Kelsey in the Spirit

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 | 25-Oct-2012

CONCENTRATION: New recruit Kelsey Griffin. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

By JOEL PETERSON
New Bendigo Spirit recruit Kelsey Griffin is setting her sights high for this season, saying she would love to be a part of the club’s first WNBL championship.
After arriving in Australia on Monday ahead of the undefeated Spirit’s clash with Dandenong at the Bendigo Stadium on Saturday night, Griffin trained with the team for the first time on Tuesday and said she thoroughly enjoyed the session.
“It was great, I really love the vibe and the energy of the team,” the 25-year-old said.
“It’s a great group of girls, and they’ve made it really easy to fit in, so it’s been really good.”
Griffin, an Alaskan native, plays for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, who were beaten in the eastern conference finals by the eventual WNBA champion Indiana Fever.
“It was disappointing for the season to end how it did, we really wanted to make the finals, but to lose to Indiana who went on to win it all makes it a little better,” she said.
“Every team wants to win a championship, and I would love to be a part of hopefully making that happen for the Spirit.”
Griffin, who led Nebraska to its best ever finish, and averaged 20.4 points and 10 rebounds a game in her final season there, said that her relationship with former Huskers teammate Chelsea Aubry was a big factor in her joining the club.
“I was talking to Chels a lot before I came here and I was asking about it, and she’s definitely helped me make it feel like home,” she said.
“Playing with her was a huge factor in getting me over to Australia. Usually I go to Europe in the (American) winter and I was considering playing in Asia, but I wanted to have a year to have some fun.
“I really want to improve my game, and feel as though I can really use Kristi and the rest of the team to build my knowledge and become a better pro.
“Being such a strong basketball country, I thought Australia would be a great place to do that, and still play at a really high level.”
Griffin’s inclusion will be a welcomed addition for a Spirit side which is riding high following five straight wins going into Saturday night’s clash with Dandenong.
The Spirit defence is conceding a league-low 63.6 points per game, while Spirit stars Kristi Harrower and Gabe Richards sit first and third in the league in points per game, respectively.
Coach Bernie Harrower has described the game as “vital” for the Spirit, as a win would improve their record to 6-0 and give them two games advantage on the reigning premiers heading into their bye next week.