Milestone marked with pride

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 | 27-Jul-2012

Dennis O’Hoy, Darren Wright and Gary Hill

The Bendigo Joss House Temple celebrated two significant milestones this week.

It was 40 years since it was reopened to the public by the National Trust of Victoria, and five years since the National Trust placed the temple in the care of Bendigo Trust.

To honour the milestones, five sacred vessels were unveiled.

The vessels were donated by Paul Tze Kong Young and have travelled from Happy Valley in Hong Kong

The vessels are a standard feature on Chinese altars and they represent the five jewels of the Buddhist paradise.

The Bendigo Joss House Temple is a unique piece of Bendigo’s history.

“The Bendigo Joss House Temple is yet another example of the Bendigo community’s determination to preserve and nurture our heritage,” Bendigo Trust chief executive officer Tom Seddon said.

“We may be the caretakers, but it is the support from the community that keeps it going, which is why I would like to recognise the invaluable contribution of all the volunteers who have given of their time over the years.”

The temple has been open more frequently than ever recently and hosts visitors and an increasing number of school groups looking to learn more about Chinese culture and religious practices.