Train cops on track

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 | 22-Nov-2011

THE first intake of Protective Services Officers this week began their training at the Victoria Police Academy as part of the State Government’s plan to reduce crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in and around train stations.

The 21-strong team aged between and 19 and 57 are the first of 940 PSOs being deployed by Victoria Police to stations across Melbourne and major regional centres from 6pm until the last train.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan joined Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay to congratulate the recruits during an induction ceremony.

“PSOs will play a vital role protecting commuters on platforms, operating in concert with their Transit Police colleagues who provide safety and assistance on the trains,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the recruits were a diverse group with varied backgrounds and previous careers, including Australian Federal Police, retail, and hospitality but they all had one thing in common – wanting to make a difference on the rail network.

“As part of an extensive 12 week training program at the Victoria Police Academy, these PSOs will undertake the same Operational Tactics and Safety training as police, which includes the same firearms training and defensive skills training.

“They will also undergo the same rail safety training as their Transit Police colleagues.

“PSOs will also learn about the law, conflict resolution, dealing with vulnerable people, mental health and much more to ensure they are prepared for the rewarding, but challenging career ahead of them.”

Mr Ryan said after the recruits graduated from the academy they would be ready for further ‘on the job’ training in early 2012 under the direct supervision of Transit Police officers at Flinders Street, Southern Cross and City Loop rail stations.

“As PSO recruits continue to enter the academy and then graduate over the next three years, we will see PSOs at more and more stations across the metropolitan rail network and at major regional centres.

“With additional enforcement powers to other PSOs, those guarding train stations will be able to deal with criminal and anti-social behaviour to improve safety and community confidence.”