Tram treat with blues
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.”
Steve Kendall | Bendigo Weekly | 21-Sep-2012
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right on track: Musician and driving force behind the Blues Tram, Julius Porlai.
»
Music fans can get on board an exciting new outlet for enjoying the tunes during the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival: the Blues Tram.
Two of Bendigo’s best attractions – its historic trams and fabulous local music talent – will combine from tomorrow with Talisa Jobe and Shannon Bourne providing the soundtrack for the Blues Tram’s debut voyage from 2pm.
The tram will roll through the streets of the city, taking a pit stop at the Joss House for dessert, before turning back towards the mine.
The man who came up with the idea, Julius Porlai, said the idea was borrowed from a festival great.
“Queenscliff has its blues train, and we have our blues tram,” he said.
Julius hung up his guitar in 1972, but has recently come on board the music scene again following retirement from work last year.
“I’m playing with Trouble in Mind, and we’re picking up a few gigs,” he said.
Festival director Colin Thompson said the Blues Trams were a new initiative for the festival and not to be missed.
“It combines up close and intimate live music with some of Bendigo’s best loved features,” he said.
‘These beautifully restored trams and the ride through our city centre offers a unique experience.’’
Colin said the festival had partnered with the Hotel Shamrock to bring the talents of Checkerboard, easily one of Australia’s best live blues acts, to perform in the evening in the Gold Dust Lounge, with Shannon Bourne to raise the curtain with a solo set from 9pm.
“This show will be something for the punters who miss out on obtaining Blues Tram tickets this time around to be able to enjoy nonetheless,” Colin said.
“It’s a free entry event and will be a great way to end a sensationally bluesy day.”
The Blues Trams will be back from the second night of the festival, Friday, November 9, through to Sunday, November 11.
Fans can enjoy a relaxed gourmet buffet meal before the tram’s departure from the Central Deborah Gold Mine from 7pm.
Tickets for tonight’s event are limited and can be bought from the Visitor Centre on 5434 6060 for $29.
Drinks will be available from festival partner Bendigo Beer before departure. Strictly no BYO.
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.”
