Bendigo's restaurants' winning ways

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.”

Anthony Radford | Bendigo Weekly | 09-Sep-2011 4.16pm

CHEF’s HAT: Whirrakee. Photo: VICKI HARRINGTON

The Bendigo food scene has fared well again in the newly released The Age Good Food Guide 2012.
For the second consecutive year, Whirrakee Restaurant achieved a much-coveted chef’s hat in the new guide.
The one hat category is awarded for restaurants achieving a score of 15 out of 20, and it denotes “consistently notable”.
The Dispensary Enoteca in Chancery Lane went up a notch this year to receive an impressive 14.5 out of 20, securing inclusion in the guide for its third year.
Bendigo’s Bouchon, GPO, Shelmerdine Cafe near Heathcote, Victorian Wine Room at Hotel Shamrock and Wine Bank on View were also well reviewed in the new guide.
Cafe au Lait, Coffee Business and Heathcote’s Whistler Cafe were included in the Country Coffee Trail; a section highlighting caffeine pit stops for travellers.
“This well-regarded guide and these great results will bring further attention to the Bendigo food scene,” executive manager of tourism at the City of Greater Bendigo Kathryn Mackenzie said.

“I congratulate the owners, chefs and staff at each of these local eateries. Your inspired work is being noticed in Bendigo and beyond.”

Still on the local food scene, the September Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market is on tomorrow between 9am and 1pm at the Pall Mall end of Williamson Street.
All the usual stall holders will be present including Maria from Goldfields Farmbaked Goodies who will showcase her specialty citrus cakes using fruit sourced from other stall holders or her own farm.
Saluté Oliva will have their 2011 Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sale. There is nothing better than really fresh extra virgin olive oil.
Send info about food events to foodfossickers@bendigoweekly.com.au.