Mayor and CEO welcome Regional Growth Plan

Mayor and CEO welcome Regional Growth Plan

Mayor Cr Barry Lyons and Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann have welcomed the State Planning Minister Matthew Guy’s formal approval of the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan.

The Plan for the next 30 years was prepared by the State Government in consultation with the City of Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Mount Alexander Shire.

It caters for a regional population of up to 300,000 and identifies Bendigo as pivotal to the region’s success over the next three decades. For Greater Bendigo, the Plan provides for a population of between 150,000 and 200,000.

Mr Niemann, a member of the Project Steering Committee, said the Plan will reinforce the role of Bendigo as a regional city, offering a range of jobs and services as an alternative to Melbourne. The Plan states Bendigo’s population growth will require the provision of around 25,000 to 40,000 new jobs.

“The Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan looks at the important relationship between Melbourne and Bendigo, and between Bendigo, as a regional centre, and the many smaller communities in the region,” Mr Niemann said.  

“Bendigo will not only provide jobs and services for its growing population, but also continue to grow its role as the service and employment centre for the Loddon Mallee South region and adjoining regions.

“Key industries that could be expanded include the finance, health and education sectors, with links between them, public administration and safety, as well as manufacturing.”

Mayor Cr Barry Lyons said the Plan will help to shape future development in the region.

“The Plan will assist Council to plan for future growth to ensure that Greater Bendigo continues to be one of the best places to live and work in Australia,” Cr Lyons said.

Actions identified for Bendigo include:

• Prioritising the implementation of the Marong Plan and Marong Business Park development
• Supporting the development of the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy and associated land use recommendations
• Supporting the Bendigo Residential Strategy review, and resulting land use planning initiatives and changes
• Supporting the Bendigo Hospital precinct planning project, and housing and mixed use planning and development within the precinct
• Facilitating a student accommodation demonstration project in the city
• Enhancing economic activity, especially in the following locations:

-       Bendigo City Centre, including the Gillies and Crystal Ice sites

-       Bendigo railway station precinct

-       Bendigo Hospital precinct

-       La Trobe University precinct

-       Ulumbarra Theatre precinct

Regional actions include:

• Agreeing on a target for regional energy generation
• Supporting upgrades to the Bendigo Airport to improve access and infrastructure to support emergency services
• Supporting the National Broadband Network rollout
• Investigating extended public transport networks from towns in Bendigo’s hinterland to Bendigo City

For more information visit City of Greater Bendigo