Sports Shorts May 6

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 | 06-May-2011 6.38

AGE IS NO BARRIER
PARALYMPIAN Noel Sens has once again proven age is no barrier to success by winning gold and silver at the 2011 Australian para cycling road championships in Queensland.
Sens, who captained the Australian paralympic cycling team at Sydney 2000, won the Australian time-trial title after conquering the gruelling 24-kilometre circuit at Caloundra in a time of 41 minutes 13 seconds.
He then backed up to win the road race which saw riders take to a stunning 74km route through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, including the Glasshouse Mountains. Sens completed the road race in a time of two hours, 11 minutes and eight seconds.
Sens then backed up for the Oceania para cycling championships the next weekend over the same courses, finishing second in the time trial to a much younger competitor from New Zealand and second in the road race to the Kiwis again.

AUSKICK KICKS OFF
Auskick is all about being active and having fun while improving sporting skills, co-ordination and social skills. It’s also a great way to get involved in AFL football.
The 2011 Auskick season will run for 10 weeks.
Local Auskick participants will have the opportunity to play at the MCG or Etihad Stadium during the year, as well as Auskick gala days to be played in Bendigo and much more.
Parents are welcome to take part in whatever way suits them – on and off the ground.
Auskick costs $60 per child, and this includes a pack of great stuff that participants will enjoy.
There are two age groups: Rookies for boys and girls in Prep - Year 3, and Pros, which is for boys and girls in Years 4, 5 and 6.
To register for this year’s program, go to www.aflauskick.com.au or just turn up to the sign-on day at a participating venue. Details are on the Auskick website or from Tony McNamara (at the Bendigo Pioneers) on 5444 4800.

THUNDER ROLLS ON
The Bendigo Thunder has again stormed home with a great win against Braybrook last weekend.
With a number of key players out, the Thunder still looked strong and led at every change to take home a convincing win against the Braybrook Bombers, by 75 points.
Thunder coach Russell Jeffrey said his players were continuing to improve each week as they learnt through experience more about the game.
Best players for Bendigo were Millie Hipwell, Jackie Simpkin, Kelly Mensforth, Hayley Trevean, Ali Lowe and Jessica Kennedy.
Bendigo are in third position on the VWFL North West conference ladder.
The next home game for the Thunder will be this Sunday, May 8, when they take on the Bell Post Hill Panthers at Dower Park, from 2pm.

TWILIGHT CARS
Bendigo Car Club is planning a huge day on Saturday with its annual Twilight Autocross event.
Eighty drivers from across the state will do battle at the Bagshot Motor Sports Complex in the day/night event.
Action gets underway from 1.30pm until late. Spectator entry is free and there is full catering on site.

STATE TITLES ON
Applications are now open for the North Central Netball Region State Titles teams. Bendigo hosted the event in 2010; the event now returns to the home of netball, the State Netball Hockey Centre, in October 2011.
The event usually attracts some of the best players in the state, as regions compete to be crowned State Titles champions.
North Central 15-and -unders won the title when it was last held in Melbourne back in 2009.
Coaches are asked to apply for the position of Open, 17-and-under and 15-and-under until close of business today (Friday). Enquiries can be directed to Nadine Holland. Application forms are available from Nadine or your league/association secretary.

ADMINISTRATORS WORKSHOP
VICSPORT and Sports Focus, invites female administrators to take part in a free professional development and networking workshop to be held on Sunday, May 15 in Bendigo.
Presented by vicsport Education Manager Max Binnington, the three-hour workshop will be held in an interactive environment, providing attendees with the opportunity to share stories and develop strategies focused on managing work-life balance.
The Female Administrators Network Bendigo workshop will be held on Sunday, May 15 from 10am-1pm, in the Federation Room, The Hotel Shamrock (cnr Williamson St and Pall Mall), Bendigo. The seminar is free and light refreshments will be provided.
For further information, visit www.vicsport.asn.au/Womens-Sport/FAN/