THE City of Greater Bendigo will ask the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to make recommendations on  the future development of the Jackass Flat area.
Jackass Flat was identified as a new development area in the Bendigo Residential Development Strategy and a structure plan was completed to facilitate development.  
The strategy addressed issues including planned residential areas, the rehabilitation of creeks, water management, provision of services, road alignments and upgrades, the location of community facilities and open space.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr David Jones said the City prepared Amendment C102 to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to implement the Jackass Flat Structure Plan, however  22 submissions were received.
“The environment has emerged as a big issue and we expect it will be thoroughly discussed at the panel hearing,” he said.
“We will also be asking the minister to appoint an advisory committee to consider broader issues relating to vegetation protection in urban areas.”