THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: Jacob McGuffie

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 | 11-Nov-2011 10.45am

Jacob McGuffie is beginning to make serious waves with the Fearless Vampire Killers.

With the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival less than a month away, MICK GRIFFIN features some of the artists who are sure to turn heads at the festival over November 25, 26 and 27....

JACOB MCGUFFIE:

Melbourne based, Bendigo bred musician Jacob McGuffie is an exceptional talent who's diversity has seen him become a much in demand accompanist, band member and solo performer.

McGuffie is the bass player for independent band the Fearless Vampire Killers as well as being an acclaimed singer-songwriter in his own right, acoustically and as a band leader.

Keeping a tight schedule of playing, studying and teaching commitments, McGuffie also makes time to perform with a myriad of acts that accentuate his stunning musical range: acts such as Band of Cloud, Colonel Vipers Whipstick Band, the Rowan Blackmore Band, The Dirtbusters and Nicola Watson have all benefitted from the Jacob McGuffie touch.

He took to the guitar at an early age, gaining a valuable musical education through his regular participation at the legendary Golden Vine Hotel jam sessions as well as the many open mics for which Bendigo is renowned. It is through this scene that Mcguffie has formed many of the relationships that continue to play a valuable part of his on-going musical journey.

In 2010 McGuffie toured throughout North America with folk singer Nicola Watson, further broadening the experience of a unique talent.