In full bloom
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.”
Vicki Harrington | Bendigo Weekly | 24-Nov-2011 3.58pm
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PEONY POWER: Peonies and ponies at Spring Hill. Photo: VICKI HARRINGTON
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Don’t worry about decking your halls with boughs of holly this festive season, it’s another of those traditions not relevant in our part of the world.
For a wonderful alternative, put a vase of gorgeous peonies on your hall table, I guarantee your guests will be gushing with comments.
Peonies with their large florid, rose-like, fragrant flowers are among the world’s oldest and most romantic garden plants. Originally from China, herbaceous peonies were exchanged by Chinese boys and girls as tokens of affection as early as the sixth century. The legend is possibly the reason they are still a popular choice for bridal bouquets.
Spring Hill Peony Farm was almost just another daffodil farm until owner Mac Barry’s grandmother, Josephine Jebor, suggested he grow peonies instead. The cool climate and rich volcanic soils of the Central Highlands suits them perfectly.
It was actually Josephine and Mac’s mother, Pam Barry, who chose the eight white and pale to deep pink varieties now in full bloom in the three acre peony paddock.
Mac and wife Nicky had to wait about five years for their plants to reach commercial quantities and this year’s cooler weather has been especially kind to both them and the flowers.
“The peonies only bloom for about a six-week period, depending on the temperature, so we have a very busy picking season,” Nicky said.
“Each peony stem is cut by hand, sorted, packaged and then kept in the cool room until they are loaded up on the weekends and taken to the farmers’ markets”.
“We go to all the regional and the bigger Melbourne farmer’s markets and we supply local and Melbourne florists direct.”
Nicky virtually puts her architectural practice on hold and employs a nanny for their four-year-old twins while Mac continues to commute between the farm and his Sydney workplace during picking.
They hire local helpers and backpackers to help with the early morning workload.
At the open days last weekend the paddock was buzzing with visitors wandering between the rows, enjoying the views and fragrance before meandering down the lane with armfuls of blooms.
This weekend will be the last open days for this year when you can visit and pick your own big bunch of beautiful peony blooms.
The Spring Hill Peony Farm is off the Malmsbury– Daylesford Road on Knights Lane.
Look for the signs. The paddock will be open on Saturday and Sunday from noon until about 5 pm.
– Vicki Harrington
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.”
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