Ruffell favourite for mayor
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 | 30-Oct-2012
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Lisa Ruffell and husband Martin.
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THREE councillor have confirmed they will contest the Greater Bendigo mayoral vote tonight.
Rod Fyffe, Lisa Ruffell and Barry Lyons all began campaigning last night, at the new council's first preliminary meeting.
Cr Ruffell is expected to poll well. As the only mayoral candidate who supports an independent review, she should attract the support of like-minded councillors Peter Cox, James Williams, Helen Leach and Elise Chapman.
Five votes will ensure victory.
The mayoral vote will be behind closed doors, with a full council endorsing the mayor-elect at its first public meeting on Monday.
EARLIER
THE race to be the next Greater Bendigo mayor is down to three, but could be down to two by tonight.
Long-time councillor Rod Fyffe has thrown his hat into the ring, and Lisa Ruffell and Barry Lyons are weighing up their options.
Cr Lyons said he would make up his mind at tonight’s first preliminary council meeting.
“I am weighing up whether or not I have the time,” he said.
“Being the mayor is a pretty important job and you need to have a lot of free time.
“I will make my mind up later in the day.”
Cr Ruffell said she, too, was assessing her options.
“I would love to be mayor of this great city and it would be an honour but I want to discuss it with my council colleagues first,” she said.
Cr Rod Campbell confirmed he would not run for the top job.
Eppalock Ward councillor Helen Leach said she would prefer a female mayor.
"Wouldn't it be great to have a female mayor," she said.
"Given the trend of more females on council, I think it would be appropriate."
The mayoral vote occurs behind closed doors, and is officially on the agenda for Thursday night.
In the past, council has released the results of the vote after a number of leaks to the Bendigo Weekly.
Council will unanimously rubber stamp the vote at its first public meeting on Monday.
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.”
