Two locals in VCFL squad

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 | 10-Jul-2012

TWO Bendigo footballers will this weekend show their wares as a part of the VCFL under 19 representative side.

Eaglehawk’s Riley McIvor and Golden Square’s Hamish Morcom have been selected to the 24 man team to take on the VAFA U19 side this Sunday at Melbourne’s Elsternwick Park.

Eighteen year-old Morcom, originally from Ballarat, played in Bendigo’s 23 point interleague win over Gippsland on May 26, while McIvor, 19, played in last year’s BFNL Grand Final with the Two Blues.

Both wear the number four, and have quickly become important cogs in the machines of their respective clubs, Morcom playing a key role across half-back for the Bulldogs while the explosive McIvor has been a shining light in a dim season for Eaglehawk, starring in the midfield.

Morcom, who came from Ballarat to study occuptional therapy at La Trobe University, said he didn’t expect the selection the Under 19 side, or the BFNL Interleague side.

“It’s all been a bit of a surprise really, I came over thinking I’d just focus on my studies but I’m definitely happy to be in the side,” he said.

“You can learn a lot off the other guys in the team because they play in different conditions and they’re all obviously really great players.”