Toby rides high

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 | 29-Jun-2012

WINNING WAYS: Toby Collins is a rising rodeo star. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

With a trip to the USA in his sights, rodeo star Toby Collins is heading in the right direction as he goes from strength to strength in the saddle

By JOEL PETERSON
You’d think horses might be a bit kinder to Toby Collins.
He works with them for a living, but has to stop them from bucking him off.
The 19-year-old rodeo star from Maldon recently made a trip up to the Gold Coast to contest the 2012 National Finals Rodeo, which was taken out by New South Wales’ Rhys Angland.
In in his second year of Open Class competition, Collins fared well at the national finals, leading the saddle bronc competition after four rounds while also competing in the bull ride.
The 2011 Australian Professional Rodeo Association rookie champion in both the saddle bronc and bull ride has had plenty of experience in the sport, with his parents leading the way.
“I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid, and my mum and dad have always been involved in it,” he said.
Competing against cowboys up to twice his age in the open division is certainly no easy feat for Collins, who works as a farrier in Longlea, but he says heading off to such big tournaments is quite rewarding.
“Going up to the Gold Coast and that kind of thing is good, you see a fair bit of country and make heaps of friends along the way.”
One of the APRA rising stars, Collins has plans to go to America, possibly next year.
“I’m hopefully going over to the States next year to check out the circuit there, which would be really good,” he said.
“No plans have been made yet, but I’d love to get over there and learn from the best.”
Collins said there are several cowboys he looks up to in international competition including nine-time world champion Ty Murray, but his biggest role model is a former Australian champion.
“My biggest role model would be my dad, he was the one who got me involved and was great to watch growing up.”
If he can secure the sponsorships, a dream trip to the home of rodeo, the USA, could become a reality.
One day he may even be able to buck the trend of USA domination in the sport, and instead of forging horseshoes, forge a career in the sport he loves.