Sports Shorts August 5

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 | 05-Aug-2011 11.54

Braves split matches
THE Bendigo Braves remain on top of the SEABL East Conference ladder despite splitting its two games on the weekend.
The Braves defeated Ballarat 88-83 at home on Saturday, and went down to Knox 89-71 on Sunday.
The Braves host Albury Wodonga on Saturday night.

Lady Braves shine
IT was the turn of the Lady Braves to shine in the SEABL on the weekend.
The women defeated second-placed Dandenong 68-62 at Bendigo on the weekend.
This week they host Albury Wodonga on Saturday and then travel to play against first-placed Knox on Sunday.

Richards re-signs
STAR forward Gabrielle Richards has re-signed with the Bendigo Spirit for the 2011-12 WNBL season.
In her third year for the Spirit last season, Richards finished as the team’s third leading scorer and leading rebounder, averaging 10.5 points and 7.5 boards while shooting 54.5 per cent from the field.

Thunder still in it
THE Bendigo Thunder again came close to beating top of the ladder North Ballarat in their VWFL finals clash on the weekend.
The Thunder went down to the Eagles by seven points in the first semi final.
The Thunder was first to get on the scoreboard with a goal from Emma Grant, quickly followed with a second from Brea Hards.
From then, Ballarat controlled the play. Despite leading by five points at the first break, the Thunder did not capitalise on the wind advantage in the first quarter, while Ballarat made the most of it in the second quarter, scoring 2.5 and keeping the Thunder scoreless.
The Thunder was able to push back in the third quarter, keeping the Eagles scoreless and led into the final term by one point.
Despite having the wind advantage the Eagles were unable to capitalise on their shots at goal and scored only one major.
The Thunder, likewise, was unable to maximise on its inside 50s, scoring only points.
Final scores were – North Ballarat 4.11.35 to the Thunder – 4.4.28.
Thunder coach Russell Jeffrey said the team was now focussed on next week’s Preliminary Final against La Trobe.
“We have to take the loss today and learn from it,” he said.
“As always we had some great players, Elizabeth Waters is always outstanding in the back line and today she really stepped up.
“We now have to focus on this Sunday against La Trobe, we went down to them by just four points in round one and then came back and bet them by 14 points in round eight, but when it comes to finals, it really is a whole new ball game.
“La Trobe did well to take out Lalor, they will be keen to come out strong, we just need to play our game and capitalise on our strengths.”

Borough inspires
EAGLEHAWK jumped to second on the Bendigo Football Netball League’s Senior Football ladder, with a come-from-behind win against fellow top-four side Gisborne.
The Borough replaced Gisborne in second spot after a se-esawing game at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.
Gisborne held a three-goal advantage at quarter time, but a six-goal-to-one second term saw the Borough up by two goals at the half.
Three goals each in the third term gave Eaglehawk a 10-point lead going into the final term.
Eaglehawk kicked four goals to three in the final term to win 14.17.101 to 11.18.84.
In the only other game of the split round, South Bendigo downed Castlemaine 20.17.137 to 6.3.39.
This weekend, Eaglehawk takes on Castlemaine at Camp Reserve, South Bendigo plays Gisborne at Golden Square in the match of the round, Maryborough is at home to Kyneton, Sandhurst hosts Strathfieldsaye and Kangaroo Flat hosts Golden Square under lights from 6.30pm.

Ladder takes shape
THE Bendigo Football Netball League’s Senior Netball ladder is beginning to take shape, after some defining games on the weekend.
Third placed Gisborne accounted for fourth-placed Eaglehawk 57-40 in the first match of the split round on Saturday.
South Bendigo (44) easily accounted for Castlemaine (19) despite the two being next to each other on the ladder.
This week should be an easy week to pick winners, if games go according to plan.
Top-placed Golden Square take on Kangaroo Flat, Second-placed Sandhurst face Strathfieldsaye, third-placed Gisborne takes on South Bendigo and Eaglehawk travels to Castlemaine.