Glenn sets sail

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.”

Ben Cameron | Bendigo Weekly | 06-Jan-2012

Photo: ANDREA FRANCOLINI

Bendigo sailing sensation Glenn Ashby, pictured, has got off to almost the perfect start in the A Division of the Catamaran Australian Championships, taking out the first two races on the nine-race card, on Tuesday.
On Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney, Ashby won the opening race in his 18-foot catamaran, then backed it with victory in the second, in windy conditions of up to 18 knots. Then on Wednesday he claimed a first and second placing, in “postcard” sailing conditions, then first again on Thursday.
Ashby, a member of Team New Zealand, has dusted off the cobwebs in fine style, as it’s been nine months since he’s sailed in A Class.
“It’s been a bit like riding a bike, I was a little rusty at the start,” Ashby said, who also took out the Invitational race on January 2.
Despite the event bringing together three current World Champions, as well as three former Olympic medallists, Ashby however, with seven A-Class World Championships to his name, was the favourite before the event began.