Stretching the limits
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.”
Anthony Radford | Bendigo Weekly | 19-Oct-2012
GREATER Bendigo council has voted to move the city’s residential limits to accommodate the region’s largest-ever subdivision.
Council this week agreed to ask Planning Minister Matthew Guy to authorise a rezoning exhibition process for a 1400-house subdivision at Maiden Gully.
The rezoning will see Bendigo’s Urban Growth Boundary extended, and could pave the way for an extension of Bendigo’s residential limits.
Birchgrove Property is behind the 183-hectare Forest Park Estate, at 244 Edwards Road.
The development includes “medium density” and “compact” properties and features a series of walking and bike paths.
It also abuts bushland, and council has identified any potential fire risk as an important part of the approval process.
The report to council was favourable towards the plan, despite the fact the land is not identified for future development within the council’s Residential Development Strategy.
“The site presents an opportunity to provide for additional housing in an area which is able to be fully serviced and is contiguous with existing residential development,” the report said.
“The land has few physical constraints to development, is in single ownership and is largely cleared of significant vegetation. Overall, the site is a logical inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary.”
Birchgrove Property spokesman Damien Tangey said the development would have a significant impact on the local economy.
He said direct onsite investment is estimated to be more than $500 million. The project would employ about 150 people a year during its estimated 10-year construction phase.
“Up until completion in 2030, assessors have projected an $800 million injection into Bendigo’s gross regional product as a direct result of Forest Park,” he said.
“In terms of economic stimulus Forest Park’s flow-on effect will complement Bendigo’s new hospital development – as both projects significantly enhance the long-term economic prospects of our community.”
Mr Tangey said this exhibition process would provide Maiden Gully’s community with an opportunity to see how Forest Park will develop
“Our proposal adopts a very transparent and thorough process,” he said.
“It’s been reviewed by council officers and referral authorities, and is now going before council to determine if it is to be recommended for public exhibition.
“Following a process of community consultation, the newly-elected council will be involved in determining the future of Forest Park.
“Community input is vital in order for the proposal to respond effectively to local needs.”
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.”
Comment