Rate cap the key
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 | 21-Sep-2012
EAGLEHAWK Ward councillor Peter Cox has formally set the proposed rates cap as a council agenda.
Cr Cox has confirmed he will run in next month’s council election, citing a rates cap as his key issue.
Cr Cox formally announced he will be a candidate for the Whipstick Ward this week, after earlier announcing he would run.
“I have strongly advocated for residents over the past four years and I hope to continue in this role for a further term. I have been prepared to take on the difficult issues and have gained many successful outcomes. I hope the $3m drainage project in California Gully will finally alleviate flooding for businesses and residents in that area,” he said.
“I believe putting a maximum cap of four per cent on rates is the most important election issue.
“This can be achieved by conducting an independent public review of council’s operations where I am certain savings and efficiencies can be found.
“I urge everybody to ask candidates where they stand on this issue. It is not good enough for candidates to say they will keep rates low. They need to be asked. How low? Their answer needs to be measurable and accountable.”
Cr Cox said he had a strong rack record on council.
“I have been a part of completing many projects including the upgrade of Lake Neangar, California Gully Recreation Reserve, Long Gully Pavilion and Men’s Shed and Truscott Reserve among many others. All the drawings are now finalised for the
Canterbury Oval upgrade and I look forward to these works being completed over the next four years,” he said..
“The new residential and transport strategies are important issues to be tackled over the next 12 months to ensure Bendigo remains a city where people can enjoy its great amenities. I have also been an advocate for the municipality’s heritage, history and natural vegetation as they contribute immensely to our lifestyle, the wonderful feel of the city and its economic prosperity.
“I urge everyone to join the debate not only during the election period but during the life of the next council. There is much to be gained and the city needs your input.”
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.”
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