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A comprehensive review of the Bendigo Residential Strategy will be carried out with the help of a $50,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by the State Government.

The review has been planned because of Bendigo’s phenomenal growth.

The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Damian Drum, in Bendigo on behalf of the Regional Development Minister Peter Ryan.

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.

Mr Ryan said: “Of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031, about 40 per cent has 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.

“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,” Mr Ryan 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.”

Mr Drum 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.”

Victorian Government funding for the Bendigo Residential Strategy Review would be provided to Greater Bendigo City Council. The review was expected to be complete by the middle of next year.