Funding assured for theatre
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 | 13-Aug-2012 UPDATED
AN appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal will not affect of federal funding for Bendigo's planned $26 million theatre, according to Labor Candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo, Lisa Chesters.
The City of Greater Bendigo council last night approved the plan.
However, four objections on planning and parking grounds could have seen the project end up in VCAT.
There was a fear the hold up could jeopardise the Federal Government's $12.3 million contribution.
However, Ms Chesters, below, met with Regional Australia, Local Government and Arts Minister, Simon Crean, in Canberra yesterday.
“Simon Crean has reassured me that if the VCAT appeal takes longer than anticipated it won’t affect the Federal Government’s funding for the project,” she said.
“While there is normally a strict time frame governing Commonwealth funding for projects, the Minister has said that any delays that are beyond the control of sponsoring organisations will not affect the availability of funding.”
Ms Chesters said this is will be a wonderful new facility for Bendigo and it is a shame that it may be unnecessarily delayed by less than a handful of objectors.
“I am very supportive of this exciting project and the people of Bendigo should not have to wait any longer than necessary for the completion of what will be a world class performing arts facility,” she said.
EARLIER
THE City of Greater Bendigo council has approved the planning permit for the $26 million theatre plan in the former Bendigo jail.
Council voted on Wednesday night to approve its own plan for a 1000-seat theatre, after Heritage Victoria threw its support behind the plan.
Whether the matter is resolved is in the hands of four objectors, who may take the project to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, citing parking and planning concerns.
Mayor Alec Sandner said he was pleased council approved the plans.
“This is another step forward towards the realisation of a long held civic dream for Bendigo," he said.
"This is a visionary project and facility that is strongly backed by all three levels of government."
Council City Futures Director Stan Liacos said tenders for construction will be called for to enable the project to be underway before the end of the year for completion in mid 2014.
Council Planning and Development director Prue Mansfield said due process was followed.
“The council has carefully considered the issues as we do when assessing all applications," she said.
"While reuse of any significant asset is always going to require comprises, we believe that the issues were thoroughly and adequately addressed for the notice of decision to be issued.
“As with any development within the city’s Central Business District, car parking is always a key consideration.
"The Tom Flood Sports Centre has the ability to provide most of the requisite parking spaces required under the permit.
"A traffic and parking assessment by an independent consultant found there is adequate existing on and off street parking to fill the remaining required car parks.
“Another requirement of the permit is the provision of pedestrian linkages to the theatre from the car park and other precincts such as Barnard Street, View Street, lower Rosalind Park and make the walkways more accessible for patrons, the general public and cyclists.
“Other conditions of the permit include ensuring there are traffic management plans in place during simultaneous events at Tom Flood and the theatre as well as provisions for access to the rear of the building for deliveries."
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.”
considered all aspects'. But there is nothing gamblers like more, than to do so with some other persons or organisations money. It is pleasing to see The Weekly reporting without fear or favour on Bendigo council issues. More investigative journalism and detailed
stories, I believe will lead to the greatest expose of lack of due diligence by council.