If the cap fits
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.”
Anthony Radford | Bendigo Weekly | 02-Aug-2012
CITY of Greater Bendigo councillor Peter Cox has put out a challenge to candidates in October’s election.
The Eaglehawk Ward councillor has urged candidates to support the capping of future rates increases, and be judged if they don’t.
After the 2008 election, the City of Ballarat council capped rates increases at four per cent each year, vowing to keep costs down for its ratepayers.
It was a popular decision.
Ballarat ratepayers paid rates increases of four per cent for three of the past four years, with an increase of only 3.5 per cent last financial year.
In comparison, Bendigo ratepayers have copped rates increases of 4.5, 5.9 and 5.5 per cent for the past three years, and face a six per cent increase next year.
Cr Cox, left, said he would go to the election urging other candidates to follow Ballarat’s lead, if elected.
“I like this idea. It is a very positive move,” he said.
“A rates cap could crystallise the election campaign to a point where ratepayers would know where individual councillors and candidates stand in relation to rates, rather than just a general comment about running to keep rates low.
“This is something people can understand and it is measurable, so people can hold councillors to account.”
Cr Cox said the fiscal responsibility underlying the rates cap idea was part of his call for an independent council review, rejected for a second time by council last week.
“I believe there are enough savings in the existing budget to have a rates cap at four per cent,” he said.
“Ballarat is doing this and Shepparton is also having a review. It seems we have our eyes closed to any productivity or efficiency achievements.
“With a budget of $150 million there is no doubt you could make savings.”
City of Ballarat mayor Mark Harris said he was proud of his council’s rates cap.
“We are keen to have very tight fiscal control. It is difficult, you have to keep costs tight,” he said.
“We think it’s better for people to know what the rates will be. We hope the next council also sets a cap close to four per cent.”
Despite Bendigo having a capital works program almost $20 million higher than Ballarat’s this financial year, Cr Harris said the rates cap was good for his city.
“Look at our management of assets and the management of Bendigo assets,” he said.
“I know which ones I would rather be looking after.
“We are looking after our current infrastructure.
“I have no apologies for our fiscal position.
“You can get big and invest, and increase capital works, but the ratepayers have to pay for it.”
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.”
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