It’s showtime

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 | 24-Nov-2011 12.38pm

SSHOW OF NOTE: The Spring Gully primary school choir practises for the Christmas event. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN. More photos at www.bendigophotos.com

PREPARATIONS for the annual lighting of the Downtown Bendigo Christmas Tree in Rosalind Park on Friday, December 2 are well under way. Choirs are practising, entertainers lined up and Santa organised.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Rod Fyffe said the lighting of the tree is a special annual event for families throughout Bendigo to mark the countdown to Christmas.
“Construction of the Christmas tree will commence before the end of November in preparation for an evening of fun, entertainment and all things Christmas,” he said.
On December 2 the festivities will start at 6pm with roving entertainment throughout Rosalind Park and in Sidney Myer Place, and a range of carnival rides for the kids in support of the Bendigo Health Foundation.
Roving entertainment will be provided by local characters.
At 7.30pm there will be performances by Bendigo’s own Alana and Courtney Conway and the Bendigo Primary School Christmas Choir – a choir that has come together especially for this event.
“There will also be a very special visit from Santa which is sure to delight the young and the young at heart,” Cr Fyffe said.
As darkness falls at about 9pm the lights on the Bendigo Christmas tree will be switched on .
“It’s shaping up to be a very special night and I’m looking forward to kicking off the countdown to Christmas with local families and members of the community,” Cr Fyffe said.
“I encourage everyone to bring along a picnic and find a spot on the grass in Queen Victoria Gardens or Rosalind Park and enjoy this free family event.”