Umpire? You be the judge

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 | 27-Sep-2012

STILL IN THE GAME: Emu Valley cricket umpires. Tony O’Connell and Alan Clements.

By JOEL PETERSON
The Emu Valley Cricket Association is looking for umpires for the upcoming 2012/2013 season.
The association currently has 14 umpires, but with 34 teams across the four divisions is searching for more to top up their numbers.
Games are held on a Saturday afternoon.
EVCA umpires secretary Alan Clements said anyone can get involved, as long as they have a passion for and knowledge of the game.
“Whether it be a retired player or someone who just loves their cricket and wants to be involved, we’d love to have some more umpires join us,” he said.
“We provide the training, you just need to have a passion for cricket and want to be involved in the game.”
Tony O’Connell, a fellow umpire, said it’s an enjoyable role.
“As someone who played cricket into my 40s, I really enjoy it, and the involvement in the game I still have,” he said.
“It’s a pretty thankless job, but the clubs and players certainly appreciate the work you do.”
Anyone interested in umpiring in the EVCA should contact Alan Clements on 5439 3134.