On the ball

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 | 27-Jan-2012

With the 35th annual Bendigo Junior Basketball Classic beginning on Thursday, the region will continue to be a shining light for the growth of basketball participation in the country, Bendigo Basketball Association president Mark Lennox said.

“The game has suffered nationally in the past, but it’s always been strong in Bendigo,” he said.
“This competition would have to be the biggest junior basketball event outside the metropolitan area.”
The championships have long been a breeding ground for future stars of the court, with the likes of Kristi Harrower and Kevin Probert having played in the past.
After fielding up to 220 teams at previous competitions, Lennox said this year’s number of 167 was the ideal amount, as teams come from all over Victoria to compete in age groups from Under 12 to 18.
Bendigo will be represented by 18 sides, with games to be played at the Bendigo Stadium, Flora Hill, Girton Grammar and Maiden Gully.
Under 12 Boys A, Under 18 Boys A and Under 18 Girls A, will defend their titles.
The event is expected to pump $2 million into the local economy.