Open door policy at ABC radio

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 | 17-Feb-2012

OFF AIR: Morning show presenter Fiona Parker shows listeners the studio workings. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

ABC Radio Central Victoria staff met some of their listeners face to face this week during an open day in celebration of World Radio Day.
The station threw open the doors of its Napier Street studio to give a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on both on air and off.
Morning show presenter Fiona Parker said it was fun to talk to listeners in the studio, rather than across the airwaves.
“Listeners started coming in while I was still on air,” she said.
“It was very strange to see people around the building.
“I’m used to talking to a microphone rather than a group of people.”
Parker showed visitors what was involved in putting the show to air and gave an insight into how the studio equipment worked.
Producer Jo Printz and online editor Corey Hague showed some of the work involved off air, and the day was deemed a success.
“It was small scale, but it was good to show people the other side,” Printz said.
World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio and enhance networking among broadcasters.