Safe space approved

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 | 20-Jul-2012

THE City of Greater Bendigo has received planning and heritage approval by Heritage Victoria to proceed with the construction of the Safe Transport Space at Howard Place.

Mayor Alec Sandner said that this facility has an architectural design that is sympathetic to the heritage listed surrounds.

“The facility will be built on parkland bordering Bridge and McCrae Streets and has been designed to reflect the historical significance of the adjacent site,“ he said.

“The project will not only provide a safe area at night with CCTV and lighting, but also a comfortable undercover area during the day with seating, toilets and family change facilities. It will also include a safe taxi queuing area.

“It will consist of three main elements: a fixed canopy above, a resurfaced area below and an amenities pod to one side with potential for a Wi-Fi hotspot.

“Local building company, Walsh & O”Meara Builders, is the preferred contractor for the project. We expect work to begin at the end of this month and to be completed by Christmas. The City will continue to work with surrounding businesses and key users to ensure the least disruption as possible during the construction process.

“This project is estimated to cost approximately $750,000 with the City contributing almost $360,000, the Victorian Taxi Directorate providing $197,000 and Regional Development Victoria contributing $200,000.”

Construction will begin this month.