Kangaroo Flat on Sunday.

Assistant principal Max Lamb said there would be something available for everyone.

“There will be a wide range of products available, as well as Devonshire tea, a raffle and lucky door prizes” he said.

“The school will be using the money raised to go towards the new junior playground equipment and a classroom of iPads for students.

“In the past, the Parents and Friends Committee have raised funds to supply shade sails over both of the existing playgrounds, helping with costs for the playground equipment, computer equipment and the provision of electronic whiteboards.”

The fair will be held at the school’s Jaara Centre from 10am to 2pm, and will include handmade ceramics, handmade children’s clothing, candles and air fragrances, plaster moulds, greeting cards, gift wrapping and stationery and much more.