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 welcomed politicians from across the state as the Legislative Council sat in the Town Hall on Thursday.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Alec Sandner used his address to the opening of the sitting this morning to highlight the importance of partnerships with other levels of government.
“Our population is forecast to grow from its present level of 105,000 to 143,000 by 2030 – a mere 18 years away,” he said.
“We do not want to be a city that requires its workers to travel to Melbourne.
“Our future lies with having a strong and diverse economy here in this region; a place where skilled employees are able to live and work.
“This is already being reflected in our employment data, with our unemployment rate consistently lower than Melbourne’s.
“The challenge for us is to keep this momentum going.
“That is why we will continue working in partnership with other levels of government.”
Cr Sandner cited the Bendigo Art Gallery expansion, the Bendigo Library redevelopment and the Community Theatre project as examples of what can be achieved when governments work together.
“But more needs to be done,” he said.
“Our airport is in need of a major upgrade, which when completed, will bring new investment and job opportunities to our region.
“Many of our swimming pools are ageing so we are developing plans to build a new aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat.
“Our universities need support to ensure they can provide the skilled workers needed to staff our new hospital.
“The dangerous Calder Alternative Highway intersection at Ravenswood requires an upgrade.
“These are just some of the projects which will make Greater Bendigo even greater.”
Cr Sandner said all levels of government should also work together to ensure councils are not burdened with unfair superannuation costs.
“It is with the greatest respect that I ask every Member here today to consider the impact the Local Authority defined benefits scheme is having on local government in Victoria,” he said.
“In late July, councils were formally told the fund required topping up to the tune of $453 million. The City of Greater Bendigo is being asked to find $10.3m.
“This means we have $10.3m less to provide the services and infrastructure that our community deserves. The amount being sought will significantly reduce our ability to deliver services the community expects from local government.
“…I respectfully ask all politicians to regard this as a matter of urgency and work with local government to resolve this issue.”
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.”
