Monash backs theatre project

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 | 24-Aug-2012

The theatre plan continues to attract support.

MONASH University has thrown its support behind the plans for the $26 million theatre at the former Bendigo jail.

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Monash Bendigo Regional Clinical School director Geoff Solarsh and senior operations manager Graham Allardice have sent a letter to local media congratulating the City of Greater Bendigo for the development.

“We read with excitement that City of Greater Bendigo approved the development of the Old Bendigo Gaol into a new theatre complex in conjunction with Bendigo Senior Secondary College,” the letter said.

“We would like to commend the council on the proposed development and believe that this will be a significant asset for the Greater Bendigo community.

“The vision of the council and college in creating this opportunity is to be commended and the benefits will be reaped for many years to come.

“We believe that this initiative, which will significantly enhance the cultural facilities and offerings in Bendigo, will help to attract many new residents to the city and to establish Bendigo as the premier regional Centre in Victoria.

“We congratulate the work achieved to get this far and look forward to seeing the vision brought to fruition.”

The plan could attract a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing, with five locals, including former mayor Daryl McClure, objecting to the plan for a series of reasons, including car parking.