DRAFT Plan Greater Bendigo - Discussion Paper

PLAN GREATER BENDIGO

For Greater Bendigo and the Loddon Campaspe Region
Acknowledgement of Country
The ancestors and descendants of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung are the traditional owners
of this Country.
The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges that they have been custodians for many centuries and
continue to perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal.
We all acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life of this region.

2 Plan Greater Bendigo

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Plan Greater Bendigo 3

Executive Summary - Why is this project so important
We have the opportunity now to plan for our future
short and long term infrastructure needs, to be
aspirational, to make bold choices and to advocate
for infrastructure which has the ability to transform the
future shape of the city and broader region. Through
careful planning and delivery, infrastructure will
increase liveability, create new jobs, making our city
an even better place to live in the future.
Population Growth
Over the last fifty years, the population of the City has
steadily increased and recently it has been growing
by about 1,500 people per year. Past trends are never
a precursor to the future, but it is unlikely that this
long sustained pattern will lose its momentum. In fact
the recent evidence is that it might be accelerating.
On the basis of this likely future scenario, Greater
Bendigo is undertaking the planning for a population
Greater Bendigo population growth over time
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
of 200,000 and an additional 40,000 dwellings. On
current trends we are expected to reach this milestone
by around 2050.
Housing Growth
To support a population of 200,000 we will need
an estimated additional 40,000 dwellings. A limited
amount of this population growth will occur in rural
areas and small townships, and it is important to
encourage growth in some of these areas. However
the majority of population growth will continue to occur
within the urban area of Bendigo and in limited areas
of an expanded urban footprint. In total we anticipate
that urban Bendigo will need to build an additional
34,000 dwellings in line with this population growth.
The urban area of Bendigo currently extends in a
series of corridors up to about 15 kilometres from the
city centre. This pattern of development is based on a
series of linear transport connections and is
constrained by large areas of forest, which surround
many parts of the urban area and limit areas for
growth and provide a bushfire risk and by constraints
such as flooding along creek lines. Outward
expansion of the Bendigo urban area in a series of
concentric rings which is a common pattern in many
regional centres has never been possible in Bendigo
and has led to some planned leap frog development
to places like Strathfieldsaye, Maiden Gully, Huntly
and Marong.
Taking all this into consideration Council has adopted
a compact city model which limits urban sprawl,
builds along transport corridors including rail and
promotes and supports the principle of 10 minute
neighbourhoods, locations where people can access
most of their daily needs within 10 minutes walking
and cycling of where they live. This builds on the
traditional pattern of urban Bendigo where suburban
development was built around a core of facilities
and services and is still found in communities like
Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat. Many
newer developed areas have lost this focus and have
become over-reliant on car usage to access most
daily needs.
Neighbourhoods that are able to access goods and
services without driving are especially important
for those persons who cannot drive for various
reasons, or who choose not to. To make these
neighbourhoods successful, there will also need to
be a variety of housing types to offer an alternative to
large more expensive dwellings which have become
the most likely to be built in outer neighbourhoods.
How Bendigo builds its future neighbourhoods will
be important in creating a more inclusive and fairer
society.

0
1961
City of census
Greater 1986
City of census
Greater 2011
City of census
Greater 2015
City ofestimated
Greater
residential population
Bendigo estimated Bendigo estimated Bendigo population Bendigo population
4 population 1961 population 1986 2011 census 2015 Greater
Plan estimatedBendigo
census census residential population
Executive Summary - Why is this project so important
Job creation
Greater Bendigo and the region have a diverse
and growing economy generating increased job
levels. The top five sectors that Greater Bendigo
residents are employed in are; health care and social
assistance, retail trade, construction, manufacturing,
and education and training.
Employment data from 2015 indicates there were
47,868 local jobs and 51,177 employed residents, a
respective 10 year increase of 7,000 local jobs and
9,000 employed residents. Putting this in perspective
to sustain a population of 200,000, there will need
to be around 36,000 more jobs created and 40,000
more employed residents. The economy is changing
the vast majority of new jobs in a modern economy
are generated by the servicing of peoples needs
health, education, retail and personal services.
Bendigos economy has grown substantially in recent
years based on these employment sectors. Traditional
manufacturing has needed less workers as new
processes have reduced the need for low skilled
positions. Bendigo has been fortunate that long term
investment in advanced manufacturing in specialist
industries has supported new high tech employment,
export oriented businesses and innovative enterprises
such as Thales, Keech Castings and the Australian
Turntable company.
To support this jobs growth, we will need significantly
more commercial and industrial floorspace. An
additional 232,000 square metres of commercial
floorspace alone is estimated to be required in Greater
Bendigo to 2031, much of this is expected to be
provided within the City Centre. Council has estimated
that the development of the Marong Business Park
will support about 3,500 to 4,000 new jobs with other
increased industrial type employment being focussed
in the East Bendigo industrial area and associated
with the upgraded capacity of the Bendigo airport and
the development of the associated business park.
The delivery of the right infrastructure in suitable
locations is important to help in generating new job
opportunities. This includes from the construction
phase through to its delivery and ongoing use.
Therefore, many of the projects proposed within Plan
Greater Bendigo are directly focused around growing
jobs and the economy.
However it is equally important that we ensure that we
have the right skills in place to support the jobs of the
future. Therefore there are also projects with a strong
focus on training and education at all levels.
Population, housing growth and
Infrastructure delivery
Population growth brings with it opportunities and
challenges. One of the many tasks associated in
planning for this growth is what sort of infrastructure
are we likely to need. If planned well infrastructure
delivery can lead to improved education outcomes,
increased employment, enhanced health and well-
being, and reduced crime, making its delivery and
suitable location so important.
Plan Greater Bendigo
Planning for new infrastructure
Planning for new infrastructure needs to take place
well in advance so that it is delivered in line with
population growth. This ranges from:
Securing parcels of land now for later future use;
Determining whether to rebuild an existing facility
or establish a second facility in a different location;
Planning for new and expanded schools,
community and recreation facilities;
Planning for and setting aside land for new jobs;
Planning for housing growth;
Investing in new roads, railway stations, and
walking and cycling infrastructure;
Managing waste;
Ensuring adequate water supplies.
How infrastructure delivery has shaped
Greater Bendigo
The delivery of infrastructure has the potential to help
shape the City. This can be seen by looking at just
some of the projects which have been delivered over
past two generations in and around Bendigo including:
Re-opening of the Elmore and Kangaroo Flat
Railway Stations and a new railway station at
Epsom;
Building the new Bendigo East link road;
Major upgrade of the Bendigo Airport;
Relocation and building the new Livestock
Exchange;
Establishment of the Flora Hill site which became a
campus of La Trobe University;
Construction of the Goldfields super pipe and
Sandhurst Reservoir;
A new library and a subsequent library upgrade;
5
Development of the Calder Alternative Highway to
bypass Bendigo;
Development of the OKeefe Rail Trail from Bendigo
to Heathcote;
Two major developments of the Bendigo Art Gallery;
Major upgrades of Bendigos two hospitals;
Designation of extensive National Parks across
urban and rural areas;
Redevelopment of the Bendigo Botanical Gardens
at White Hills;
Numerous school redevelopments and new schools;
Establishment of the Bendigo Senior Secondary
College;
Ulumbarra Theatre redevelopment of the former
Gaol;
Private school development including Girton and
Marist Brothers;
Acquisition of the Masonic Lodge for a regional
performing arts centre - The Capital;
Development of a number of suburban shopping
centres;
West Bendigo Stadium development;
Development and redevelopment of the Bendigo
Tennis Centre;
Duplication of the Calder Highway.
Plan Greater Bendigo
With this in mind the City of Greater Bendigo has
partnered with the Victorian Planning Authority to
deliver Plan Greater Bendigo. Through Plan Greater
Bendigo we will determine the key public infrastructure
projects needed to support a population of 200,000
and a regional population of 300,000. Plan Greater
Bendigo will provide a comprehensive examination of
6 Plan Greater Bendigo
the type, timing and location of the infrastructure and
services the City will need.
Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan
Plan Greater Bendigo is the first step in implementing
the Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan
(LCRGP). The LCRGP encompasses the six
municipalities of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central
Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount
Alexander. The LCRGP is the strategic land use plan
for the region and provides future directions around
improving infrastructure. This includes directing
growth to areas with good infrastructure, maximising
and protecting existing infrastructure, regional
connectivity (including transport), protection of water
quality and quantity, waste management and recovery.
Regional Partnerships
Nine regional partnerships were established across
the state in the second half of 2016 to give regional
communities a greater say and to build stronger
connections with government.
The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership includes
high level representatives from business, education
and the community sector, as well as the six CEOs
from the Loddon Campaspe Regional Councils.
On the agenda of the Loddon Campaspe Regional
Partnership includes improving health and educational
outcomes, embracing cultural diversity, helping to
create jobs and supporting farmers to deal with the
impacts of climate change.
Plan Greater Bendigo will complement the work
being undertaken by the Loddon Campaspe
Regional Partnership by helping to drive big picture
infrastructure projects of benefit to Bendigo and the
region more widely.
Implementation of existing strategies
We are not looking at preparing another land use
plan. Plan Greater Bendigo is being conducted within
the context that the City has already adopted major
strategies after extensive community engagement
which set the framework of Greater Bendigos future
development and the core transport infrastructure
required to support this. This includes the Connecting
Greater Bendigo Integrated Transport and Land Use
Strategy (ITLUS) and the Greater Bendigo Residential
Strategy.
Delivering Plan Greater Bendigo
Plan Greater Bendigo is a deliberate approach to
gain support across all agencies, stakeholders and
the community as to an agreed set of infrastructure
projects of greatest benefit to Greater Bendigo and the
region to meet our short and long term needs.
The process of preparing Plan Greater Bendigo is
deliberatively systematic, consultative and considered.
It will enable everyone a chance to have their say
before settling on a final list of up to 15 projects.
Council will then be able to assert that it has a priority
list of projects to advocate for and to attract investment.
Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion
Paper
This is why as a first step Council has prepared this draft
Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper. We put forward
a proposed list of 70 projects for community comment
and input (including transformational and major
projects). We are not saying through this discussion
paper that all of these projects will make it to the core list
and some are not likely to deliver the greatest outcomes
for Bendigo. However we are seeking input on these
ideas and feedback from the community as to what they
consider to be their top projects. This feedback will be
reported back to agencies and council and used to help Blue Transport that builds connections
in refining projects.
Orange A Fairer, Inclusive, Safer and
Reading the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Healthier Community
Discussion Paper
Of the 70 projects put forward as part of the draft Green Becoming More Environmentally
Discussion Paper, there are 24 projects which are Resilient
considered to be transformational. These projects if
delivered will have very significant benefits for the city
Brown Working Towards a Smarter City
and the region and in some cases will lead to Greater
Bendigo functioning and developing in a particular
way such that it will influence the future development Purple Building 10 Minute Neighbourhoods
of the region and the lives of many people. For
example the roll out and delivery of the Bendigo Metro Red Growing Jobs, Tourism and Investment
Rail project will fundamentally shape the urban form of
the Bendigo area and reinforce activity centres around
railway stations and encourage housing with great Grey Privately led projects
access to these transport nodes.
Transformational projects are listed in alphabetical
order at the start of the draft Discussion Paper.
The remaining 46 projects are still assessed as
major projects which will provide substantial benefits
to Greater Bendigo and the region but may be on a
smaller scale or more location specific. These projects
have again been listed in alphabetical order. To show
the broad range of projects, we have colour coded
projects according to theme (further detail on page 15)
as follows:

Plan Greater Bendigo 7

Plan Greater Bendigo
What is Plan Greater Bendigo?
Plan Greater Bendigo is an aspirational first of its
kind initiative directed at ensuring we collaboratively
plan and provide the infrastructure needed to
meet a growing regional population in a timely and
coordinated manner. This is a joint project with
the City of Greater Bendigo (the City), working in
collaboration with the Victorian Planning Authority
(VPA), and the regional office of the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Plan Greater Bendigo in its final form will clearly
outline (up to) 15 top infrastructure projects required in
Greater Bendigo and the broader Loddon Campaspe
Region. Timely delivery of these projects will be
essential in supporting employment, population and
housing growth over a 30 year timeframe and helping
to drive investment.
Plan Greater Bendigo will consider projects across
State Government agencies, the City, stakeholders
and the community. Consideration will be given to the
inclusion of a mix of projects for urban Bendigo, rural
areas and small townships, and the broader Loddon
Campaspe Region.
Importantly, Plan Greater Bendigo will not be another
strategy or planning document. What Plan Greater
Bendigo will do is provide a set of clear steps, timing
and location for how to implement relevant priority
projects from existing strategies.
The priorities of Plan Greater Bendigo will be
determined by taking into consideration feedback from
State Government agencies, internal departments
within the City, stakeholders, the community and the
other regional Councils. Projects will also be assessed
using the questions on page 31 to help in quantifying
the merits of one project or another.
Plan Greater Bendigo is the first stage of
implementing the Loddon Mallee South Regional
8 Plan Greater Bendigo
Growth Plan (now referred to as the Loddon and getting infrastructure to drive the desired urban
Campaspe Regional Growth Plan) which is a form are rare.
strategic framework plan for the region. It includes the
Plan Greater Bendigo presents an opportunity for all
municipalities of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central
agencies, the City and stakeholders to work together
Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount
on an agreed set of projects to benefit the City and
Alexander (more detail is provided in Appendix 1).
region building collaborative partnerships along the
way.
Why are we preparing Plan Greater
Bendigo? Having been developed through direct engagement
with relevant agencies, stakeholders, other regional
Plan Greater Bendigo will be a strong statement Councils, and the community, Plan Greater Bendigo
by a regional City to effectively plan for its future will be a strong advocacy tool for the 2018 State
population. It will be a step towards the Citys vision budget and beyond. With a clearer picture as to
of becoming Australias most liveable regional city what infrastructure is planned, where and when,
and support the region in growing sustainably into the Plan Greater Bendigo will help drive private sector
future. investment both within Greater Bendigo and the
The City is experiencing a sustained annual Loddon Campaspe region more broadly.
population growth of around 1.6 per cent, resulting
in around 900 new dwellings each year and 1,500
new residents. Continuing at this growth rate will
mean a population of 200,000 by around 2050, and
40,000 more dwellings. Regionally with an expected
population growth of 1.3 per cent, this will mean a
further 100,000 residents, making the total regional
population over 300,000.
With a strong economy and assured population
growth, the City has moved into an era where
critical future projects and infrastructure needs can
be identified and planned for. But like any regional
city, where these rely upon funding support from a
high level, the capacity to deliver them in a timely
manner and at the right location is problematic. Most
regional cities have a list of priorities but they rarely
match what individual departments and agencies
have listed as they separately work through their own
sets of priorities. Land required for future needs is
often not acquired in a timely manner nor sequenced
with development pressures. Bold ideas to address
infrastructure shortfalls let alone anticipating growth
What is the purpose of the draft Plan
Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper
and why are we consulting with the
community?
The draft Discussion Paper outlines a number of
potential infrastructure projects, providing a brief
overview of each. The purpose of the draft Discussion
Paper is to help in generating ideas and conversation
around the infrastructure needed to support population
and housing growth, and changing demographics in
the City and Loddon Campaspe Region over a 30
year period.
As well as providing an overview of each project,
the draft Discussion paper also provides an outline
of a series of six themes These are Transport that
Builds Connections; a Fairer, Inclusive and Healthier
Community; Becoming more Environmentally
Sustainable; Working towards a Smarter City; Building
10 Minute Neighbourhoods and Growing, Jobs,
Tourism and Investment. These themes provide
context to help better understand the broad range of
issues which need to be considered and to assist in
determining the priority projects. For greater detail on
the existing context, future growth expectations and
key strategic work completed to date refer to Appendix
1 of this draft Discussion Paper.
A range of infrastructure projects that are needed
to support the Citys growth for the next 30 years,
in areas such as housing, jobs growth, transport,
community, health and wellbeing, and the environment
have been included. These projects may be site
specific such as the implementation of the Rosalind
Park Precinct Master Plan or may be municipal or
regional wide for example the implementation of the
Bendigo Metro Rail Project. Projects may be partly
implemented but may require funding for the next
stage such as the Botanical Gardens Master Plan
or the Bendigo Airport. Some projects will be ready
to commence implementation such as the Marong
Business Park or may be currently only ideas such as
a Regional Wetland.
Importantly the Discussion Paper does not prioritise
projects or consider in detail the merits of each
individual project. However the draft Discussion
Paper does list the most significant 24 projects as
Transformational Projects and the remaining 46 as
Major Projects (4 of these projects are listed under
privately led projects).The purpose of the Discussion
Paper is to obtain community, agency and stakeholder
feedback on each project and to identify if there
are further infrastructure projects which should be
considered.
Following consultation on this draft Discussion
Paper, it is likely that there will be certain projects
which for various reasons may not be worth further
pursuing. However, it is likely there will still be a large
number of projects with merit, which will require more
detailed investigation and discussions with various
stakeholders. There is also likely to be additional
relevant projects which will be identified as a result of
community consultation.
The next stage in the process will be refining these
projects to ascertain the top infrastructure projects
needed to support a growing population. There are
projects which have strong synergies and may be
webpage, Bendigo.vic.gov.au/plangreaterbendigo
grouped as part of the process, but the aim is to get
the top (up to) 15 projects.
Priority will be given to projects which will be
transformational if delivered, will have the greatest
benefit to the Greater Bendigo and the region,
will support economic and population growth, will
maximise existing infrastructure and will help to create
a more inclusive community.
Plan Greater Bendigo
Providing feedback
We welcome all feedback to this draft Discussion
Paper.
The draft Discussion Paper highlights 70
infrastructure projects of potential benefit to
Greater Bendigo and the region over the next
30 years. We are looking for the community to
prioritise which projects are important to them.
With that in mind:
What do you consider to be the 5 most
important?
What do you consider to be the 5 least
important?
Are you happy with the themes and directions
(outlined on page 15) selected for grouping
projects? Yes/No if no please provide
feedback as to what you think is missing and/
or what changes you would like to make
Do you think there are other important
infrastructure projects not listed here? Yes/
No if yes please provide as much detail as
possible.
Do you have any further comments about
Plan Greater Bendigo or the draft Discussion
Paper?
Feedback can be provided through the online
survey available through the Plan Greater Bendigo
Written submissions are also welcome and should
be addressed to strategyunit@bendigo.vic.gov.
au or via post to Strategy Unit, 195-229 Lyttleton
Terrace, Bendigo, 3550.
Engagement on this Discussion Paper will close
on Friday 28 April, 2017. The consultation period
has been extended to six weeks to account for the
Public Holidays over Easter.
9
Figure 1 - Map of Bendigo and Loddon Campaspe Region in Victoria

Campaspe
Loddon

Bendigo
Central
Goldfields Mount Alexander

Macedon Ranges

Melbourne

10 Plan Greater Bendigo

Content
Introduction 12
Transport that builds connections 16
A fairer, inclusive and healthier community 19
Becoming more environmentally resilient 22
Working towards a Smarter City 26
Building 10 minute neighbourhoods 28
Growing Jobs, Tourism and Investment 30
Rating of Projects 31
Providing Feedback 31
Transformational Projects 32

Major Projects 58

Privately Led 102

Other ideas for Projects 108
References 109
Appendix 1 Background, Existing Strategies and Future Growth 110
Existing Context 111
Recent Strategic Work 114
Recent Strategic Work 115
Future Growth 120

Plan Greater Bendigo 11

Introduction
Overview sporting facilities, roads, cycling and walking paths,
and more employment and businesses. Now is
On the 20 July 2016, the Minister for Planning, The the time to plan for this population growth. This
Hon Richard Wynne, announced funding support may include setting land aside for new services or
for Plan Bendigo as the first stage of implementing upgrading roads with new cycle paths for anticipated
the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan. greater future use. This is the premise of Plan Greater
This Plan encompasses the municipalities of Greater Bendigo.
Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon, Central Goldfields
and Mount Alexander. The subsequent inclusion of The objectives of Plan Greater Bendigo are closely
Campaspe Shire in the Plan means it is now referred aligned with the interests of the Loddon Campaspe
to as the Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan. Regional Partnership. The Regional Partnership is an
important conduit through which our regions priorities
The LCRGP is the strategic land use plan for the are conveyed to State Government. While Plan
region to guide sustainable growth and change for Greater Bendigo is primarily focused on Bendigo and
the next 30 years. It identifies the importance of urban its immediate surrounds, the broader region benefits
Bendigo in driving investment and economic growth in from having a vibrant and forward-looking regional
the region more broadly. capital. The Shires surrounding Bendigo house a good
The LCRGP sets out an aspirational target of 200,000 part of our workforce, are frequent visitors and benefit
people in the City and 300,000 people in the region by from the services available from a larger city.
2041. These are aspirational targets and it is not likely The City has since received funding support from
that these population figures will be reached within the State Government via the VPA to prepare Plan
this time period. However, what is clear is that both Greater Bendigo. Plan Greater Bendigo is being
the City and region on a whole are growing. The City prepared by the City in conjunction with the VPA, and
has been experiencing a sustained population growth the Regional Office of DELWP.
of 1.6 per cent per annum and there is no sign of
this slowing and the region 1.3 per cent. Realistically
it could be expected that the population will reach
200,000 and the region 300,000 sometime in early
2050.
With the population of the City being currently around
108,000, this is an almost doubling of the population
over the next 30 years, with the majority of this
growth, around 75,000 people to be accommodated
within the urban area of Bendigo. Put another way
this will create the need for around 33,000 dwellings
within the Urban Area, with another 7,000 across the
smaller townships and rural areas. A doubling of the
population will create vastly different infrastructure
requirements, including a need for new schools,

12 Plan Greater Bendigo

Overarching principles
While there are a number of themes and directions for
Plan Greater Bendigo, which are outlined further (from
page15) in this draft Discussion Paper, there are the
two overarching principles. These are
1. Inclusive growth; and
2. Maximising existing infrastructure.
Addressing these principles will be essential to the
future sustainable and more equitable growth of the
region.
1. Inclusive growth
We have an opportunity through Plan Greater
Bendigo to deliver infrastructure that will help to
address disadvantage by better enabling all residents
regardless of age, ability or circumstance, the means
and opportunity to fully participate in the workforce
and community.
Both Greater Bendigo and the Loddon Campaspe
region more broadly have areas of significant
entrenched disadvantage, with many residents having
below average incomes coupled with lower levels of
education. With a growing population and rising house
and rental prices, there is the potential for a growing
inequality gap.
2. Maximising existing infrastructure
Government policy at all levels in recent years has
strongly focused on the need to maximise existing
infrastructure. This has benefits for a variety of
economic, social and environmental reasons. These
include:
Economically - it is estimated that infrastructure
provision for infill development can be between
two and four times less expensive than delivery
to Greenfield lots (SGS Economics and Planning,
2016). Infill development also promotes more
services and businesses to open up in these Overall Approach
areas with a larger population to service them.
This draft Discussion Paper has been informed by:
Socially - maximising existing infrastructure
enables individuals to better access services and Background research undertaken as part of
employment without needing a private vehicle. previous studies including the adopted Residential
Strategy, Housing Strategy, Connecting Greater
Environmentally - lessening the need to travel Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land
helps in reducing an individuals carbon footprint. Use Strategy, Commercial Land and Activity
It also helps to protect the natural environment Centre Strategy and various State Government
from people and people from the natural strategies.
environment, with increased risks of bushfire and
flooding in many of the outer and less established A Government Agency workshop held on Tuesday
areas of Bendigo. 6 December.
The focus therefore should be on facilitating Discussions between the City, VPA and DELWP.
development which meets 10 minute neighbourhood Input from other Loddon Campaspe Regional
principles. 10 minute neighbourhoods are Councils.
neighbourhoods where most services and facilities
Input by various internal Council departments.
are accessible within 10 minutes walking or cycling
distance of home. This concept has been introduced Individual discussions with various government
and embedded within a number of adopted Council agencies.
Strategies in recent years including the Connecting
Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land
Use Strategy, Residential Strategy and Housing
Strategy. These principles have now been included
within Councils Municipal Strategic Statement which
provides the key strategic planning, land use and
development objectives for the municipality within the
Planning Scheme.
Plan Greater Bendigo 13
Governance
Three groups have been established to provide
advice and input to ensure the smooth and timely
delivery of Plan Greater Bendigo. These include a
Steering Committee, Technical Reference Group
and Working Group. A summary of how these
groups fit together is provided in figure 2, with an
overview of each group as follows:
The Steering Committee provides the high level
be responsible for confirming infrastructure Figure 3 Key dates for Plan Greater Bendigo
projects, a commitment to delivery and timing
for delivery. The Technical Reference Group
comprises of various State Government
Agencies and stakeholders including the Nov 2016
Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Business Council, Project
Urban Development Institute of Australia, Commencement
La Trobe, Bendigo Kangan Institute and the Nov 2016 - Feb 2017
Bendigo Sustainability Group. Prepare draft
A Working Group comprising representatives
discussion paper

guidance and direction to the Project Working from the VPA, DELWP and the City has been
Group. The Steering Committee is chaired by established to ensure the smooth day-to-day
the City of Greater Bendigo Mayor and includes running of the project. Mar 2017
representatives from the City, VPA, Regional
Development Victoria (RDV), Department of Council meeting to
Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and
Timeline endorse draft
discussion paper Apr 2017
Resources (DEDJTR) and DELWP. This project is to be completed by January 2018. for consultation
A summary of the key stages in the process is Consultation on draft
A Technical Reference Group has been Discussion Paper
provided in figure 3.
established to provide specialist technical input
into various project elements, as required, and

Figure 2 Diagram showing the Governance arrangements for Plan Greater Bendigo May - Aug 2017

Prepare framework
plan incorporating Sep 2017
Loddon Campaspe CoGB Council relevant feedback
Councils received during Council meeting
consultation to endorse draft
Plan Greater
Bendigo

Steering
Community
Committtee Sep - Oct 2017

Consultation draft Jan 2018

Plan Greater
Bendigo Update following
consultation -
Working Group Technical Reference Government Departments Council meeting to adopt
Group and Agencies Plan Greater Bendigo
and commence
implementation

14 Plan Greater Bendigo

Themes and Directions
that Guide Plan Greater
Bendigo
PLAN GREATER BENDIGO
Six themes and 25 directions
have been established for
INFRASTRUCTURE THAT BUILDS LIVEABILITY
Plan Greater Bendigo across DETERMINING KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR A POPULATION OF 200,000
a range of areas. Each
project identified in the draft
Discussion Paper has been
matched to a theme ensuring
a wide variety of projects.
Consideration has also been
given to the need to ensure
a mix of projects relevant to
the urban, rural areas and the
broader Loddon Campaspe
Region.
The following section expands
on the Plan Greater Bendigo TRANSPORT THAT A FAIRER, INCLUSIVE, BECOMING MORE WORKING BUILDING 10 GROWING JOBS,
themes and why they have BUILDS SAFER AND HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTALLY TOWARDS A MINUTE TOURISM AND
been selected. CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY RESILIENT SMARTER CITY NEIGHBOURHOODS INVESTMENT
Better connecting urban Improving wellbeing Adapting to the Supporting innovation, Maximising existing Supporting local
and rural communities through preventative impacts of climate new business and infrastructure businesses to reach
health and early change emerging technologies their potential
Improving access and intervention Facilitating
frequency of public Planning for the long Fostering new ideas development on Providing adequate
transport Improving access and term security and and smarter ways of strategic sites commercial and
quality of open space supply of energy and doing things industrial land supply
Creating a network of water Restoring and utilising
walking and cycling paths Building community Attracting skills and heritage assets Facilitating commercial
connections through Reducing out waste knowledge capital and industrial
Enabling all individuals arts, culture and sport and maximising Providing a diversity of development
regardless of ability to resource recovery Planning for housing including Attracting more
move through the city educational facilities aordable housing visitors
Supporting healthy to meet future needs
ecosystems and making education Improving Improving the
more accessible telecommunication regulatory
Supporting local food access in rural areas environment for
production business

Plan Greater Bendigo 15

Transport that builds connections
Population growth will become an issue if people Rail Figure 4 Diagram of proposed
cannot easily move around the city. Regional Rail Network
There has been a significant investment in
While the majority of residents continue to undertake recent years in Bendigo Metro Rail. The State SWAN HILL
all or most of their travel by car over other forms of Government has produced a Bendigo Metro Rail
transport where possible, there will be increasing Recommendations Report. The aspiration within this
congestion. Realistically some residents will need report is for 20 minute peak and 40 minute inter peak KERANG ECHUCA

to continue to drive to destinations for a variety of services to and from Bendigo, Epsom, Eaglehawk ROCHESTER

reasons and some destinations will continue to be and Kangaroo Flat. There is a further commitment in PYRAMID HILL
ELMORE

much more accessible by car. However, if through Connecting Regional Victoria Victorias Regional GOORNONG

improving infrastructure and connections there is an

M
Network Development Plan and $15.8 million in the

AR
DINGEE

O
N
G
increase in the proportion of residents choosing active

BU
2016-17, budget towards upgrades to the Bendigo

BR

M
RAYWOOD

SI

AI
IN

ID

D
G
HUNTLY

ES
G

EN
M
LE

EW
transport, this will reduce congestion as the population

AR
and Eaglehawk Train Station.

G
W

PA
AT

U
O
O

LL
R

N
ER
O

G
D

Y
EPSOM

grows, as well as improving health outcomes. There EAGLEHAWK

Currently over 1,200 commuters board or arrive at

WHITE HILLS
NORTH BENDIGO
are also substantial financial costs estimated to be (Showgrounds)

Bendigo each day. During the morning peak (between

BENDIGO

upwards of $130 per week for a light car. GOLDEN SQUARE

8 and 10am) over 300 passengers arrive and a further KANGAROO FLAT

The City has an adopted Connecting Greater 200 board in Bendigo mostly due to school and
KANGAROO FLAT SOUTH
(Lansell Square)
HARCOURT

Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy university students. CASTLEMAINE

(ITLUS) which identifies the importance of planning for

transport improvements at the same time as improving Commensurate with population increases and to
land use outcomes. Key objectives within this strategy improve access and connections ITLUS advocates for MALMSBURY

include reducing the reliance on cars by improving new stations at Huntly, Lansell Square, Maiden Gully KYNETON

access and public transport connections and walking and Marong, with the reopening of Golden Square
and cycling paths, maximising existing infrastructure Station. WOODEND

MACEDON

and building connections between regional towns. To improve regional connections it also identifies GISBORNE
EXISTING AND PROPOSED
REGIONAL PASSENGER
ITLUS identifies the need for improvements across the the potential to reopen a number of stations in rural RIDDELLS CREEK
RAIL NETWORK
various modes of transport to help in more effectively townships including Goornong, Raywood, Harcourt, CLARKFIELD
INTERCHANGE STATION

moving people and goods in and through the city. Bridgewater and Inglewood, as shown in figure 4. SUNBURY OPEN STATION

PROPOSED STATION

At a regional level, the Loddon Campaspe Integrated MELBOURNE AIRPORT

FUTURE RAIL

Transport Strategy identifies the need for both SOUTHERN CROSS

REINSTATE FORMER STATION

GOLDFIELDS METRO RAIL

investment in capacity improvements on the Bendigo,
Swan Hill and Echuca rail lines and increased rail
services. It also identifies investigating opportunities
to reopen closed stations and new stations such as at
Harcourt.

16 Plan Greater Bendigo

Buses Figure 5 Proposed bus routes hierarchy and activity centres
ITLUS establishes a bus frequency hierarchy ranging
from primary routes (10 minutes peak/20 minute off
peak) from activity centres to the city centre through to
bus routes which serve local access needs (20 minute
peak/30 minute off peak).
There are opportunities to expand the bus network
to better service rural townships including between
Heathcote and urban Bendigo, with services to
Axedale and Junortoun. The need for bus services to
these areas was also identified in Victorias 30-year
Infrastructure Strategy.

Freight
The City is currently undertaking a Bendigo Freight
Study to gain a more thorough understanding of how
goods are being moved around and where there are
gaps. This Freight Study is due for release in mid-
2017.
The Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy
identifies the potential for freight hubs and the need
to undertake a freight hub study in the Loddon
Campaspe Region.

Primary bus route

Secondary bus route
Specialiast bus route
Distributer bus route
0

Kilometres
4
Activity Centre

Source: Connecting Greater Bendigo Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy

Plan Greater Bendigo 17

Cycling and Walking Paths With a growing population, there are clear Figure 6 - On and off road cycling paths
opportunities to increase the numbers of residents
choosing cycling or walking as their main transport

89%
mode of choice. If there was as small as a two per
cent increase in workers arriving in the city by walking

58%
or cycling this would lead to 700 fewer cars on the
road reducing congestion particularly around peak
times.
Within the City Centre itself many streets are currently
within 1 km of within 3 km of not pedestrian friendly with cars being prioritised
a primary school a primary school and travelling 50-60km per hour. This discourages
residents and visitors from walking into and spending
Source: Community transport discussions in developing time within the City Centre.

3/4 P.S. 7%
are driven want to be driven

Source: Connecting Greater Bendigo Integrated Transport

and Land Use Strategy
Across the City, in 2011, only four per cent of working Source: Connecting Greater Bendigo Integrated Transport
residents walked or cycled to work. However there and Land Use Strategy
are significant differences across the city with ranging
from 17 per cent in Bendigo, through to less than one 0

Kilometres
4

per cent in Huntly.

While proximity to work would attribute in a large part
to this difference, there are a number of identified
gaps in both the on and off road walking cycling paths
across the urban area of Bendigo as shown in figure
6. Gaps in the existing cycling network discourage
many residents from riding, as there is a need to enter
busy roads and intersections in a number of locations.

18 Plan Greater Bendigo

A fairer, inclusive and healthier community
Currently there are significant levels of disadvantage
in both the City and region. This is clearly
demonstrated by mapping SEIFA index (Socio-
Economic Indicators for Areas) to show comparisons
between municipalities and small areas. This index
uses a variety of indicators to measure disadvantage,
with a lower score indicating a higher the level of
disadvantage (figures 7 and 8).
Figure 7 SEIFA data for Victoria
If not managed well a growing population has the to travel into and around the city and
potential to lead to greater inequality, this includes beyond without needing to own a car.
through rising house and rental prices, particularly in
The following section outlines some of the key issues
areas often close to services and amenities.
which will need to be considered in planning for a
An important opportunity through Plan Greater more inclusive population in the future.
Bendigo is to use the delivery of infrastructure as a
means to better enabling all individuals the opportunity
to fully participate in the community. This includes
being able to access education, useable public space
and facilities for recreation, and being able
Figure 8 SEIFA data for Greater Bendigo
SEIFA SCORE

600 to 930
930 to 980
Drummartin
1,078 to 1,114
980 to 1,000
1,000 to 1,050

1,040 to 1,078 1,050 to 1,120

Kamarooka
Elmore
No data
1,002 to 1,040
964 to 1,002 Raywood

926 to 964 Neilborough

888 to 926 Sebastian

Goornong

Woodvale

Myers Flat Fosterville

Loddon Campaspe Marong

Longlea
Junortoun Axedale

Lockwood
Mandurang Knowsley
Eppalock

Central Goldfields Gr. Bendigo Lockwood South Mandurang South

Costerfield
Sedgwick

Ravenswood
Heathcote

Mt. Alexander Macedon Ranges

Mia Mia

Redesdale
0 12.00

kilometres

Source: ABS 2011 Census

Source: ABS 2011 Census

Plan Greater Bendigo 19
Rural communities
The rural communities within Greater Bendigo are
home to around 15,000 people, or close to 15 per
cent of the Greater Bendigos population. However
consultation as part of Councils adopted Rural
Communities Strategy indicated that people living
in rural communities often feel overlooked and
undervalued by urban Bendigo.
This includes the impact that weather events like
drought and a loss of services, can have on a rural
communities. Conversely there is limited appreciation
as to how the assets of rural communities add to the
liveability of the whole city.
One of the ongoing issues in rural communities is
access to mobile phone and internet coverage. This is
essential not only for personal and social contact but
also for business and emergency reasons. Residents
in rural communities consider that a lack of coverage
is impeding jobs and investment in rural areas.
Other common issues across communities include
the need for jobs particularly for young people, a
Elmore Main Street
20
high quality road network, better public transport, Food security
community facilities and maximising tourism potential.
With poor health being a significant
However in spite of a commonality in some issues, issue in the community, the ability of all individuals
importantly each community is distinct with specific to be able to easily access healthy food is essential.
issues and should be viewed as such. Particular Choosing locally grown, unprocessed food also
towns expressed concerns around sewer and supports the local economy and is beneficial for the
water expansion, illegal dwellings, traffic through environment.
main streets, facilitating more development and
maintenance of community facilities. In spite of Bendigo being well placed overall in
having access to fresh food, including through
Farmers Markets, green grocers and supermarkets,
Health and wellbeing food security is an important ongoing issue in the
Many residents in the City experience poor health, community.
with more than one quarter (26.6 per cent) of the
population classified as obese. This is almost eight
per cent higher than the figure for Victoria (18.8 per
cent) (Victorian Population Health Survey, 2014).
There are high personal and economic costs
associated with obesity and government has a role
in tackling this significant issue. This includes by
planning healthy environments that encourage healthy
living including the provision of shops, schools,
footpaths and cycle paths and sporting facilities and
creating safe environments which encourage use of
these facilities (House of Representatives Standing
Sports facilities and play spaces
Committee on Health and Ageing, 2009).
The City directly manages 34 community sporting
With an ageing population there is likely to be a
facilities, with 57 sports fields. This does not include a
higher prevalence of people with a disability in the
number of sports grounds on school sites or those on
future. In rural and regional Victoria and in Greater
State Government land.
Bendigo alone it is expected that one in five people
will have a disability by 2021 (City of Greater Bendigo, Due to lighting infrastructure, the City managed sport
2015). In consultation for the City of Greater Bendigo fields across the city are at capacity during winter
Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018, a and therefore the use of these sports fields during
number of issues related to infrastructure were raised the winter season is limited to clubs based within the
including the accessibility of footpaths, better transport City. This means that some teams whose players
links and accessible access to buildings. may be predominantly from Bendigo, including
Dunolly, Wycheproof and Pyramid Hill cannot be
accommodated on the Citys sports fields.
Plan Greater Bendigo
During summer, without lighting requirements, there is There were over 570,000 visitors to the
some capacity across sporting grounds. Bendigo Library in 2015/16, or around
11,000 visitors every week which was an increase of
Use of sites where there is a number of concentrated
more than 25 per cent on the previous year.
grounds has assisted such as Epsom Huntly
Recreation Reserve (6 pitches, 2 ovals and 3 courts).
The City is also joint construction owner of the
athletics track in Flora Hill and manages the
velodrome at Tom Flood Sports Centre.
In terms of larger sports fields, the QEO is the most
widely recognised sports field in the City and is seen
as the premier ground. However the grandstand
currently seats less than 1,000 people.
As well as City owned sports facilities, there are a
number of privately run sports stadiums. This includes
Arts and Culture
the Bendigo Stadium and a number of school sites. Access to the arts has been identified as playing
an important role in social inclusion. This includes
The City is also responsible for 12 swimming pool
in bringing communities together and providing
sites and 1 splash-park. All but two of these pools
pathways for people to feel valued (Rentschler et al
sites, are seasonal. Due to low visitation many of
2015).
these pools are expensive to run with some costing
Council upwards of $40 per visit. The Urban Area of Bendigo is particularly well known
as an Art and Cultural Destination. It is home to
The City manages:

40
Australias leading regional Art Gallery, the Bendigo
40 pools and splash Art Gallery which receives over 150,000 visitors
parks annually. The City also has a number of large venues
for events including Ulumbarra, the Capital Theatre

57
and Town Hall which collectively receive over 160,000
34 sports facilities with visitors annually.
57 sports fields
Libraries
The City is a member of the North Central Goldfields
Regional Library Corporation which delivers services
for four member Councils including the City, Loddon
Shire, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander
shire. There are four libraries in the City including in
Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Heathcote,
together with Library agencies in Axedale and Elmore.

Plan Greater Bendigo 21

Becoming more environmentally resilient
Climate modelling indicates that Victoria will be hotter
and drier, with an increasing likelihood of bushfire,
flooding and heatwaves.
Data shows that despite year on year fluctuations, the
average maximum temperature has been trending
upwards, as shown in figure 9. If this continues it will
have numerous impacts on infrastructure planning.
This includes where dwellings can be built and how
they are constructed. There will also be a need to
better manage water through the incorporation of
Water Sensitive Urban Design.
Figure 9 Bendigo average annual daily maximum temperature
Source: Bureau of Meteorology, mean maximum temperature Bendigo Airport
22
There are many things that can be done at a City and
regional level to minimise environmental impacts. This
ranges from initiatives to minimise waste and water
use through to investigating waste to energy and the
use of wide scale renewables.
Groundwater
Naturally occurring groundwater within Bendigos
network of disused and abandoned mines has
been recovering to natural shallow levels since
mining ceased in 2011. Without intervention, rising
groundwater in mine voids will discharge to the
Plan Greater Bendigo
environment at several points across
Bendigo.
This water has elevated levels of salinity and
arsenic and is odorous. If not managed, the rising
groundwater will impact local waterways, amenity of
key business and tourism areas and impact one of the
most popular tourist destinations, the Central Deborah
Gold Mine.
The State Government has committed funding to a
current project to dewater the Central Deborah Gold
Mine and subsequent construction and operation of a
water treatment facility to manage this groundwater.
This involves extracting water from the New Moon
Mine shaft, treating it and constructing a storage
lagoon at Coliban Waters Water Reclamation Plan
located in Epsom. The current project only manages
the volume of water pumped from the Central
Deborah Gold Mine.
This solution will be in place for four years to allow
sufficient time to progress with the planning, approvals
and construction of a permanent solution to manage
groundwater from mine voids across Bendigo to
be completed. A permanent solution needs to be
operational by 1 July 2021.
Water use
Water saving rules, were introduced across the
state in December 2011. This included introducing
rules around the cleaning of hard services (including
concrete, driveways and timber decking) and
residential and commercial gardens (Water for Victoria
2016).
Coliban Waters existing Waterplan to 2055 is
currently being updated. This plan identifies that there
will be challenges for future water security through
population growth and successive years of below
average rainfall. It identifies that building new dams
is not the solution as this will simply move water from
other areas and that as a community we must find
new sources of water. Projections within this strategy
indicate that water demand is likely to increase by 45
per cent from 2002 to 2055, from 37,200 ML per year
to 54,000 ML per year (Coliban Water 2006).
Figure 10 shows average annual water consumption
across Coliban Waters catchment. This data
demonstrates that while water management is
important, how we consume water is equally
important.
After lower average household water consumption
for a number of years, figures in 2014-15 were back
to the higher average last seen in 2005-6 (Essential
services Commission 2016)
Figure 10 Average annual household water
consumption
Source: Essential Services Commission Water Performance
Report Coliban Water
Plan Greater Bendigo
Public space and green corridors
The City is currently working on a new Public Space
strategy and has recently been preparing a conceptual
vision for the strategy. The draft Strategy is due to be
released in the second half of 2017.
Viewing public space in purely quantifiable terms,
the City is well serviced by public spaces with 23
per cent of the City (approximately 71,400 hectares)
which could be classified as public space. Put another
way this is three times the amount of public space
recommended by the most generous standard at 12.1
ha per 1,000 residents (City of Greater Bendigo 2016).
However the quality of much of this public space
is low in a number of areas, in particular in East
Bendigo, Long Gully/Ironbark/West Bendigo and
California Gully/North Bendigo. Considering options to
improve the quality of open space and making it more
attractive to encourage greater use will be important.
The Bendigo Creek corridor is a key recreational asset
being used by walkers, joggers and cyclists each day.
The Bendigo Creek stretches 153km from Kangaroo
Flat, through the centre of Bendigo to join into the
Mount Hope Creek north of Lockington.
In its current state however it is primarily a stormwater
receiving drain and with population growth there
have been, increased stormwater flows which is
compromising the health of the creek.
23
Figure 11 Distribution of Public Space in Greater Bendigo Healthy ecosystems

Elmore

Raywood

Goornong

Marong Bendigo
Axedale

Mandurang

Lockwood South

Heathcote
The City contains an extensive network of national
and municipal parks and open spaces. The Box-
Ironbark forest supports over 70 threatened species,
including the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Swift Parrot,
Mia Mia Whipstick Westringia and McIvor Spider-orchid (City
of Greater Bendigo 2016).
0 12,000 Redesdale
metres

24 Plan Greater Bendigo

Figure 12 Quality of Open Space in Greater Bendigo

The natural ecosystems within the

Greater Bendigo are also important to residents,
providing fresh air, clean water, nutrient cycling and
climate regulation.
These ecosystems are under pressure from urban
Elmore
development, agriculture and climate change.
The City needs to focus on maintaining and enhancing
Raywood biodiversity and protecting and better connecting
areas of vegetation. This will be important to provide
habitat and increase the movement of species,
allowing species to respond to environmental change.
Goornong
Waste
Prior to the introduction of the organics waste
service in 2013/14, the diversion rate in the City
(tonnes of recyclables and green organics collected
(less contamination) divided by tonnes of garage,
recyclables and green organics collected) was 25 per
Marong Bendigo
cent. The State Average being 45 per cent and the
City rating 71 out of 79 municipal areas (Sustainability
Axedale
Victoria 2016).
A step to address this issue was the introduction of
Mandurang the organics waste collection, reducing methane
gases and odours in the process.
Lockwood South
With a growing population, we need to not only
seek to reduce our waste but to be smarter about
Heathcote
diverting waste from landfill. The Waste and Resource
Management Strategy aims to reduce waste to landfill
by 60 per cent. The environment strategy goes even
further with an ambitious target of zero waste to
landfill by 2030.
Mia Mia
A significant issue for the City is the expectation
0 12,000 Redesdale that the Eaglehawk Landfill will reach capacity by
metres Range of average quality ratings 2021, and need for the City to find an alternative for
(highest to lowest) disposing of its landfill.

Plan Greater Bendigo 25

Working towards a Smarter City
It is important for the growth of Greater Bendigo
to be able to attract and retain skilled and talented
individuals.
In April 2016, the Federal Government announced
$50 million towards infrastructure planning as part of
a Smart Cities Plan. The Bendigo Business Council
provided a submission to this plan, with the City
supporting this submission.
Since this time, the Bendigo Business Council has
been working on a bid for the City to be recognised as
a Smart City with associated funding. This initiative
has been endorsed by a variety of key stakeholders
including the City.
Given the strong collaborative relationships between
the private, public and government sector, Bendigo
would be well placed to implement Smart City
initiatives, which if targeted correctly, would have a
strong investment return.
University and TAFE
Bendigo is fortunate to have La Trobe, Monash,
Deakin and Bendigo Kangan Institute all having a
presence. These educational institutions are currently
particularly attractive to regional and rural students.
Currently while Greater Bendigo fairs well in retaining
its university aged students, it doesnt fair as well
when it comes to retaining individuals in the 25 to
34 year age group (ABS, 2011). There needs to be
a focus on job placement and providing employment
and career development to students once they
graduate.
Schools
The City is an attractive destination for families, with
close to 40 per cent of households having children.
26
where large numbers of residents have
not completed year 12.
At a regional level, there are significant variations in
the educational attainment of residents. With Central
Goldfields having the 4th lowest and Loddon the 5th
lowest year 12 completion rates (ABS, 2011) of the 79
Figure 13 - Year 12 completion rates within the
Loddon Campaspe Region
municipalities in Victoria.
Campaspe
27.5%
Loddon
26.2%
With a growing population, planning for the future
Greater
provision of schools is essential. There is an Bendigo
opportunity to set aside land for schools early, for 38.2%
example when structure plans (long term strategic
plans for areas) are prepared.
Central Mount
In certain growth areas including Maiden Gully, Goldfields
26.1%
Alexander
39.9%
Strathfieldsaye and Marong, the numbers of school
age students are expected to increase substantially
in the future. For example in Maiden Gully, with
Macedon
Ranges
70 per cent of primary school students attending a
46.4%
government primary school and an expected increase
in around 600 children of primary school age by
2036, this would mean a need to plan for over 400
Source: ABS 2011 Census
more students in Maiden Gully from this suburb alone
(Forecast ID, 2015).
As well as planning to ensure there are adequate
schools to meet growing student numbers, there also
needs to be improvements in school retention. Both
within the City and across the region there are areas
Plan Greater Bendigo
Figure 14 - Year 12 completion in Greater Bendigo

28.5

24.3 0
0

25.1
34.7 0
26.9
30
25.8
30.4 0
0

35.9 23.7
31 30
30.2
33.1 42.1

0 36.7
35 34
33.9 39 46.7
45.3
40.8
33.5
45.2
31.8 0
0
29.4
37 31 39.2 27.5
35.2
54.7 38.4
44.7 47.8
23.7 43.7
34.8 34.1
49.2 38.8

39.8 41.7
49.3 26.5
0 28.6 33.8
32.6 23.3

Source: ABS 2011 Census

Plan Greater Bendigo 27

Building 10 minute neighbourhoods
Compact City
Councils adopted Residential Strategy, Housing
Strategy and ITLUS all advocate for 10 minute
neighbourhoods - places where most daily household
needs can be accessed within 10 minutes via cycling
or walking.
The concept of encouraging a mix of businesses,
services, facilities and housing to locate in a given
area is not a new one. The concept of 20 minute
neighbourhoods, being introduced in to the Portland
Oregon USA Plan in 2012 and subsequently adopted
through Plan Melbourne in 2014.
However in Bendigo we think we can go one
step further and realistically achieve 10 minute
neighbourhoods across many areas of Bendigo.
With a number of locations within Bendigo including
those proximate to activity centres, major activity
nodes (including La Trobe University and the Bendigo
Hospital) and employment nodes having the potential
to develop into 10 minute neighbourhoods.
This would enable individuals to be within 800
metres walking distance of most goods and services,
and public transport to enable them to get to other
destinations. Not only does this have the potential
to reduce traffic congestion but more importantly it
enables all individuals regardless of circumstance to
easily access goods and services.
Facilitating development on strategic
sites
There are a number of privately owned key strategic
sites within the Urban Growth Boundary which have
been identified within Councils adopted Housing
Strategy and which may be suitable to accommodate
residential development. There are also a number of
Crown Land or State Government Owned sites which
28
Features of 10 minute
neighbourhoods
A mix of housing including separate
dwellings and townhouses, units and in some
instances apartment buildings.
The inclusion of both accessible and
affordable housing.
Having access to a mix of shops, services,
and businesses.
Easy access to safe cycling and walking
infrastructure.
Accessible and regular public transport (it is
no good if a bus service only runs a couple of
times a day).
Employment opportunities and schools
accessible within 10 minutes walk, or
accessible via public transport or cycling.
Having access to quality open space and
gathering places. Street trees with a good
canopy cover are also important.
The area needs to feel safe and this is
improved by increasing natural surveillance.
are currently underutilised and may be appropriate for
residential development or an alternative use.
There are a number of constraints on most of
these sites due to previous uses and there may
be significant costs associated with remediation.
However it is also important to consider the wider
economic and social benefits in locating housing on
these sites, which are often very well serviced and
easily accessible via alternative modes.
Plan Greater Bendigo
Through Plan Greater Bendigo the
City will work with State Government
agencies, to help to facilitate the better use of
government land, whether this is through residential
development or an alternative use. Where this is
Crown Land, the Traditional Owners the Dja Dja
Wurrung or Taungurung will be engaged through
identified processes such as the Land Use Activity
Agreement and the Victorian Government Strategic
Crown Land Assessment Policy and Guidelines. While
the majority of these sites may not be market ready
at the time Plan Greater Bendigo is complete, Plan
Greater Bendigo will provide a series of actions for
sites to progress the investigation and any eventual
development or change of use.
Housing diversity
Close to nine out of every 10 dwellings in Bendigo are
classified as separate houses, an increase of 4,200
dwellings from the 2006 to 2011 census. In spite of
compact city policies this form of housing continues to
dominate the market.
While a large proportion of households will maintain
a preference for a house and a backyard, there is
currently limited alternative especially in certain
areas. With an ageing population (an additional 8,000
residents are expected between 70 and 84 years
by 2036) having a variety of dwellings is especially
important enabling households the opportunity to
downsize and remain in their local area enabling them
to easily retain social connections.
Across the City house prices have been increasing
in recent years, with an annual average increase of
5.8 per cent over the 10 years from 2005 to 2015
($205,000 in 2005 to $323,500 in 2015) (Valuers
General 2016). In 2006 the median house price in
Bendigo was 5 times the median household income
by 2011 this had risen to 5.34.
For those who cannot afford to purchase a dwelling,
rental affordability has also trended downwards
in recent years. In March 2006, 71.9 per cent
of dwellings could be considered affordable. In
March 2016, this figure was down to 60.9 per cent
(Department of Housing 2017).
Restoring and utilising heritage assets
Being largely developed during the gold rush years,
Bendigo and the region both have a large number
of heritage assets. There are significant costs in a main reason. This equates to 145,000
the ongoing restoration and maintenance of these visitors whose primary motivation for
assets. However retaining and restoring these assets visiting the city was its history/heritage (Bendigo
is important to preserving our history and the valued Visitor Profile and Satisfaction Survey).
architecture over different time periods.
Heritage is also an important tourist attraction with a
survey conducted by Tourism Research Victoria found
that for five per cent of visitors the most important
reason for people to visit Bendigo was to experience
history/heritage and for a further 24 per cent this was
Plan Greater Bendigo 29
Growing Jobs,Tourism and Investment
Economy
Both Bendigo and the Loddon Campaspe Region
have been experiencing strong economic growth in
recent years. Bendigo now has the second largest
regional economy in the state (behind Geelong) and
grew at an average of 6 per cent from 2010/11 to
2014/15 (Economy ID).
Regionally proportionately the greatest Gross
Regional Product (GRP) growth has been in Loddon,
followed by Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges,
Campaspe and Central Goldfields, as shown in figure
15. The regional GRP increased from $8.49 billion in
2010/2011 to $9.96 billion in 2014/15. As a proportion
of GRP, the Citys share increased from 53 per cent in
2010/11 to 56 per cent in 2014/15 (Economy ID).
Figure 15 - Regional Gross Regional Product 2010/11
and 2014/15
billions
The City has 40,500 full time equivalent local jobs,
within 7,500 local businesses (Remplan 2016) The
majority of working residents are also employed within
the city, with most of the remainder coming from the
surrounding areas of Mount Alexander, Loddon South
and Kyneton. While there are some large businesses
Figure 16 - Employment numbers by industry 2009/10
and 2014/15
Employment by Industry - Top 5
2009/10 2014/15
including the Bendigo Health Care
Group, Bendigo Bank and Hazeldines
Chicken Farm, the majority of businesses are small,
with 97 per cent of all businesses having less than 20
employees. Therefore the importance of supporting
and fostering growth within small businesses will be
an essential ingredient to ongoing economic success.
While the economy in the City is diverse, the
most common industries include health care and
social assistance, retail trade, construction and
manufacturing. The manufacturing sector contributes
$2.1 billion with the financial and insurance sector and
construction industry each contributing over $1 billion.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism and hospitality are important industries
in Greater Bendigo and the region more broadly.
In Greater Bendigo, in 2014/15 there were 3,863
people employed directly or indirectly in tourism and
hospitality, an increase from 2,051 in 2009/10. The
two industries generate a total value added output of
$278.8 million.

18.0
Health Care and Social Assistance
17.6

12.3
Retail Trade
12.3

8.7
Construction
10.9

7.6
Manufacturing
10.8

9.4
Education and Training
Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry 7.8
Research (NIEIR) sourced through Economy ID Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry
Research (NIEIR) sourced through Economy ID

30 Plan Greater Bendigo

Rating of Projects
While we have not yet rated projects we will need to
do this as part of the next stage.
Consideration will need to be given to projects which
are transformational in nature and will have the
greatest benefit to the City and region.
Some of the questions which will be considered in the
next stage include:
Does the project require an additional level of
coordination in funding, development or delivery to
be implemented?
Is the project at an essential early stage to
achieve longer-term aspirations that support
economic and population growth?
Does the project require advocacy to attract
funding?
Is the project part of an integrated package of
activities that will enable economic and population
growth in Greater Bendigo?
What are the benefits of the project for Greater
Bendigo communities and those within other
regional Loddon Campaspe communities?
Is the project investment ready?
Are the next steps for this project clearly
identified?
Will the project be implemented regardless of
inclusion in Plan Greater Bendigo?
Are funds or partners committed to implementing
the project?
Providing Feedback Note: projects are subject to a range of assessments
and approvals. We have not considered the feasibility
We welcome all feedback to this draft Discussion of projects at this stage.
Paper.
There will be a series of drop in sessions and various
engagement events over the consultation period. For
The draft Discussion Paper highlights 70 further details visit the Plan Greater Bendigo Page on
infrastructure projects of potential benefit to the website Bendigo.vic.gov.au/plangreaterbendigo
Greater Bendigo and the region over the next
30 years. We are looking for the community to Should you have any questions in relation to this
prioritise which projects are important to them. paper or wish to discuss the project further please
With that in mind: contact Bridget Maplestone, Strategic Planner
Projects at the City on 5434 6396 or email
What do you consider to be the 5 most
strategyunit@bendigo.vic.gov.au.
important?
What do you consider to be the 5 least
important?
Are you happy with the themes and directions Next Steps
(outlined on page 15) selected for grouping Following the end of the consultation period on
projects? Yes/No if no please provide Friday 28 April, we will review all submissions.
feedback as to what you think is missing and/
or what changes you would like to make We will report back to Council, the Steering
Do you think there are other important Committee and Technical Reference Group on
infrastructure projects not listed here? Yes/ the key findings from consultation.
No if yes please provide as much detail as This will then be used to refine the priorities and
possible. to prepare a draft Plan Greater Bendigo. There
Do you have any further comments about will be further consultation on this draft Strategy
Plan Greater Bendigo or the draft Discussion in September-October 2017.
Paper?
Feedback can be provided through the online
survey available through the Plan Greater Bendigo
webpage, Bendigo.vic.gov.au/plangreaterbendigo
Written submissions are also welcome and should
be addressed to strategyunit@bendigo.vic.gov.
au or via post to Strategy Unit, 195-229 Lyttleton
Terrace, Bendigo, 3550.
Engagement on this Discussion Paper will close
on Friday 28 April, 2017. The consultation period
has been extended to six weeks to account for the
Public Holidays over Easter.
Plan Greater Bendigo 31
Transformational Projects
32 Plan Greater Bendigo
TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS
Bendigo Airport Business Precinct 34
Bendigo Airport Terminal 35
Bendigo Chinatown 36
Bendigo Law Courts 37
Bendigo Creek Improvement 38
Bendigo Metro Rail 39
Bendigo Railway Station Activity Centre 40
Freight Transport Hub 41
Facilitating Development on State Government Land 42
Improve Bendigo-Marong links 43
Outer arterial road 44
Major Events Stadium at the Bendigo Showgrounds 45
Managing groundwater turning a problem into a resource 46
Marong Business Park 47
New water to communities West of Bendigo 48
Office Co-location of Government Agencies 49
Plan for increased growth in the City Centre 50
Pumped Hydro Storage System 51
Reclaiming public space 52
Rejuvenation of Bendigos City Centre TAFE Campus 53
Restoration of the Bendigo Bushland Trail 54
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply (Integrated Water Opportunities) 55
Student housing in City Centre 56
Sustainable Agriculture 57

Plan Greater Bendigo 33

Bendigo Airport Business Precinct
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
This project will see the development of the
Business Precinct at the Bendigo Airport, creating Approximately 12 hectares of land has been set STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
economic benefits for the City and region. aside for the expansion of existing businesses Yes.
and the establishment of new aviation compatible
businesses to be developed at the Bendigo This project has been identified within the Bendigo
Airport. This will provide 45 lots for commercial Aerodrome Master Plan 2007-2022, the adopted
development. Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020 and the
2016 Loddon Mallee Investment Prospectus.
Cost This project will result in the provision of
$$$-High infrastructure to support this development A Planning Scheme Amendment (C175) has been
including power, telecommunications, water, approved which amended the schedule to facilitate the
sewer, gas, roads and drains. development of the Bendigo Airport Business Park.
When To Deliver
This is part of the implementation of Stage 3 of
1-5 years the Bendigo Airport redevelopment project. BENEFITS
Economic benefits direct to Bendigo and to the
Lead Organisation/s region.
City of Greater Bendigo
LOCATION New jobs both during the construction phase on
Bendigo Airport 35 Victa Road, East Bendigo then through businesses established.
Supporting Organisation/s Opportunity to leverage off the $15 million runway
Regional Development Victoria (Stage 2) investment in the Bendigo Airport.
Potential to generate revenue through the leasing
Associated Project/s and/or sale of Council land.
Bendigo Airport Terminal
Water Sensitive Urban Design CONSTRAINTS
Need for infrastructure connection including power
Themes and gas
Management may require a separate government
body

34 Plan Greater Bendigo

Bendigo Airport Terminal
OVERVIEW
This project will see the development of a new Bendigo Airport is undertaking a major
Airport Terminal in line with population growth. redevelopment project to increase its capacity to
enable Regular Public Transport services for the
first time.
This will include a new runway capable of
carrying passenger aircraft with up to 75
Cost passengers.
$$$-High The current Airport Terminal is only 230m2 in size
with limited capacity to expand.
When To Deliver
This project will see the staged approach to the
construction of a new terminal building of up to
1-30 years 3,500m2 in line with passenger growth. The new
terminal building would include visitor arrival and
Lead Organisation/s
departure, screening, baggage drop off and pick
City of Greater Bendigo up, lounge and administration areas.
Supporting Organisation/s
Regional Development Australia
LOCATION
Associated Project/s Bendigo Airport 35 Victa Road, East Bendigo
Bendigo Airport Business Precinct
Marong Business Park
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
The Bendigo Aerodrome Master Plan 2007-2022
identified an area for the new terminal building.
BENEFITS
Economic benefits direct to Bendigo and to the
region.
New jobs would be created both during
construction but also through the support and
delivery of passenger services.
The offering of passenger services will create an
opportunity to attract more visitors into the City.
CONSTRAINTS
Need for infrastructure connection including power
and gas.
Need for passenger numbers to support new
terminal.

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 35

Bendigo Chinatown
OVERVIEW LOCATION
Redevelop the Chinese Precinct into a large mixed
used development to increase visitation and The Golden Dragon Museum, temple
better demonstrate its importance to Chinese and The City has a rich Chinese cultural Heritage from and gardens with the possible inclusion of surrounding
Cultural History in Australia. as early as the gold rush in the 1850s, which saw land creating a precinct.
a number of miners, merchants and their families
arrive in Bendigo. This history is best demonstrated
and documented in the Golden Dragon Museum in
the City Centre, established in 1991.
Cost
It is perhaps not widely known but the Golden
$$$-High
Dragon Museum is the largest museum of Chinese
and Cultural History in Australia and contains the
When To Deliver largest collection of intact imperial dragon regalia in
the world which includes the well-recognised, Sun
Loong.
3-5 years
The museum is contained within a larger precinct
Lead Organisation/s which includes the Yuan Yin Temple, Dai Gum San
Regional Development Victoria Precinct and Yi Yuan Gardens and attracts around
80,000 visitors, including 35,000 paying visitors, BENEFITS
Supporting Organisation/s each year.
The Golden Dragon Museum is unique to not only
City of Greater Bendigo This project would see the redevelopment of Victoria but Australia and there is the potential to
Golden Dragon Museum Bendigos Chinese Precinct into a large mixed leverage off this.
Philanthropic Developers development. Part of this development may include An increase in direct and indirect employment in
a reinvigorated or new Chinese Museum in addition the City and region.
Associated Project/s leveraging further commercial opportunities e.g. a The potential to increase the number of visitors,
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment hotel, retail development, restaurants and cafs, particularly overnight and high yield visitors into
Bendigo Tramways gardens and accommodation. the city.
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation This will help in revitalising the City Centre
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre particularly outside of business hours.
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan Opportunity to capitalise on the proximity of the
Implementation IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN Bendigo Hospital Redevelopment.
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Themes
Not directly. CONSTRAINTS
In the Bendigo Region Destination Management Likely to be an expensive project however this
Plan, 11 per cent of respondents identified the could be driven by private sector investment.
Chinese Museum as an attraction, with a further 17 A governance arrangement for the project would
per cent identifying Chinese Heritage as a major need to be established.
theme associated with the Bendigo Region due to the Any development would need to consider the
Museum and Joss House. heritage of the precinct.
36 Plan Greater Bendigo
Bendigo Law Courts
OVERVIEW the general public, to be converted or
Construction of new or refurbished courts and returned to parkland. This includes the
tribunals, improving safety and service delivery Bendigo Creek frontage behind the
The Bendigo Law Courts were established in Law Courts and Post Office Building.
1892-96 and have been used for legal purposes
since.
Cost While the Law Courts have served their
LOCATION
$$$$-Significant purpose, the Bendigo Justice Precinct is now There is potential to remain on the existing site,
commonly known to be outdated, undersized and located at 71 Pall Mall and 3 William Vahland Place,
When To Deliver inappropriate for many family law matters. or the preferred option being an alternatively location
within the City Centre. The later option allowing for
Despite an upgrade in 2014, a Building Condition
the better utilisation of the Bendigo Creek Frontage,
3-5 years Assessment updated in 2014 by Court Services
as identified in Councils adopted Rosalind Park
Victoria reported that there were serious issues
Masterplan.
Lead Organisation/s relating to demand pressures, poor condition of
Department of Justice infrastructure and personal safety. The Options
Paper released by Infrastructure Victoria (as part
Supporting Organisation/s of the background for Infrastructure Victorias
30-year Strategy, 2016) reported these capacity,
Regional Development Victoria
maintenance and safety issues.
City of Greater Bendigo
Bendigo Law Association
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Associated Project/s EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
Yes.
Implementation
Bendigo Creek Improvement Infrastructure Victorias 30-year Strategy (2016)
Urban Forest identifies the need to address increasing demand on
the justice system. The resulting recommendation
Themes BENEFITS
(8.1) is to develop an integrated service model that
will deliver integrated facilities across justice, health Modern facilities that meet current and future
and human services. Within this recommendation, demand
Bendigo has been identified as an immediate priority Safety and wellbeing of the community
for delivery of new or refurbished courts and tribunals, Potentially integrating justice, health and human
over the next 15 years. services will have a greater focus on prevention
Court Services Victoria strategic Asset Plan 2016-
2031 indicates the need to pioritise the redevelopment
CONSTRAINTS
of the Bendigo Law Courts Sourcing a new site for facilities or expanding on
the existing site with limitations (existing heritage
The Rosalind Park Masterplan identifies there is the
buildings).
opportunity to better utilise land currently off-limits to
Plan Greater Bendigo 37
Bendigo Creek Improvement
Various improvements to the Bendigo Creek OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
Corridor over time to enable greater use, to IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
promote waterway health, encourage plant and The Bendigo Creek is one of the Citys must POLICIES?
animal diversity, and increase protection from utilised recreational assets being traversed daily Yes.
flood waters. by walkers, cyclists and joggers.
Within the City of Greater Bendigo Environment
Currently despite being well utilised, the
Cost Strategy (2016-2021), the restoration of the Bendigo
Bendigo Creek is predominantly being used as a
Creek is a flagship project.
$$$$-Significant stormwater receiving drain.
This project would involve undertaking a number Planning Scheme Amendment C221 (Joint flood study
When To Deliver of improvements from asset renewal through to between the City and the North Central Catchment
beautification, as well as extending cycling and Management Authority) - identifies land that is at risk
walking paths. The extent of this project would of flooding should the existing earthen levees along
6-10 years Bendigo Creek fail structurally.
require further scoping and involvement from
Lead Organisation/s multiple agencies and stakeholders. This project would be further supported by the North
Central Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 and Victorian
City of Greater Bendigo
Waterway Management Strategy.
Supporting Organisation/s
LOCATION
Bendigo Creek and its tributaries BENEFITS
North Central Catchment Management
Authority Encourage greater use of this corridor, particularly
Department of Environment, Land, Water and for daily commuting, reducing traffic congestion.
Planning An opportunity to improve social connections as
Regional Development Victoria well as connections with the natural environment.
Dja Dja Wurrung Corporaton Inc. Support increased residential densities around
North Bendigo Landcare Group this quality green space.
Parks Victoria Improve the health of waterways and diversity of
Coliban Water plants and wildlife.
Increase native vegetation biolinks.
Associated Project/s Improve protection of human life and property
Bendigo Low Line Walking and Cycling from flood waters.
Corridor
Urban Forest CONSTRAINTS
Regional Wetland The potential for flooding.
Reclaiming Public Space Existing development and infrastructure
particularly on private land may limit access for
Themes new and existing paths.
Need for protection of heritage assets such as the
bluestone pavers along the Bendigo Creek.
Multiple stakeholders would need to be involved in
38 Plan Greater Bendigo this project and not one key owner of the asset.
Bendigo Metro Rail
Increased services to existing stations and the OVERVIEW
rollout of new stations on the Bendigo line,
helping to drive changes to the urban form and Currently over 1,200 commuters arrive or depart
promoting 10 minute neighbourhoods. Bendigo Station each day.
There is however still concerns that trains are not
Cost scheduled when needed, particularly to stations
such as Eaglehawk and Epsom, where there are
$$$$-Significant
currently limited services and increasing services
When To Deliver are necessary for this to become a real alternative
to driving in these areas.
3-5 years
Within the Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated
Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS) a number
of stations have been identified as either being
Lead Organisation/s
reinstated or reopened in the future. This would
Transport for Victoria include as a priority Huntly, Lansell Square, Maiden
Gully, Marong, Golden Square and Harcourt. .
Supporting Organisation/s
It also indicates that should demand increase then
Regional Development Victoria reinstating stations as Goornong and Raywood and
City of Greater Bendigo a new station at the Showgrounds should also be
Mount Alexander Shire considered.
Campaspe Shire
A further issue is the current lack of services north
Swan Hill Rural City Council
of Bendigo on the Echuca and Swan Hill lines.
Associated Project/s Increasing train services in these locations will help
to improved connections between these cities and
Bendigo Railway Station Activity Centre
Bendigo, and will make commuting in particular
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital
to Echuca much easier. This will help to support
Bicycle Path between La Trobe and City economic growth north of Bendigo.
Centre
This project would see an increase in services in
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
existing stations, particularly Epsom and Eaglehawk
Plan or Increase Growth in the City Centre in line with population increases, as well as the roll
Smart Train Transport out of new/reinstated stations in growth areas. The
re-opening of stations or construction of additional
Themes stations is subject to a business case, sufficient
population densities and land use planning that
supports increased demand for additional public
transport services.
Plan Greater Bendigo
LOCATION
Huntly, Lansell Square, Maiden Gully,
Marong, Golden Square and Harcourt Stations
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes. ITLUS - advocate for the reopening of a number
of stations and the building of new stations in growth
areas.
Victorias 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy - identifies
the need to deliver five services five days a week to
both Echuca and Swan Hill.
The regional Network Development Plan identifies this
project as a future direction.
BENEFITS
Reliable and frequent train services will encourage
this as a real alternative to car use especially for
commuting, reducing congestion.
Economically it will be beneficial in attracting
development in and around stations and will help
in attracting skilled residents to these areas.
It will enable residents to get around without the
need for a car helping to reduce social isolation.
CONSTRAINTS
This will be a very expensive project and there
will need to be a substantial amount of work to
determine the costs involved.
It is hard to encourage more people to catch the
train without more services but cant have many
more services without more people.
Constraints with a single line of track particularly
to the north of Bendigo.
Signalling to support increased train services.
39
Bendigo Railway Station Activity Centre
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
Develop the Bendigo Railway Station into a
vibrant Activity Centre creating new business and IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
housing opportunities, better activating the City Aspiration for land activation and private POLICIES?
Centre. development in and around the Bendigo Station The vision within the Connecting Greater Bendigo:
Precinct. Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS),
It would enable the opportunity to transform the is for the Bendigo Railway Station to become a vibrant
Cost Bendigo Railway Station into a lively Activity Activity Centre.
$$$$-Significant Centre, with the inclusion of a range of facilities,
services, commercial and residential uses,
BENEFITS
building on the proximity of the Market Place and
When To Deliver
Discovery Centre. This would be similar but on A mixed use development would better utilise land
a smaller scale to Melbourne Central or many of at the Bendigo Station helping to improve the City
More than 15 years the European stations. Centre.
It would create additional housing within the City
Lead Organisation/s The first step would be the preparation of a
Centre.
master plan for the site.
VicTrack This would better activate and encourage the
use of the Bendigo Station and is likely to further
Supporting Organisation/s LOCATION increase train patronage.
City of Greater Bendigo Bendigo Railway Station Generate new jobs and businesses in the City
Transport for Victoria Centre.
Regional Development Victoria
Court Services Victoria CONSTRAINTS
Likely to be an expensive project.
Associated Project/s Any development would need to complement not
Bendigo Metro Rail compete with existing residential and commercial
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre development in the City Centre and therefore
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply would be a longer term project.
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Bicycle Path between La Trobe and City
Centre

Themes

40 Plan Greater Bendigo

Freight Transport Hub

This project would develop a Freight Transport

OVERVIEW
Hub to support the growing freight sector in
Greater Bendigo and the region and create new With Bendigo and the regional economy growing
job opportunities. including the potential development of the
Marong Business Park, there is an increasing
role for freight both into and out of the region.
The City is currently undertaking a first of its
kind freight study to determine issues inhibiting
Cost the freight sector and opportunities to improve
$$$$-Significant productivity. This will help to make the freight
network more responsive to innovation and
When To Deliver increase the productivity of local business.
This study will help to determine if there is a need
BENEFITS
This would encourage major
economic development into the City and region.
Reduced freight costs for businesses due to
improved efficiency.
CONSTRAINTS
Further work would need to be undertaken to
determine the feasibility of this project.
Need to ensure that this could accommodate
large sized freight (eg. vehicles carrying hay,
Hawkei Vehicles and waste) without major
damage to existing infrastructure

10-15 years
to develop a Freight Transport Hub to support the
growing sector.
Lead Organisation/s The development of a regional Freight Hub
City of Greater Bendigo is listed as a Top 10 Priority in the Loddon
Campaspe Transport Strategy.
Supporting Organisation/s
Regional Development Victoria
Transport for Victoria LOCATION
VicRoads To be determined.
Associated Project/s
Outer Arterial Road IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Improved Bendigo-Marong Links EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Marong Business Park Not directly.
Themes Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport
Study a freight study is a key action within this
strategy.
The City is currently preparing a Freight Study.

Plan Greater Bendigo 41

Facilitating Development on State Government Land
OVERVIEW It is also State Government policy to
Facilitating Development on State Government also better utilise existing infrastructure
Land, creating a variety of housing opportunities, including in the 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy and
This project would promote the development Plan Melbourne.
in accessible locations and maximising existing or better use of vacant State Government land
infrastructure. which is often in accessible locations but not
currently usuable, within the urban area of BENEFITS
Bendigo.
Will enable the provision of additional housing
This would include a list of steps for getting each in established areas promoting 10 minute
Cost site market ready, which would vary on a site by neighbourhoods and better utilising land within the
Unkown site basis. urban growth boundary.
The potential to provide a diversity of housing
When To Deliver LOCATION including affordable housing in accessible
Commence in a staged approach starting in
locations.
Variety of locations within the urban area of Bendigo. Many of these sites are unattractive and there
is the potential for substantial improvements on
1-2 years
these sites, which would include the provision of
Lead Organisation/s open space.
It is often more cost effective to use land within
Department of Treasury and Finance established areas, than in greenfield areas.
Supporting Organisation/s
CONSTRAINTS
Dja Dja Wurrung
Department of Environment, Land, Water and While these are site specific, there are some
Planning constraints on all sites, particularly due to previous
City of Greater Bendigo uses.
It may be cost prohibitive to remediate some sites.
Associated Project/s
-
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Themes EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
Some of these sites have been identified as
key development sites within Councils adopted
Residential Strategy.
Councils adopted Housing Strategy refers to the
Residential Strategy and that there were a number
of sites identified as suitable for higher density
residential development due to location, land size and
access to services.
42 Plan Greater Bendigo
Improve Bendigo-Marong links
OVERVIEW
Improve road and rail links between Bendigo
and Marong to better support the growth and
development in the west of the city and the The current population in the Maiden Gully
proposed Business Park. Marong Area is estimated at 6,000. The total
impact of the future planned development at
Maiden Gully northeast, Forest Park and Marong
would provide for an additional estimated 18,000
Cost people over the next 30 years.
$$$$-Significant This population growth combined with the
development of the Marong Business Park will
When To Deliver create significant challenges in terms of road and
rail infrastructure. This in part has necessitated
the consideration of a Western and Northern
10-15 years
bypass of Marong. VicRoads has identified
the need for the development of both road
Lead Organisation/s
alignments. The western bypass route has been
Transport for Victoria generally nominated with a proposed alignment.
VicRoads Considerable further work will be needed to
City of Greater Bendigo identify a suitable alignment to the north of
Marong Township. The exact alignment of both
Supporting Organisation/s
routes will be subject to detailed studies and
Department of Environment, Land, Water and community consultation.
Planning This project would see the preparation of a road
and rail infrastructure plan for Maiden Gully-
Associated Project/s Marong to ensure that this infrastructure is
Outer Arterial Road planned for commensurate with the expected
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall residential and business growth in the area.
Mall
Marong Business Park
LOCATION
Themes
Maiden Gully and Marong
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The City is currently preparing a structure plan for
Marong and is likely to consult on this plan in early
2017.
The recommended actions set out in the Loddon
Mallee South Regional Growth Plan support actions
within ITLUS and this project, including to prioritise
the implementation of the Marong Plan and Marong
Business Park development.
The Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy
2015-2018 includes a goal to improve public transport
services for smaller communities through flexible and
responsive non private travel options, and an action
to review rural bus routes that replaced closed rail
links to ensure that they match current and emerging
passenger needs and nominates the Bendigo Metro
Rail network to include Marong Township with a new
railway station
BENEFITS
Provision of improved road and rail connections to
newly developed suburbs.
Better transport capacity (vehicle and freight) to
industrial hub.
Improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
Reduce traffic congestion.
Reduce social isolation.
CONSTRAINTS
Funding.
Co-ordinating multiple agencies.
Environmental limitations.
Community views.
43
Outer arterial road
This project as proposed would see the staged roll OVERVIEW BENEFITS
out of an outer arterial road around the whole urban
Would help in moving traffic around
area of Bendigo supposedly reducing the level of
through traffic in urban Bendigo. Analysis and origin The Calder Alternate Highway from Ravenswood the western part of the Bendigo urban area.
/ destination data has never indicated that a full outer to Marong has developed as a bypass of the Would improve freight connections, including for
arterial road is cost effective, justified on the basis of urban area for traffic travelling on the Calder the Marong Business Park , reduce freight traffic
traffic volumes or would alleviate a significant levels Highway. The road network from Marong to in some parts of urban Bendigo.
of traffic. Only low volumes of traffic enter the Bendigo Epsom via a series of roads to the north of
urban area and actually want to travel through to a Eaglehawk is being used by traffic to avoid parts CONSTRAINTS
destination beyond Bendigo. of the urban area. Two priority projects created
Would need to manage the impact on existing
by this situation area;
development.
Cost 1. the development of bypasses to the west Would be expensive projects and would need to
$$$$-Significant and north of Marong Township which would be clear on the benefits.
facilitate this traffic movement, substantially Would need to be linked to land use strategies.
When To Deliver increase the amenity and safety of Marong
Township and service the development of the
Marong Business Park.
5 - 15 years
2. the identification of a road alignment from
Marong north of the urban area to link with
Lead Organisation/s
the Midland Highway north of Epsom.
VicRoads There would need to be extensive work done to
determine the cost / benefit, preferred route and
Supporting Organisation/s exact alignment for these roads.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
City of Greater Bendigo
Transport for Victoria LOCATION
Outer western and northern edge of Bendigo
Associated Project/s
Freight Transport Hub
Improved Bendigo-Marong Links IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Marong Business Park EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
The Marong Township bypasses are listed in the draft
Themes Marong Township Structure Plan.

44 Plan Greater Bendigo

Major Events Stadium at the Bendigo Showgrounds
OVERVIEW
The construction of an events stadium at the
Bendigo Showgrounds, providing a new large This project would be a long term project (more
events venue for the city. than 20 years) and would see the construction of
a new sports and events stadium at the Bendigo
Showgrounds, in line with population growth. This
stadium could cater for upwards of 20,000 people
and be used for current activities, as well as new
activities and events.
Cost
$$$$-Significant To enable easy access to the new stadium, it
would be important that this was considered
concurrently with a new station at North Bendigo.
When To Deliver
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
No.
This project is not currently identified in any existing
strategies or policies. However this would be a
long term plan outside the scope of many current
strategies.
The establishment of a new train station at North
Bendigo (Showgrounds) has been identified within
the Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport
and Land Use Strategy.

More than 20 years LOCATION

BENEFITS
Bendigo Showgrounds Holmes Road
Lead Organisation/s The potential to be a major tourist attraction to the
Regional Development Victoria region.
Showgrounds owners There would be a number of direct and indirect
jobs created through this project.
Supporting Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo CONSTRAINTS
VicRoads The land is not owned by the City
Transport for Victoria Likely to require a significant capital investment
and so there would need to be a strong business
Associated Project/s case.
Bendigo Metro Rail

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 45

Managing groundwater turning a problem into a resource
A permanent solution to the management of
groundwater from mine voids across Bendigo that
will provide an additional and alternative source of
water for beneficial use.
Cost
$$$$-Significant Without intervention, rising groundwater in mine
When To Deliver
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
Department of Environment, Land, Water
and Planning
Supporting Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Coliban Water
Bendigo Heritage Attractions
Associated Project/s
Bendigo Creek Improvement
Bendigo Low-line Walking and Cycling
Corridor
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment
Regional Wetland
Securing Bendigos Long-Term Water Supply
(potential to provide an additional 900 ML
water per annum for beneficial use within
Bendigo)
Pumped Hydro Storage System
Themes
46
OVERVIEW The project will also support the delivery
of other projects and priorities through the
provision of an alternative source of water, improved
The project provides an opportunity to improve amenity of key tourism and business areas and
the liveability and sustainability of Bendigo and reduced impact to the environment, infrastructure and
surrounding areas by mitigating a significant risk tourism assets.
and turning it into a valuable resource.
voids will discharge to the environment at several
BENEFITS
points across Bendigo. This water has elevated Improved amenity to the City Centre, arts precinct
levels of salinity and arsenic and is odorous. Improved sustainability and liveability of Bendigo
If not managed, the rising groundwater will Alternative source of water
impact local waterways, amenity of key business Protection of environmental, heritage and
and tourism areas and impact one of the most infrastructure assets
popular tourist destinations, the Central Deborah
Gold Mine. CONSTRAINTS
A current project covers the dewatering of the No clear governance or funding model.
Central Deborah Gold Mine and subsequent Likely to be expensive, potential to be offset by
construction and operation of a water treatment private commercial arrangement.
facility to manage this groundwater until 1 Disposal of waste products.
July 2021. This interim solution needs to be Linkages with mining licenses and activity.
developed into a broader permanent solution to Access to infrastructure.
manage groundwater, from mine voids across Approvals.
Bendigo by this date and is the focus of this
project.
LOCATION
Across Bendigo at multiple sites including the City
Centre, Central Deborah Gold Mine and waterways.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
The project will deliver on priorities identified in Water
for Victoria, the Victorian Government plan for a future
with less water.
Plan Greater Bendigo
Marong Business Park
Facilitate the development and use of 313 hectares OVERVIEW
of land in Marong for a business park, providing
an estimated 30 years of supply for industrial and This project will commence the business case
complementary land uses, creating up to 6,000 for the facilitation of Stage 1A (40ha site) of the
jobs and having substantial economic benefits for Marong Business Park.
the City.
In June 2005 the City commissioned Connell
Wagner and SGS Planning and Economics
Pty Ltd to prepare an analysis of industrial land
Cost supply and demand. This report determined
$$$$-Significant that to meet demand for industrial land in the
City to 2031, an additional 270 hectares of land
When To Deliver was required. However the report noted that a
minimum of two to three times this amount of
land would be required to provide the necessary
1-2 years infrastructure, support services, waste treatment
and site buffers.
Lead Organisation/s
A preferred location in Marong West was
City of Greater Bendigo selected for this business park. In December
2007, Council considered stage 2 of the project,
Supporting Organisation/s
the Marong Business Park Analysis Project
Transport for Victoria (2007), prepared by Connell Wagner which
Regional Development Victoria involved a detailed study of 970 hectares of land
west of Marong. Since this study was adopted,
Associated Project/s Council decided to reduce the area for the
Freight Transport Hub proposed Business Park from 967 hectares to
Improved Bendigo-Marong Links 313 hectares.
Outer Arterial Road
Allowing for this site to be used as a business
Themes park required a Planning Scheme Amendment to
rezone the land. Part 1 of this Amendment has
been adopted by Council and is currently with the
Minister for Planning for Approval.
Plan Greater Bendigo
LOCATION
104 Carters Lane and 20 Yorkshire
Road, Wilsons Hill.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes
The Loddon Mallee Regional Growth Plan includes
accelerating the development of the Marong Business
Park as a key new location for industry and business
and prioritising the implementation of the Marong Plan
and Marong Business Park Development.
BENEFITS
It is anticipated the business park will provide
between 3,600 and 6,000 jobs, depending on the
rate of growth in employment that occurs over
time.
This is a priority project for the region due to the
employment opportunities and land for important
economic sectors and supply chain links such as
food processing and freight, as set out within the
regional growth plan.
CONSTRAINTS
This project will require a significant investment
over time.
Will require the connection of services including
water, sewerage and natural gas.
47
New water to communities West of Bendigo
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Providing a more secure water supply to IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
communities west of Bendigo, potentially including
land not already serviced with a rural water service.
Coliban Water is currently investigating the STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
feasibility of supplying water to an area west
No.
of Bendigo which may include securing water
and improving water quality to some small Under current investigation.
Cost communities as well as providing a piped service
$$$$-Significant to areas currently without a service.
BENEFITS
This project would support the implementation of
When To Deliver Improved water security to a rural area currently
one or more actions within this strategy to better
unserviced
To be determined ensure water is available to meet the needs of
Improved water security and water quality to some
rural properties in the western area of the Greater
small towns west of Bendigo (potentially includes
Lead Organisation/s Bendigo region and just beyond to a few small
Laanecoorie, Dunolly, Tarnagulla, Bealiba,
communities in the Loddon Campaspe Region.
Coliban Water Newbridge, Bridgewater and Inglewood).

Associated Project/s CONSTRAINTS

Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply LOCATION Cost to implement solution.
Water Sensitive Urban Design Land owner interest and willingness to financially
West of Bendigo
contribute is uncertain.
Themes

Scale: 1:214,419 (A3)

The Col ib an Regi on Water Co rporatio n bel ieves th at th e i nfo rmati on co ntained
herein is correct. Ho wever it does n ot warrant th e accuracy o f th at in fo rmatio n.
The Col ib an Regi on Water Co rporatio n di sclai ms all respon sibi li ty for an y
omi ssion s, inaccuraci es, d iscrepanci es, er rors or scale incon sistencies th at m ay
exi st between th e actual and the pl an representatio n. Th e Col iban Regio n Water
Co rporation further discl aim s al l r esp onsib il ity for any l oss o r dam age that may be
su ffered by an y person relyi ng upon such in fo rmatio n, whether that loss or
Coliban Region Water Corporation
Approximate Investigation area Sheet 1 of 1

File: FIL E NO

damag e is caused b y any negli gence on the part o f the Col iban Regio n Water
Co rporation or its em pl oyees. The data shown herei n rem ain s the p roperty of th e
Co lib an Regi on Water Corporati on an d m ay n ot be reproduced or resold Date: 23/11 /201 6
without th e express w ritten con sen t of the Coli ban Reg ion Water Corpo rati on

48 Plan Greater Bendigo

Office Co-location of Government Agencies
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Co-locating various State Government Agencies, IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
as well as council at a single site in the City This project would involve the co-location of the STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Centre, to improve efficiency, collaboration and council and various State Government agencies Yes.
service delivery, as well as creating jobs. at a single site within the Bendigo City Centre.
Referenced in recommendation 60 (page 63) of
Co-location of services (once established) Victorian State Government Regional Economic
enables agencies to establish a presence which Development and Services Review Final Report July
Cost is both more efficient in service delivery and 2015.
$$$$-Significant reduces the cost-burden on the taxpayer.
From an agency perspective it would help in
When To Deliver building collaborative partnerships and in better
BENEFITS
meeting community needs. It would support the This would generate time and cost savings for
3-5 years
City in reaching its aspirations for the good of example through reduced electricity costs and
Bendigo and the region. rent.
Lead Organisation/s It would enable businesses and community
members to access multiple agencies in a single
To be determined LOCATION stop.
Supporting Organisation/s City Centre It would foster a smarter city by building on
the extensive knowledge base of the people in
To be determined multiple agencies within a single building and
could be used as a flagship program to attract
Associated Project/s skilled and talented individuals into the city.
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre It could be used to encourage other State
Water Sensitive Urban Design Government agencies to relocate to Bendigo.
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation It would free up land for other businesses as many
State Government agencies, as well as the City
Themes are located within or in close proximity to the City
Centre.

CONSTRAINTS
The investment would need to be weighed up in
terms of benefits including economically, improved
and more efficient service delivery and in skills
attraction.

Plan Greater Bendigo 49

Plan for increased growth in the City Centre
Facilitate growth in the City Centre stimulating
business and economic growth and helping to
create a vibrant 24 hour city.
Cost
$$$$-Significant
When To Deliver
15-20 years
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Supporting Organisation/s
Regional Development Victoria
Private Developers
Transport for Victoria
VicRoads
Associated Project/s
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Student Housing in the City Centre
Bendigo Railway Station Activity Centre
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall
Mall
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
Implementation
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor
Streetscape Improvements
Themes
50
OVERVIEW
The City is currently planning for 3,000 people
within the City Centre, an increase of around
2,000 people.
This project seeks (as a long term proposition), in
line with population growth to focus on increasing
the number of people in the City Centre and
surrounds to upwards of 10,000 people, with
an associated increase in jobs within the City
Centre.
This project is a similar idea to the City of
Melbourne Postcode 3000 which turned the
Melbourne CBD into a vibrant, booming 24 hour
city. This was driven in a large part to the return
of residents into the City.
This would require consolidation of land
CONSTRAINTS
within the City Centre to allow for significant
development and would require significant
infrastructure improvements to support this
population growth. It may also require the
rezoning or variation in planning controls to allow
increased development.
LOCATION
City Centre and surrounds
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The Residential Strategy (2014) talks about
providing high quality, well designed medium density
development between 2 to 4 storeys in the City
Centre.
Plan Greater Bendigo
BENEFITS
This would help to revitalise the City
Centre.
It would enable people to live where they work
reducing the number of cars on the road and
congestion.
It would improve passive surveillance.
Increased uptake of active transport would
improve health outcomes for residents.
There would be environmental improvements by
reducing the need for cars.
This would help to attract/promote decentralisation
from Melbourne.
It would reduce pressure for housing in areas
which are constrained for example through
bushfire risk, flooding or limited access to
services.
There may be difficulty in encouraging more
medium and high density mixed use developments
into the City Centre and surrounds in the short
term until these developments have been proven
to be successful.
Would be reliant on attracting investors into
Bendigo.
The fragmented ownership pattern means that site
consolidation is likely to be required on a number
of sites to ensure larger scale development.
There may be a need to rezone land or to vary
planning controls requiring a planning scheme
amendment.
There is currently limited infrastructure capacity
within the City Centre and future work would need
to be undertaken to determine the capacity of
services to deal with this population growth.
Pumped Hydro Storage System
OVERVIEW
Undertake a feasibility study to investigate
pumped hydro storage using Bendigos
extensive mining tunnel network, to store and
Bendigo is in a unique situation with a complex
generate energy from groundwater, making it an network of underground shafts and mines
underground battery for Bendigos energy supply. beneath the city. While these have been
developed principally for mining of gold, the
presence of significant void spaces in close
proximity to the beating heart of the city creates a
Cost myriad of alternate opportunities.
One such opportunity worthy of exploration
$-Low
is the use of these mining tunnels for the
generation, storage and delivery of energy into
When To Deliver
local businesses or into the electricity network.
3-5 years This would operate by using the different mine
systems to create a water level difference that
lends itself to pressure differentials as the
Lead Organisation/s groundwater passes from one level to another.
City of Greater Bendigo This is known as a pumped hydro system and is
commonly found in large surface water systems
Supporting Organisation/s such as lakes or reservoirs, where water can be
stored in a system above a turbine and released
Bendigo Sustainability Group
upon request to create an instantaneous supply
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
of electricity.
Planning
Coliban Water The thing that sets this proposal apart is the sub-
Bendigo Business Council surface nature of the mine voids making this an
underground pumped hydro system, for which
Associated Project/s we are not aware of any similar project like this
Managing Groundwater Turning a Problem taking place anywhere around the globe. This
into a Resource has the potential therefore to set Bendigo up as
a leader in the development of this technology,
Themes as well as the benefits to come from the ability
to store, manage and control the generation and
use of the energy far better.
This project would be to conduct a feasibility
study into an underground pumped hydro
system for Bendigo.
Plan Greater Bendigo
LOCATION
This project will be developed in proximity to available
mining tunnels and reef systems.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
This project has evolved from the State Government
investigation into Bendigos Groundwater
management and is supported by the Bendigo
Groundwater Community Reference Group.
BENEFITS
It would provide a unique engineering solution to
potential energy storage and generation to meet
peak demand requirements.
Helps to balance the grid operations in peak
periods.
Supports future security of energy supply options.
Financial benefits of making energy available
when it is most costly to purchase.
Bendigo is seen as a leader in energy solutions.
CONSTRAINTS
Complex challenges to install the piping and sub-
surface turbine system.
Scale and energy generation capacity is limited by
size of tunnels and shafts.
The installation of the system is likely to be
expensive.
Need to consider and plan for underground
mining.
51
Reclaiming public space
OVERVIEW
Reclaim public space for people using Charing
Cross as an example creating an improved Before the rise of cars, for much of its Gold
pedestrian experience over the focus on moving Rush-era history, and the early years of the 20th
cars through the intersection. century, Charing Cross was a public gathering
place; a place where people mixed freely with
trams and horse-drawn carriages. Even the
arrangement of prominent buildings around the
Cross is evocative of a public square. Design and
Cost
planning for a public space produced a public
$$$-High space; one of the citys most important at that
time.
When To Deliver
In contemporary Bendigo, and for more than half
a century, the role of Charing Cross has shifted
10-15 years dramatically. It became a traffic intersection,
one designed to move cars through with relative
Lead Organisation/s efficiency. Pedestrian activity and public life has
City of Greater Bendigo been displaced to the edges and to islands which
VicRoads house the Alexandra Fountain and tram stop. The
essence of a public square as a public meeting
Supporting Organisation/s place has largely been lost; however can be
Transport for Victoria restored.
Bendigo Tramways Progressively reclaiming areas for people would
Bendigo Business Council change the essential purpose and dynamic of
the space with positive spin-offs for business and
Associated Project/s community vitality. Whilst it is true that Greater
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall Bendigo already has ample areas of public space
Mall more than it can make good use of it is also
Outer Arterial Road true that a successful public space must be well-
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre located.
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor
As the geographic and spiritual heart of Greater
Streetscape Improvements
Bendigo; Charing Cross is a major landmark of
Themes the city centre and a distinctive memory for most
visitor arrivals here.
52 Plan Greater Bendigo
LOCATION
Charing Cross, Bendigo City Centre
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
The City is currently preparing the Greater Bendigo
Public Space Plan. A draft will be ready for
consultation in the second half of 2017. This project
originates from and should be guided by the Public
Space Plan.
BENEFITS
Over time, Charing Cross would come to be
defined and valued as a social space and
destination, rather than as a traffic intersection.
On arrival to the centre of Bendigo, visitors to
Bendigo would be greeted be the experience of a
vibrant public space.
More people in and around Charing Cross
will increase the potential customer base for
businesses.
The space is connected directly with Rosalind
Park and View Street, creating larger opportunities
for the staging of major events.
CONSTRAINTS
Currently a well-established traffic intersection.
This project is likely to be contentious with well-
publicised public concerns about the efficiency of
the intersection for moving traffic and trams.
For the duration of construction, works to
transform the public realm at Charing Cross would
cause impacts to vehicular access in the City
Centre (less so for tram services).
Rejuvenation of Bendigos City Centre TAFE Campus
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Make Bendigo Kangan TAFEs Bendigo City IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
Centre Campus a more activated vibrant focus for
skills training and education together with other A strong vocational training system with modern STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
complementary mixed commercial, community educational facilities is fundamental to building Not directly.
and/or civic uses (to be master planned and industry capability and developing the regions
determined). current and future workforce. Skilling the region
will ultimately lead to improved productivity, BENEFITS
greater investment, stronger economic activity,
Modernisation of facilities for vocational skills
increased innovation and more jobs.
training and education service the region
Cost Regardless of age, background or post code, Better activation of the City Centre
$$$-High our region should have the opportunity to learn
for a brighter future. Our region needs access CONSTRAINTS
When To Deliver to high quality, relevant vocational training
facilities that will facilitate the needs of local State funding support over time
industries and employers. To enable these Heritage planning controls and associated
within next 5 years outcomes it is important that our community planning implications
consider and support the rejuvenation / upgrade
Lead Organisation/s of the Bendigos City Centre TAFE campus.
Bendigo Kangan Institute The campus encompasses an entire iconic city
block and presents numerous opportunities for
Supporting Organisation/s refreshed 21st century education and city centre
Regional Development Victoria vibrancy.
City of Greater Bendigo
Other State Government Agencies
LOCATION
Associated Project/s
Mundy Street Bendigo.
Student Housing in the City Centre
Libraries Empowering Communities
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall
Mall
Rosalind Recreation Precinct Master Plan
Implementation

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 53

Restoration of the Bendigo Bushland Trail
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
A complete, connected recreation trail within IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
the forest surrounding the urban area provides The Bendigo Bushland Trail was created over STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
a unique opportunity to access, explore and 20 years ago. Whilst much of the infrastructure Not directly.
experience Greater Bendigos bushland setting. associated with the trail has fallen into disrepair,
the potential exists to restore a forest trail around The City is currently preparing the Greater Bendigo
the city, based on, or around the path already Public Space Plan. A draft will be ready for
established by the Bushland Trail. consultation in the second half of 2017. This project
to restore the Bendigo Bushland Trail originates from
Cost The trail can be prominently connected at and should be guided by the Public Space Plan.
$$-Moderate strategic points with regional trails such as the
OKeefe Rail Trail and Goldfields Track, as
When To Deliver well as with major public space corridors of the BENEFITS
Bendigo urban area.
Bushwalking is citys fifth most popular physical
recreation activity; suggesting that investment in
6-15 years
LOCATION infrastructure to support and promote bushwalking
Lead Organisation/s is likely to be well-received.
The forested perimeter of the Bendigo urban area
The trail would improve community access to the
City of Greater Bendigo forest landscape, and create more opportunities
Parks Victoria for physical and mental wellbeing benefits that
stem from bushwalking itself and contact with
Supporting Organisation/s
nature.
Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail
Department of Environment, Land, Water and CONSTRAINTS
Planning
Victoria Walks Scale: At around 90km, the trail represents a large
scale of infrastructure.
Associated Project/s History: the existing trail has fallen into disrepair
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital but officially remains an active trail.
Sustainability Centre

Themes

54 Plan Greater Bendigo

Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply (Integrated Water Opportunities)
OVERVIEW CONSTRAINTS
Making sure there will be sufficient water to meet
the needs of a growing population and the impacts Limited capacity to augment the
of climate change. Coliban Water is currently preparing long term amount of water available.
strategies looking at the whole water cycle to Cost to implement solutions.
cater for growth. Along with traditional reticulated
potable water and sewerage services, these
Cost strategies are exploring a range of options taking
To be determined. into account all potential water sources, such
as stormwater and treated wastewater reuse, to
When To Deliver assess fit-forpurpose water which may provide
additional benefits to the community and/or
Dependent on the projects deemed affordable
environment. Some large scale infrastructure
project may result from these studies.
Lead Organisation/s
This project would support the implementation of
Coliban Water one or more actions within this strategy to better
ensure water is available to meet the needs of a
Supporting Organisation/s growing population.
North Central Catchment Management
Authority
Department of Environment, Land, Water and LOCATION
Planning
City of Greater Bendigo Across the city and region.
Parks Victoria

Associated Project/s IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN

There are a broad number of associated
projects. These are some of the top ones
New water to communities west of Bendigo
Urban Forest
Regional Wetland
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Themes
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Current strategies in development.
BENEFITS
Contribute to improving Bendigos resilience and
liveability.
Multiple water services at best community and
environmental value.
The opportunity to improve the supply and delivery
of water.
The opportunity to secure water for open space
irrigation, leading to improved community health.
Sustainable land development.
Plan Greater Bendigo 55
Student housing in City Centre
A student housing development in the City OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Centre, providing housing for students and better IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
activating the City Centre outside of business Bendigo offers a number of tertiary education STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
hours. facilities, including La Trobe and Monash Yes.
Universities, as well as vocational education and
training through Bendigo Kangan Institute. This project is identified in a number of regional and
Cost City strategies.
There is currently limited off campus
$$-Moderate accommodation to house these students. The Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan
advocates for increasing student housing to support
A student housing project in the City Centre La Trobe University. This includes facilitating a student
When To Deliver may encourage enrolment of students who do accommodation demonstration project in the city.
not wish to live on campus at La Trobe or within
shared accommodation in the suburbs. It would Development of student accommodation within the
3-5 years
offer an alternative and may be particularly City Centre is set out as both an objective and a key
Lead Organisation/s attractive to overseas or post-graduate students. action within the Bendigo CBD Plan (2005).
Private Sector It would help to further activate the City Centre, In addition more broadly, Plan Melbourne, the City of
particularly outside of business hours, having Greater Bendigo Residential Growth Strategy 2014
Supporting Organisation/s economic benefits. and the Housing Strategy 2016, all identify Bendigo
City of Greater Bendigo as needing to plan for increased growth, particularly
La Trobe within the CBD.
LOCATION
Monash
Bendigo Kangan Institute Within the City Centre, potential sites include;
BENEFITS
Regional Development Victoria Gillies/Garsed Street
This project would contribute to providing a mix of
139 McCrae Street
Associated Project/s housing options in the City Centre.
Bicycle Path between La Trobe and City It would help to contribute to the vitality of the City
Centre Centre, particularly outside of business hours.
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre Providing accessible and affordable student
housing will support tertiary enrolments and
Themes contribute to the local economy.

CONSTRAINTS
This would require private sector investment and
would need to be financially viable.
Would require a suitable site in a location which
was attractive for students.
Monash subsidises accommodation for its
students at the Monash Rural Health school so
there is likely to be limited attraction from Monash
56 Plan Greater Bendigo students.
Will require statutory planning approval.
Sustainable Agriculture
Working as a region to develop higher value
agricultural product and provide this to new
markets, supporting new jobs and economic
growth.
Cost
$$$-High region.
When To Deliver
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
Six Loddon Campaspe Regional Councils
Supporting Organisation/s
Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership
Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum
Victoria Farmers Federation
Regional Development Victoria
Transport for Victoria
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
North Central Catchment Management
Authority
Associated Project/s
New Water to Communities West of Bendigo
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
Themes
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
The creation of jobs across all parts
Australia currently produces enough food to feed of the value chain.
about 80 million people. While this is currently This project would capitalise on regional attributes.
in large scale commodities there are strong Would lead to regional economic growth.
opportunities to diversify into a higher value Would lead to the more efficient use of resources
product, and to build on a reputation for quality including soil and water.
and environmental credentials. It would help to improve social equity across the
In Greater Bendigo alone the agri-business
sector directly generates $696.638 million in
output (REMPLAN, 2014). CONSTRAINTS
This project would establish a collaborative An organisation and governance arrangement
group including the six Loddon Campaspe would need to be established to facilitate this
Regional Councils to help build support within project.
State and particularly Federal Government Would be a substantial project to get all parties to
Agencies around the creation and export of high agree to how this would run and to get the right
value agricultural product from the region. This people on board to ensure a successful venture.
would include produce development, production,
markets, marketing and the provision of direct
and indirect support services.
LOCATION
Loddon Campaspe Region
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes
Future directions within the Loddon Mallee South
Regional Growth Plan 2014 refer to the need to
facilitate ongoing agricultural productivity and
investment in high value agriculture.
Plan Greater Bendigo 57
Major Projects
58 Plan Greater Bendigo
MAJOR PROJECTS
Advanced waste treatment of compost 60
Alternative cost model for the provision of reticulated sewerage 61
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital 62
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan implementation 63
Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative Community Hub/Centre 64
Bendigo Low-Line Walking and Cycling Corridor 65
Bendigo Tramways 66
Bicycle Path between La Trobe and City Centre 67
Bridge Street Hospital Precinct 68
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment 69
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation 70
Community hubs for rural areas 71
Co-working Space 72
Decentralise education facilities 73
Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate Centre 74
Early Learning and Development Hubs 75
Heathcote Dementia Village 76
Iconic Public Art Focus 77
Improve the Pedestrian experience in Pall Mall 78
Increasing and maintaining social housing supply 79
Junior Sporting Precinct 80
Plan Greater Bendigo
Libraries Empowering Communities 81
Micro Energy Network for the View and Barnard Street Precinct 82
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor Streetscape Improvements 83
New Municipal Park 84
New Recreational Precincts in Growth Areas 85
New Schools to Meet Growing Demand 86
New waste management facility 87
Open Data 88
Regional Food Hub 89
Regional Wetland 90
Rosalind Recreation Precinct Master Plan Implementation 91
Services Hubs in Key Centres 92
Small Towns Connectivity 93
Smart Parking 94
Smart Transport 95
Smart Train Transport 96
Sustainability centre 97
Urban Forest 98
Water Sensitive Urban Design 99
Wolstencroft Street Park 100
Youth Development Hubs 101
59
Advanced waste treatment of compost
OVERVIEW Reduce transport/cartage costs and
Using the latest advanced waste technology to impacts.
treat compost closer to its point of origin. Support new local jobs.
Using advanced Waste Treatment to treat Ownership of the end product.
domestic and commercial food and garden Use of this technology reduces methane
organics (including various other organic waste production and therefore greenhouse gas
(oils and sludge) within the municipality, such as emissions.
an in-vessel composting facility.
This project would see a feasibility study CONSTRAINTS
Cost undertaken to determine the options, the viability Sourcing an appropriate site.
$$-Moderate and possible locations. Public acceptance.
Licensing (EPA).
When To Deliver
LOCATION
Rural area within the municipality crucial for
6-10 years
community acceptance
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Supporting Organisation/s
Not directly.
Private sector
Environmental Protection Authority The City of Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy
(2016-2021) aims to achieve zero waste by reducing
Associated Project/s the volume of waste we generate, reusing where
New Waste Facility possible and ultimately sending nothing to landfill that
can be recovered or recycled.
Themes Some of the key objectives set out in the Citys Waste
and Resource Management Strategy 2014-2019
include reducing waste, diverting organic waste from
landfill to minimise current and future financial and
environmental liabilities, and supporting innovation in
resource management with a focus on opportunities to
maximise sector development in Greater Bendigo.

BENEFITS
Would enable the local processing of organic
materials.

60 Plan Greater Bendigo

Alternative cost model for the provision of reticulated sewerage
OVERVIEW
Provide an alternative cost model to self-fund
ongoing reticulated sewerage costs, leading
to improved public health, environmental and Some small towns and outer lying suburbs
economic outcomes for our small rural townships are challenged with wastewater problems that
and outer suburbs. result in offsite discharge into gutters creating
health and nuisance issues. The problem is
exacerbated in that there are often a large
number of small parcels of land that cannot be
Cost developed, which can impact on the prosperity
and sustainability of these areas.
Unknown
This initiative seeks to realise opportunity,
through encouraging cooperative based thinking
When To Deliver that would see the installation of compact
wastewater treatment systems that collect, treat
3-5 years
and reuse wastewater to establish a carbon
offset plantation. It is envisaged that the carbon
Lead Organisation/s offsets could be used to fund the operation
City of Greater Bendigo and ongoing maintenance costs associated
Coliban Water with localised wastewater treatment systems,
which often proves as a stumbling block for the
Supporting Organisation/s community in any sewerage backlog project
promoted by the Water Authority and Local
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Government.
Planning
Environmental Protection Authority Not only could the initiative ongoing cost to be
Department of Health and Human Services self-funded, but the health, environment, social
and economic benefits that could be realised
Associated Project/s would be a positive contribution to the liveability
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply and prosperity of our residents.
This project would be to undertake a feasibility
Themes
study to determine the project cost and viability.
LOCATION
Small townships and outer lying suburbs of Greater
Bendigo.
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The importance of managing wastewater and
reticulated sewerage is identified in the Domestic
Wastewater Management Strategy 2014-2015.
The need for sewerage connection was raised as a
common concern across rural communities as part of
the consultation for the Rural Communities Strategy.
BENEFITS
Improved public health and amenity benefits in
removing waste water from street gutters.
Reduced impact on receiving environments.
Recycling and reuse wastewater.
Carbon offset generation and carbon capture.
Activation and development of previously
unusable land.
Ability for communities to grow and develop.
Reduce maintenance cost to operator and
community of reticulated sewerage.
CONSTRAINTS
Upfront costs to establish wastewater treatment
system.
Community engagement and investment.
Reliance on carbon offset scheme.
61
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital
Make Bendigo the leading Australian city in the OVERVIEW LOCATION
provision of infrastructure, facilities and programs
City Wide
that make cycling accessible (for ages 8 to 80),
Bendigo is already starting to see an increase in
practical and logical choice for 20 per cent of the numbers of residents choosing to cycle as their
everyday trips. preferred transport mode for everyday trips, with IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Network Super Tuesday counts showing the rates of EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Cost cycling in Bendigo are increasing. The Citys Active
Living Census has also shown cycling in Bendigo to Not directly.
$$$-High
be a popular activity across all parts of the community Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport
(female, male, younger, older, high and low income,
When To Deliver and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS) has a number of
urban and rural).
actions related to improving the take up of active
However for cycling to become a real alternative for transport. This includes the 1 in 5 initiative where
Commence Implementation in
much of the population, there needs to be greater residents are encouraged to use active transport one
investment in cycling infrastructure, and in particular
1-2 years day a week for their travel to work.
separated lanes. This is supported by research which
suggests that almost two-thirds of Australians are
Lead Organisation/s interested in cycling more often, but are concerned BENEFITS
about safety and in particular riding in traffic. Recent
Transport for Victoria international research also shows that cities in the Improved health through increased physical
USA who have invested consistently in cycling in activity and reduced obesity
Supporting Organisation/s recent years have increased participation in cycling, Improve equity in the provision of public space
VicRoads experienced the economic, health and environmental and access to transport networks across socio-
City of Greater Bendigo benefits (including alleviating congestion) as well
economic groups
as significant equity benefits and improved safety in
Regional Development Victoria Reduced congestion and increased efficiency in
numbers.
use of road space
Associated Project/s In line with increasing numbers of cyclists, both New economic opportunities bicycle industries
Greater Bendigo and the region are now being seen and innovations (eg. Cycleport)
Bendigo Low Line Walking and Cycling
as centres for innovation in cycling, with a number
Corridor Attract visitors to the city as well as attracting new
of inventions in recent years, from bikes on buses
Bicycle Path between La Trobe and the City through to universal bike share. Supporting these
skilled residents into the city
Centre industries has the potential to create jobs and attract Collaboration across levels of government and
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre significant investment into the City. with community
Bendigo Creek Improvement Bendigo has an ideal climate for cycling across
Bendigo has strong foundations to become Australias
Urban Forest most of the year
Regional Cycling Capital and reap the liveability,
economic, health, social, environmental and cultural Take advantage of emerging technologies such
Themes benefits that come with this. This project would see as e-bikes and bikes for moving goods more
a focus on growing the numbers of riders, as well efficiently in urban spaces
as supporting innovation in cycling. It would outline
a series of actions and steps required over time to CONSTRAINTS
support achieving this aim.
Requires a significant shift in the design and
engineering of the road network
62 Plan Greater Bendigo
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan implementation
Implementation of Stage 3 of the Bendigo Botanic
Gardens Master plan, creating an inspiring and
sustainable, iconic landscape that provides
diverse opportunities for learning about plants,
horticulture, landscapes, botany, ecology,
conservation and heritage.
Cost
$$-Moderate Implementation of the Master Plan will bring the
When To Deliver
1-2 years
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Associated Project/s
Bridge Street Hospital Precinct
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
Implementation
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Themes
OVERVIEW
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan
was developed by the City in close consultation
with the community. It was adopted by Council
in 2010. The Plan includes rejuvenation of the
existing heritage-listed garden as well as a
contemporary extension to increase its size and
provide modern amenities.
heritage-listed Bendigo Botanic Gardens up to
21st century expectations and ensure its of a
standard and size consistent with the size and
significance of Bendigo.
This project would see the funding of Stage 3
of this project. This involves the construction
of the visitor centre which includes a gift shop;
caf; classroom; commercial and demonstration
kitchen gardens and function centre, and the
surrounding gardens.
LOCATION
Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
There is an adopted Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master
Plan (Feb 2010)
This project is also included within the Council Plan
2016-2017 update.
It is also included within the Loddon Mallee Region
2016 Investment Prospectus 2016, Regional
Development Victoria as a priority project.
Plan Greater Bendigo
BENEFITS
Improved health and wellbeing by
providing an alternative to organised sport, with a
greater range of assets and services (something
for everyone). It will also provide an opportunity
to build social networks and increase civic
participation.
Diversifying the regions tourist offer especially
through the provision of The Garden for the Future
and the Visitor Hub.
Addressing food security, with the Visitor Hub
proposed to be designed so that it can facilitate
whole of food cycle demonstration programs.
Best practice sustainable design including through
6 star building design, and stormwater irrigation,
and the inclusion of community education on
climate change and the environment.
Creation of employment opportunities.
CONSTRAINTS
Implementation to be consistent with vision/
principles of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master
Plan
Funding
63
Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative Community Hub/Centre
OVERVIEW LOCATION
Phase 2 of the Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-
operative (BDAC) Centre. Phase 2 builds on the 119 Prouses Road North Bendigo
current corporate and service infrastructure that To fulfil the task of leading preventative health
will be completed in March 2017 and will include promotion across the region, the Bendigo District
the development of a Community Centre Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) is developing
specialised facilities designed to meet the holistic
care needs of the community. These facilities will
house expanded programming around healthy
Cost eating, holistic family treatment, as well as
offering basic medical consultations.
$$-Moderate
The BDAC already has a 6 acre site which
provides it with the opportunity to bring together
When To Deliver
all of its existing services into a single facility.
This facility will directly impact BDACs ability
1-2 years to support its strategic objectives and deliver
health care. Phase 1 of the project was
Lead Organisation/s completed in early 2017. This project is for the BENEFITS
Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative funding of phase 2. This includes delivery of a
(BDAC) community hub, training rooms, amphitheatre To increase participation in physical activity.
to accommodate 150 people, caf to support To decrease the incidence and prevalence of
Supporting Organisation/s hospitality training and an art gallery to support smoking.
local artists. Improve lifestyle choices about nutrition for the
City of Greater Bendigo
prevention of chronic disease.
The goal of these programs is to develop models Improving access to mental health services.
Themes that can be duplicated across the region. The Increase understanding of optimal sexual and
BDAC are already seeing some meaningful reproductive health.
success with pilot programs around family care, Improve and coordinate the integration of services
but need sufficient facilities to increase the reach for Aboriginal pole accessing and moving between
of this success into family health. health services.
To create a supporting environment for Aboriginal
clients requiring oral health care to access
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN specialist care.
Increase the health and wellbeing of children in
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? the early years.
Yes
This is in keeping with the BDAC Health Promotion CONSTRAINTS
Plan. Funding

64 Plan Greater Bendigo

Bendigo Low-Line Walking and Cycling Corridor

Better connecting the Bendigo Creek corridor, to

OVERVIEW LOCATION
encourage active transport, reducing congestion Bendigo City Centre
and improving health and wellbeing. The Low-Line concept envisages the Bendigo
Creek corridor as the main public space spine
Cost within a broader network of public space
connections across Greater Bendigo, and in
$$$-High particular its urban communities. This is a similar
concept to the New York High Line (highline.org).
When To Deliver This would enable residents to travel off road for
their entire journey from Crusoe Reservoir in the
5-10 years south to Epsom Primary School in the north.
The Bendigo Creek Trail already provides the
Lead Organisation/s opportunity to explore much of this corridor,
City of Greater Bendigo however large and important gaps exist between
Golden Square and North Bendigo, as well as
Supporting Organisation/s North of Epsom. BENEFITS
Coliban Water Being able to access the City Centre via the The Low-Line provides a model corridor for some
Heritage Victoria Creek Trail and emerging from the Creek Trail in densification to occur accommodating the population
Dja Dja Wurrung Rosalind Park or at Charing Cross for example growth expected for Bendigo while also reducing
would provide far better accessibility in terms congestion by providing a viable alternative through
Associated Project/s
of proximity to employment, retail/commercial and to central Bendigo for the long-term.
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital services and safety for cyclists. Promote increased physical activity and health
Bicycle Path Between La Trobe and City benefits, especially through residents using cycling
Centre This Low Line would then also provide the
for their daily commute.
Bendigo Creek Improvement starting point for other secondary paths and trails It will also promote heritage engagement and
Urban Forest that connect places like Ironbark, Long Gully, recognition along the creek.
Eaglehawk, Quarry Hill and others into the City
Themes Centre easily by bike and on foot.
CONSTRAINTS
Heritage bluestone and sandstone in historic
segments of the Creek channel, cultural heritage
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN along creek, flooding (asset damage and safety risk).
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? Need to convert Booth Street Bridge in Golden
11.9% Yes. The Bendigo Low-Line is outlined in conceptual
Square to a pedestrian and cycling only bridge,
cycled in previous 12 months (2014 removing car access.
Active Living Census)
vision for the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan
and more generally in Connecting Greater Bendigo:
16.8% Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS).
cycled in previous 12 months (2016
VicHealth Indicators Survey)

Plan Greater Bendigo 65

Bendigo Tramways
OVERVIEW LOCATION
Redevelop the Bendigo Tramways, including High Street - Bendigo
the expansion of workshop space and group The Bendigo Tramways have been in operation
accommodation, creating jobs and building since 1890, when Battery Trams were introduced.
business capacity. These trams were soon replaced by Steam
Trams, followed by electric trams. Trams were
used for commuting until 1972.
The Bendigo Tramways is now Australasias
largest tourist tramway. The Tramways Depot is
Cost the oldest operating tram depot and listed on the
$$$-High Victorian Heritage Register.
The Tramways Depot is not only used for the
When To Deliver Bendigo fleet but also the restoration and
refurbishment of heritage trams throughout the
3-5 years world which is important to the success of the
tramways. The Tramways workshop space is
Lead Organisation/s currently at capacity.
Regional Development Victoria Adjacent to the Tramways Depot is the Bendigo
Woollen Mills, with visitors now allowed access
Supporting Organisation/s between both sites. BENEFITS
City of Greater Bendigo There were close to 39,000 visitors in 2015/16, Would generate jobs and drive increased tourism
Transport for Victoria 97 per cent of these being for the talking tram into the region.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions tour and the remaining 3 per cent from the Depot The expansion of the Tramways Workshop would
Tour. allow for the upscaling of contract work retaining
Associated Project/s unique skills and jobs delivering regional economic
This project would see the redevelopment of the
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment benefit.
Bendigo Tramways, including expansion of the
Bendigo Chinatown It will also help to preserve the Citys unique
workshop space and group accommodation.
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall cultural heritage.
Mall
Aspire Precinct CONSTRAINTS
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Themes EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? This would require a large investment and the
Tramways is not currently one of the largest
Not currently identified. tourism attractions in the region.

66 Plan Greater Bendigo

Bicycle Path between La Trobe and City Centre
A fully separated cycling and walking link, OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
between La Trobe, the City Centre and railway IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
station, to encourage walking and cycling, reduce
congestion and lead to improved health and
La Trobe University Bendigo is located in the STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
residential area of Flora Hill, less than three
wellbeing. Yes.
kilometres from the City Centre.
This project is directly identified within the Connecting
The La Trobe University Bendigo Campus Master
Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use
Cost Plan identifies that 55 per cent of students and
Strategy to Develop and progressively implement
staff live within 10 kilometres and 39 per cent in
$$-Moderate a high quality, fully separated from other vehicles,
five kilometres of campus. Despite this, 53 per
cycling and walking link between La Trobe University,
cent of students arrive at campus by car, 22 per
When To Deliver Bendigo Railway Station and the City Centre.
cent walk, 6 per cent catch public transport and
only 2 per cent currently cycle to the campus. The City of Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy
1-2 years (2016-2021) advocates for Sustainable Transport
There is currently no formally advertised
options.
preferred cycling route between the City Centre,
Lead Organisation/s railway station and campus. There is a dedicated
City of Greater Bendigo cycle lane along part of the route and an off BENEFITS
road path along the Bendigo Creek. However
Supporting Organisation/s even locating the off road path along Havelin Even if half of students and staff living within five
Street without local knowledge, is difficult, with kilometres of campus walked or cycled to campus
La Trobe University instead of driving, this would take more than 1,000
VicRoads the easiest way to cross the intersection of Ellis
Street and Somerville Street, which requires cars off the road.
Transport for Victoria A designated path would also encourage use for
mounting the kerb.
recreation and leisure.
Associated Project/s This project would create a fully separated There are clear health benefits through increasing
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital cycling and walking link between La Trobe, the incidental exercise.
Bendigo Low Line Walking and Cycling City Centre and railway station. Cost savings
Corridor Help to minimise congestion.
Student Housing in the City Centre Environmentally it will help to limit carbon
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre LOCATION emissions.

Themes CONSTRAINTS
The topography, with La Trobe being on top of a
hill may discourage some people from cycling.
Given the ease of parking on campus and the
relative affordability this makes driving an easy
option.

Plan Greater Bendigo 67

Bridge Street Hospital Precinct
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
Extend Bendigos City Centre to the Bendigo
Hospital Campus by transforming the Bridge IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
Street precinct into a contemporary main street Major changes and investment are needed over time POLICIES?
destination. to implement the transformation of the Bridge Street
precinct, which is the most significant objective of the
Yes, the Hospital Precinct Structure Plan adopted by
Hospital Precinct Structure Plan. Council in September 2014.

This will require major infrastructure renewal. There

Cost
are two primary elements: BENEFITS
$$$-High
The reconfiguration and redevelopment of Bridge A physical environment that is compatible with
Street itself creating a safe, attractive and high amenity place
When To Deliver The reorganisation of car parking and experience for people.
Bridge Street is proposed to be modified most
An active, vibrant and walkable street link to and
significantly by reducing the total number of traffic
10-20 years
lanes from the existing four to two. from the Hospital campus.
More efficient and sustainable parking
Lead Organisation/s In relation to car parking, there are two major arrangements which return public space in
initiatives. The first is to conditionally sell City-owned Rosalind Park and Bridge Street to use for people.
City of Greater Bendigo land, presently used for surface parking, to enable
VicRoads private commercial development and thereby close
a gap in the street front. The second entails the CONSTRAINTS
Supporting Organisation/s development of a multi-storey car park on the current
Bridge Street is an arterial road controlled by
Transport for Victoria Coliban Water site at Water Street.
VicRoads. The Street forms part of the Inner
Bendigo Business Council Box bypass of the City Centre and therefore
Bendigo Health VicRoads does not support changes to the road
LOCATION environment/capacity unless an alternative link is
Associated Project/s Bridge Street, Bendigo, within the Hospital Precinct first designated and provided.
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre The reconstruction of street is likely to depend
Smart Parking largely, but not solely, upon the City of Greater
Bendigo.
Themes The proposed site for the multi-storey car park
facility is privately owned and under a long-term
lease by Coliban Water. An alternative site for this
organisation must be found first.
Construction of a multi-storey car park in a
regional location tends to depend on funding
by the local authority, although a private or
partnership-based development would be
preferred.
Major changes to road access and car parking in
the Bridge Street precinct require thorough prior
investigation following completion of the Hospital
68 Plan Greater Bendigo project in 2018.
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment
OVERVIEW LOCATION
Redevelop the Central Deborah Gold Mine
to upgrade a popular but outdated tourism High Street - Bendigo
destination to broaden visitor appeal and value. The Central Deborah Gold Mine operated from
1939 to 1945, at its peak reaching 412 metres.
Over this time it employed 357 miners, who
extracted almost one ton of gold from the ground.
The mine has 17 levels, with 15 kilometres of
Cost drives and tunnels. At 22 metres high, the Poppet
Head is one of the defining features of the mine.
$$$-High
The formation of the Bendigo Trust led to the
When To Deliver surface of the mine being opened to the public
in 1971, with the first underground experience in
1986.
3-5 years
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is an important BENEFITS
Lead Organisation/s tourist experience in the city, with close to 35,000
admissions to the Central Deborah Gold Mine Would generate jobs and drive increased tourism
Regional Development Victoria into the region.
in 2015/16, the majority of which were for the
mine experience tour. While the Central Deborah The Central Deborah Gold Mine is a significant
Supporting Organisation/s
Gold Mine is considered to be a quality tourism tourist attraction to the City. This would secure the
City of Greater Bendigo experience, as the experience remains relatively sustainability of the Central Deborah Goldmine
Transport for Victoria unchanged the mine does not encourage repeat and Tramways.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions visitation. It will also help to preserve the Citys unique
cultural heritage.
Associated Project/s This project includes a redevelopment of the
whole of the Central Deborah Gold Mine site
Aspire Precinct CONSTRAINTS
for the site to broaden visitor appeal and value.
Bendigo Chinatown
This project is hoped to not only improve the It is likely to be a large investment to ensure the
Bendigo Tramways
financial sustainability of the attraction but also to ongoing operations of the Central Deborah Gold
Themes generate new jobs. Mine and it is not currently one of the largest
tourist attractions in the city.
There is strong competition in this market with
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN Sovereign Hill attracting 512,751 day time visitors
in 2014/15 (Sovereign Hill Annual Report, 2006).
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? If travelling from Melbourne or Melbourne Airport,
Not currently identified there is little difference in terms of distance
between the two.

Plan Greater Bendigo 69

City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
OVERVIEW
Rejuvenate the Citys laneways to improve
appearance, safety and encourage out of hours The successful revitalisation of laneways can
activities. have social, economic and environmental
benefits. A good example is the Melbourne City
Centre where in the mid-1980s it was empty
outside of business hours, now Melbournes
laneways are a tourist destination in their own
right.
Cost
$$-Moderate The rejuvenation of laneways in the City
Centre is already happening to a certain extent
When To Deliver but needs major stimulation and facilitation.
This project would see the development and
implementation of a laneway strategy.
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
LOCATION
City of Greater Bendigo
City Centre
Supporting Organisation/s
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
POLICIES?
Yes.
The Bendigo CBD Plan identifies the need to
implement a program to assist and encourage the
upgrade of arcades within the CBD to improve
appearance, lighting, safety, activity and hours of
access.
BENEFITS
Many of the laneways within the city are
currently underutilised assets potential to provide
community and economic benefits.
This would help in the rejuvenation of the City
Centre.
Opening up of laneways would improve the
pedestrian experience in the city.

Regional Development Victoria CONSTRAINTS

Transport for Victoria
Safety and maintenance would be ongoing
Associated Project/s concerns.
Iconic Public Art Focus
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall
Mall
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor
Streetscape Improvements

Themes

70 Plan Greater Bendigo

Community hubs for rural areas
The provision of community hubs in rural areas OVERVIEW
helping to promote community cohesion, with
Redesdale used as the model. Once constructed Around 15 per cent of the Citys population live
these hubs would be based on full cost recovery. within the rural communities and small towns
outside of the urban area of Bendigo. The issues
Cost facing these communities are often disparate to
those of urban Bendigo, and there are also often
$-Low to $$-Moderate to advocate for and support improvements to high
differences between rural communities.
When To Deliver However one of the key issues experienced
across all rural communities is the potential for
To deliver in a staged process beginning in 1-2 years
social isolation, particularly with often limited
mobile and internet coverage and a lack of
1-2 years
transport options other than private vehicles.
To help address this issue and to encourage
Lead Organisation/s
community connection, the City encourages
City of Greater Bendigo small towns to develop their own community
plan which spells out local priorities and is
Supporting Organisation/s used as the basis for community advocacy and
Department of Environment, Land, Water and local action. Across the communities who have
Planning developed or are in the process of preparing a
plan, each community has expressed a priority
Associated Project/s for a community meeting place with good quality
Decentralise Education Facilities facilities that are fit for purpose and provide
Small Towns Connectivity universal access, enabling a range of activities to
Services Hubs in Key Centres take place. Existing facilities are generally limited
in their capacity to meet these criteria.
Themes
These hubs would be the social centre and the
centre for sports and recreation activities in a
community. They would also provide a place for
commercial enterprises.
This project would see the rollout of purpose
built community hubs within rural areas, following
the completion of a feasibility study ensuring the
LOCATION
project is viable.
Rural areas of Greater Bendigo
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
Rural Communities Strategy - identifies that Council
needs to continue to work with rural communities
priority supported facilities and services. It also
includes an action that Council considers increasing
funds for programs that address the health and
wellbeing in rural communities.
BENEFITS
Opportunities for people to come together for
sporting, recreational, social and educational
purposes are essential for their personal wellbeing
and for building and sustaining social capital within
these rural areas.
Many rural communities are experiencing long-
term population decline, and with that goes the
capacity to maintain facilities to the level that is
essential and to maintain networks of connection
that previously bound community members
together.
State and Local Government have an important
role in providing equitable access to community.
These hubs would bring a range of health and
wellbeing benefits to the rural communities.
CONSTRAINTS
Small rural communities have limited capacity to
undertake major fund-raising and/or to undertake
major construction projects using volunteer labour.
It may be that in some areas this model may not
be feasible.
71
Co-working Space
OVERVIEW LOCATION
The provision of a co-working space with City Centre
business support services in the City Centre to There are a number of co-working spaces which
promote business growth. now operate successfully throughout Australia
as well as in the City. Co-working spaces provide
individuals working from home, freelancers and
start-up or micro businesses with a space to work
with other like minded individuals.
Cost Currently with 97 per cent of businesses in
$$-Moderate the City being small businesses, there is an
opportunity to provide an environment to support
these businesses to grow.
When To Deliver
This initiative would include the provision of a
1-2 years
premises, advices and services to support new
and emerging businesses to become established
Lead Organisation/s and profitable.

City of Greater Bendigo or Private Individuals would then be charged a nominal

fee to cover the cost of running the space. This BENEFITS
Provider
would cater for a different market than the spaces Would attract skills and talent into the city by
Supporting Organisation/s currently in operation. providing a work and meeting space.
Regional Development Victoria Would help in idea generation and the formation of
Transport for Victoria professional relationships.
Creative Victoria By locating in the City Centre would help to
activate the City Centre.
Associated Project/s It would have economic benefits by helping to
attract and grow small businesses within the City.
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Libraries Empowering Communities EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? CONSTRAINTS
Themes No.
A governance model would need to be
This was raised as part of the Citizens Jury. established.
Would need to ensure that there would be an
ongoing take-up of this initiative and that costs
could be covered once established.

72 Plan Greater Bendigo

Decentralise education facilities
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
Using a different model of education by bringing Revitalise local and community
education and training opportunities to the Revitalising less accessible areas, such as shopfronts
community. activity centres in outer suburbs and rural Provide educational access and high-tech delivery
communities, through the delivery of vocational hubs to areas that relatively isolation or lacking
education. these facilities
Inexpensive to construct and deconstruct
This project would make use of existing
infrastructure, such as unoccupied shops
Cost and office buildings in outer areas and rural CONSTRAINTS
$$-Moderate communities to increase post school secondary Access to NBN
education qualifications. This would provide an Would need to be located on main transport routes
When To Deliver economic boost for local businesses, and have a that have convenient access to train and/or bus
positive effect on ageing rural communities. services.
3-5 years

Lead Organisation/s
Bendigo Kangan Institute
Supporting Organisation/s
Registered training organisations
Community organisations
Industry groups
Associated Project/s
Libraries Empowering Communities
Themes
LOCATION
Activity centres in outer suburbs and rural
communities
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Two principles set out in the Loddon Mallee South
Regional Growth Plan support this project, including
improving education and training outcomes and to
strengthen our communities, especially in our small
towns (through planned delivery of education and
training to support growth).
The Bendigo Kangan Institute Strategic Intent 2016-
2020 sets a vision to help 100,000 people take the
next step in their careers, and help industry plan and
build the workforce of the future, by 2020. The need
to provide a wider choice of learning experiences,
including the locations and facilities provided was
identified as a contributing factor in determining this
vision.

Plan Greater Bendigo 73

Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate Centre
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Develop a Corporate and Community Centre for IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
(DDWCAC) /Dja Dja Wurrung Entreprises Pty Ltd The DDWAC/DDWE has outgrown its existing STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
accommodation over the last three years.
(DDWE). Yes.
The Dja Dja Wurrung people initially identified in 2010
the need for a new centre for culture and commerce Supported by the Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan
to suit the uniqueness of operations and to meet a 2014-2034
potential increase in programs and staffing.
This project would see the location of a suitable BENEFITS
Cost site, with funding provided for 50 per cent of the
construction of this new centre. Would provide a community and corporate facility
$$-Moderate and strategically located centre for the Dja Dja
Wurrung people.
When To Deliver Would enable co-location for business incubation.
LOCATION Half of the funding would be provided from the Dja
1-3 years
Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.
City Centre
Lead Organisation/s CONSTRAINTS
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Funding
Corporation/Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises
Pty Ltd

Supporting Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
Bendigo Business Council
Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC)

Associated Project/s
Facilitating Development on State
Government Land

Themes

74 Plan Greater Bendigo

Early Learning and Development Hubs
OVERVIEW as part of integrated early learning and
development hubs.
Develop Integrated Early Learning Hubs in line
with population growth that respond to the With an increase in young families particularly
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
preschool education, health and support needs of in growth areas over time, there will need to be STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
children and families. a commensurate increase in services to support
these families. Yes

This includes the development of Integrated The Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan
Early Learning Hubs which are purpose built 2015-2018 supports the development of additional
Cost facilities to provide: Early Years Infrastructure and child friendly
environments.
$$-Moderate Preschool for 4 year olds
Preschool for 3 year olds BENEFITS
When To Deliver Maternal and Child Health services
Modern community facilities that meet current and
Staged approach starting in
Immunisations
future demand for preschool education.
Playgroups
Access by child and family to support services.
Family support and resource service
1-2 years
Specialist primary health services for children CONSTRAINTS
and families.
Lead Organisation/s The Citys capacity for provided Capital resources
Whilst needing to be purpose built, Hubs are
to plan, construct and resource Early Learning and
City of Greater Bendigo best constructed close by or connected with other
Development Hubs.
community and private infrastructure including
Supporting Organisation/s Level of resources available for State government
Primary schools, Community Centres, Libraries
and community.
Department of Education and Training and private Child Care Centres and Shopping
Preschool providers ie: Loddon Mallee Centres.
Preschool Association, Ballarat YMCA and This project would be delivered in a staged
Bendigo Preschool approach, with the first part of this project to
Other community run preschool facilities and identify a preferred location for a pilot project
programs based on a detailed assessment of feasibility and
Private child care centres need.
Associated Project/s
Libraries Empowering Communities LOCATION
Themes To be determined based on analysis of population
growth and location of existing preschool services.
Specific locations will be new and existing residential
areas where the projected population of preschool
children requires the provision of preschool services

Plan Greater Bendigo 75

Heathcote Dementia Village
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
This village would generate
A business proposal for a state-of-the-art employment opportunities during the construction
dementia village in Heathcote, creating jobs and Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability
in older Australians. With an expected increase in phase and is expected to employ 260 staff.
potentially driving medical breakthroughs. This has the potential to drive economic
older residents, particularly in some areas of the
City and region, this is likely to become an even investment into the township.
more significant issue into the future. This village could be used as a benchmark for
best practice and would reduce the risk for paid
There are currently no dementia only villages and unpaid carers of dementia.
Cost in the southern hemisphere. Heathcote is
considered to be an ideal location to develop the CONSTRAINTS
$-Low
village due to its proximity to natural and built The development of the village is likely to be
When To Deliver attractions and the ideal climate. expensive and would require on-going funding.
Given many of the residents in Heathcote and
A state-of-the-art dementia village would
the surrounding area are on low incomes, this
1-2 years maximise the quality of life of dementia sufferers
may restrict their ability to afford to live within the
by providing a safe and stimulating environment.
village.
Lead Organisation/s At the same time the village would also serve as
a research centre into medical breakthroughs
Heathcote Health
to prevent future generations suffering from the
Supporting Organisation/s disease.

City of Greater Bendigo
Department of Health and Human Services
Associated Project/s
Small Towns Connectivity
This project would see the funding of a business
proposal to investigate the provision of a
150-place dementia village including a teaching/
research/workforce development centre in
Heathcote.

Themes
LOCATION
Heathcote

IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING

STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The City has the support of the State and
Commonwealth Governments.

76 Plan Greater Bendigo

Iconic Public Art Focus
OVERVIEW

The recent success of the sculpture Forever

Develop a public art framework for the City Centre
Marilyn has demonstrated the capacity of iconic
to support its designation as an arts and cultural
public art to attract and engage local and national
destination.
audiences. In addition, temporary public art
programs provide a conduit for the activation of
City centre laneways by both visiting and local
street artists.
An Iconic Public Art Focus will allow for the
Cost development of permanent and ephemeral works
$$-Moderate of art which create a dynamic and engaging city
centre.
When To Deliver The first step would be to prepare a public art
plan/framework for the City Centre. To date
3-5 years
the Citys collection of permanent public art
works has grown in an ad hoc fashion with
Lead Organisation/s sculptures and monuments located throughout BENEFITS
the city centre. A plan would allow for a more
City of Greater Bendigo Would provide meaningful and rewarding
strategic approach to the acquisition, installation,
documenting and commissioning of appropriate opportunities for professional sculptors
Supporting Organisation/s
works of public art for the City. Add to sense of place through creativity and
City arts organisations cultural expression.
Philanthropic groups From this plan a two-pronged approach would Contribute to building the Creative State vision
Creative Victoria be taken to focus on both permanent, temporary Create places of interest that are vibrant,
and /or ephemeral works of public art of a very interesting and inspire the community.
Associated Project/s high standard. A public art committee would need Would help to activate the City Centre particularly
Improving the Pedestrian Experience in Pall to be established to ensure the integrity of works outside of business hours.
Mall acquired/commissioned for the city. Would be used as a tourist attraction supporting
Reclaiming Public Space Bendigo as an arts and cultural destination.
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor LOCATION Would improve the amenity of the City Centre.
Streetscape Improvements
Libraries Empowering Communities City Centre
CONSTRAINTS
Themes There may be planning constraints.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN There would be a need for ongoing funding for
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? acquisition and maintenance of works.
No, the City identified Public Art planning at a Public This may require use of privately owned land.
Art Roundtable hosted in late 2016
Plan Greater Bendigo 77
Improve the Pedestrian experience in Pall Mall
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Making Pall Mall more pedestrian friendly, IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
increasing visitation and length of time spent in
Create a more pedestrian friendly environment STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
the City Centre, supporting local businesses.
in Pall Mall. This would include introducing Yes.
pedestrian crossings in a number of locations. It
would also include discouraging traffic through Councils adopted Bendigo CBD Plan identifies
the boulevard, by reducing the speed limit and that significant improvements could be made to the
Cost
introducing traffic calming measures. streetscape design of Pall Mall, and that the lane
$$$-High widths along Pall Mall make it difficult to cross and
This would help to reinforce the important role that encourage reckless driving. The vision for the Bendigo
When To Deliver Pall Mall provides in attracting visitors to Bendigo CBD Plan identifies that the graciousness of Pall Mall
and the region. It would encourage tourists and will be returned through an improved pedestrian space
residents to spend more time appreciating and and traffic calming techniques.
3-5 years celebrating the grand civic and commercial
Victorian listed heritage buildings. An action within the Connecting Greater Bendigo:
Lead Organisation/s Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy, is
The currently limited number of pedestrian to recognise and reinforce Pall Mall as Australias
VicRoads
crossings on Pall Mall and the speed of traffic premier 19th century boulevard, prioritising the
does not encourage people to take time to movement of people and creating a sense of place.
Supporting Organisation/s
appreciate the architecture and businesses within
City of Greater Bendigo the boulevard.
Transport for Victoria BENEFITS
Heritage Victoria This project would be supported by developing key
freight and bus networks in and around Bendigo. This project would open up the City Centre and
Associated Project/s encourage both residents and visitors to spend
more time within the City.
Freight Transport Hub
Improving the pedestrian experience would
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre LOCATION encourage walking and cycling within the City
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
Centre, having flow on health benefits for the
Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor
community.
Streetscape Improvements
It would discourage heavy vehicles from travelling
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
through the City Centre.
Implementation
It would support the Victorian Heritage
Themes Significance of Pall Mall.

CONSTRAINTS
Potential for additional traffic on the surrounding
road network however this could be ameliorated
through increases in the numbers of residents and
visitors walking and cycling along Pall Mall.

78 Plan Greater Bendigo

Increasing and maintaining social housing supply
OVERVIEW
Ensure that social housing numbers are retained
and increased based on population growth, There is a clear relationship between housing
providing housing to individuals and families who and wellbeing. Access to adequate housing has
are otherwise unable to afford it.
a multitude of broader benefits including better
health outcomes through to improved learning
outcomes for children in school (Beer et al).
Cost
There are over 4,000 low income households in
$$$-High the City who are experiencing housing stress,
However this could be in partnership with a private developer
which is above the regional Victorian average.
Combined with this, is a current shortfall in
social housing in Greater Bendigo, with over 900
When To Deliver
applicants on the waiting list. Without ensuring
increases in social housing in line with population
3-5 years growth, this is likely to be an even greater issue
into the future.
Lead Organisation/s
Much of the current social housing stock in the
Department of Human Services City is not well integrated and does not engender
a sense of safety for residents. There is the
Supporting Organisation/s opportunity to redevelop some of these estates
Private developer in the future, improving not only the housing
City of Greater Bendigo but the surrounding environment for residents.
In redeveloping these estates, there would be
Associated Project/s the opportunity to include a mix of social and
Facilitating Development on State private housing, using a model which has been
Government Land successfully delivered in both Melbourne and
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre overseas. However through any redevelopment,
it would be necessary to ensure there were
Themes no losses in the numbers of social housing
dwellings.
LOCATION
To be determined.
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
Eaglehawk Structure Plan (2013) - identifies the need
to support the progressive dispersal and regeneration
of public housing estates.
Councils adopted Housing Strategy (31 August 2016)
indicates that Council can act as a facilitator and have
a strong policy around affordable and social housing.
The State Government are currently preparing a
Housing Strategy and this is likely to include reference
to social housing. This Strategy is due for release in
early 2017.
BENEFITS
Possible provision of additional affordable housing
in accessible locations.
This project would help to provide additional
housing to some of the most disadvantaged
residents in the city.
In redeveloping existing estates into the future
these could be designed so they were better
integrated and helping to promote community
CONSTRAINTS
In any redevelopment there would be a need
to find alternative housing for existing residents
and to ensure that there is no net loss of social
housing in any new development
79
Junior Sporting Precinct
OVERVIEW Cooperation with College provides
close relationships between
Develop a junior sporting precinct at the Catholic agencies and overhead savings for
College Bendigo, Junortoun Campus, encouraging Working in conjunction with Catholic College
Council.
participation in sport. Bendigo, the City of Greater Bendigo can
Provision for growth.
establish a junior sporting precinct at the
Modern facilities that meet current and future
Junortoun Campus.
demand.
The College is currently developing a Master
Plan for the site that includes a variety of new CONSTRAINTS
Cost facilities including sports reserves and supporting
infrastructure primarily for junior use. Would require a commitment across a number of
$$$$-Significant organisations.
The precinct would also be available for use A governance model for the usage would need to
When To Deliver by community based groups. The precinct be established.
could include one Senior AFL oval, two Junior Funding.
3-5 years
AFL ovals, and two soccer pitches with cricket Possible concerns around traffic management,
pitches. The main oval would be a full size capacity and parking.
Lead Organisation/s synthetic AFL size field which will able to be used
as a training facility all year round.
City of Greater Bendigo
Catholic College Bendigo

Supporting Organisation/s LOCATION

Department of Education Mc Ivor Road Junortoun
Department of Environment, Land, Water, and
Planning
Regional Development Victoria IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Associated Project/s
No.
Recreation Precincts
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply Master Plan currently being prepared.
Water Sensitive Urban Design
BENEFITS
Themes
Improved health in the community.
Opportunities for people to come together for
sporting, recreational, social and educational
purposes.
Help in building 10 minute neighbourhoods.

80 Plan Greater Bendigo

Libraries Empowering Communities
OVERVIEW
Ensure all residents have access to high quality
library facilities supporting community wellbeing
by building social cohesion, supporting community
development, learning pathways, creativity and
health literacy.
Cost
Would depend on number of locations
When To Deliver
Would depend on number of locations
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Goldfields Library Corporation
Supporting Organisation/s
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
Associated Project/s
Community Hubs for Rural Areas
Decentralised Education Facilities
Provision of Vocational Education in Small
Townships
Co-working Space
Themes
LOCATION
Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk, Heathcote and growth
corridors.
Central Bendigo is well serviced by the Bendigo
Library which is one of the states busiest libraries with
1,600 visits daily but has limited capacity to cater for
increased usage.
Accessing library services as part of 10 minute
neighbourhoods will strengthen this approach given
the board and significant benefits delivered by libraries.
Library services are delivered in Kangaroo Flat,
Eaglehawk and Heathcote through seriously
substandard buildings which needs to be addressed
as a matter of priority. These libraries are located
in communities that are experiencing significant
disadvantage and well-resourced libraries have the
potential to strengthen the communitys social and
economic outcomes by supporting; skills for gaining
employment, educational outcomes, health literacy,
and social connectedness.
Nationally and internationally libraries are part of
community hub facilities and can be included in
hubs that have some or all of the following services;
shared facilities with schools, TAFEs, universities
and the informal learning sector, community centres/
neighbourhood houses, tourism, retail, leisure,
sports, arts and culture. The hub model provides an
opportunity for facility and resource sharing ie meeting
rooms, staffing, collections, computers wireless
internet access.
With the high level of population growth forecast for the
municipal area planning for service delivery in growth
corridors is a priority. The opportunity exists to pilot
local community facilities hub/s with libraries as one of
the anchor services.
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes
The Goldfields Library Corporation Plan 2015-19
identifies the need to provide welcoming and flexible
spaces that enable people to work, connect, learn and
relax.
BENEFITS
Shared services as part of community hubs.
Support 10 minute neighbourhoods.
The provision of library services in growth
corridors to meet the needs of a growing
population.
Will ensure more equitable access to libraries
services.
Libraries support economic wellbeing and
employment.
Libraries support community wellbeing by
building social cohesion, supporting community
development, learning pathways, creativity and
health literacy.
Libraries have an important role in building a
healthier fairer society.
Libraries facilitate the development and
maintenance of many key 21st century literacies
(language, cultural, digital, emotional, critical,
political, financial, health etc).
CONSTRAINTS
Funding.
Need a process to determine the best location.
Need a process to determine the most appropriate
partners.
81
Micro Energy Network for the View and Barnard Street Precinct
A pilot project for the installation of a micro grid OVERVIEW LOCATION
which could then be rolled out more broadly This project takes in the View Street &
leading to cost and energy savings. The View Street and Barnard Street precinct Barnard Street Precinct incorporating the Art Gallery,
incorporates some of Bendigos most notable the Capital Theatre, Dudley House, the QEO and the
buildings and landmarks, including the Art Aquatic Centre.
Gallery, The Capital Theatre, The QEO and the
Aquatic Centre.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
These facilities are major drawcards for EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Cost Bendigos tourism, sporting competitions,
Not directly.
cultural and social life, however collectively they
$$-Moderate consume 40 per cent of the Councils energy The Council Plan 2013-2017 supports this project by
budget. minimising Councils energy use and greenhouse gas
When To Deliver A micro grid or local energy network connecting emissions.
all these facilities enables the reduction of This project is also supported as a Flagship project
3-5 years meter connections to the grid. Currently these under the Smart Cities Bendigo program and also
facilities are individually connected to the grid within the adopted Environment Strategy 2016-2021.
and consume electricity independently. By
reducing the number of meter connections to
Lead Organisation/s the grid from five to a single point of connection, BENEFITS
City of Greater Bendigo will enhance the efficiency of electricity use
More efficient use of electricity between the
between these facilities and award the facility
respective facilities.
Supporting Organisation/s managers with greater control of the electricity
Cost savings.
consumption and usage.
Bendigo Business Council Local control and a greater awareness of energy
A single point of connection will even out the usage within each facility.
Associated Project/s overall demand capacity fees and reduce the
costs associated with grid supply leading to CONSTRAINTS
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre substantial savings.
View Street Arts Precinct Streetscape Length of trenching required for electrical wiring to
The incorporation of solar PV or other join each of these facilities.
Improvements
renewable energy technology for behind-the- Ensuring the level of capability is met within the
Iconic Public Art Focus
meter generation would also be expected to Energy Management System.
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
provide additional efficiencies and offset a Regulatory restrictions in crossing title boundaries.
portion of energy drawn from the electricity grid.
Themes This is a pilot project that potentially could be
rolled out at other sites across the city.

82 Plan Greater Bendigo

Mitchell Street-View Street Corridor Streetscape Improvements
Create a more pedestrian friendly environment OVERVIEW
along the Mitchell Street- View Street Corridor,
encouraging more residents and visitors to walk It is only around 1.4 kilometres (or around 16
along this corridor and to spend time within the minutes) from the Bendigo Train Station through
City Centre. to the Queen Elizabeth Oval. Despite this, with
the current environment not very conducive to
walking, many residents and some visitors are
Cost choosing to drive instead of walking this corridor,
leading to increased traffic.
$$-Moderate the adopted View Street Arts Precinct Master Plan
View Street has dramatically transformed over
the last 25 years to become what it is today,
When To Deliver one of Bendigos most central, popular and
recognised destinations. This transformation has
1-2 years been underpinned by public and private sector
investment working in combination.
Lead Organisation/s Investment in improving the public realm and
City of Greater Bendigo streetscape along the corridor would encourage
walking and for people to spend more time
Supporting Organisation/s within the City Centre. It would help in improving
VicRoads connections between the train station and some
Transport for Victoria of the Citys more prominent venues.
Department of Economic Development, Jobs,
Tourism and Resources
LOCATION
Associated Project/s
Bendigo Train Station through to Rowan Street.
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
Implementation
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre
City Laneway/Arcade Rejuvenation
Themes
Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
An action within the Bendigo CBD Plan 2005 is to
improve pedestrian access and signage between
the railway station and city centre, particularly along
Mitchell Street. This project is also identified in both
2007 and Rosalind Park Master Plan 2014.
BENEFITS
Beautifying the View Street streetscape will create
visual gateways to the Arts Precinct leading to a
sense of arrival.
Tourism is essential to the economic growth of
both Bendigo and the region, with 1.4 million
day-trip visitors to Bendigo (Tourism Research
Australia). With the View Street precinct being a
major tourist destination , improvements which
will not only promote more tourists but encourage
them to spend more time in the precinct would be
positive.
Importantly, by leveraging off the growing tourism
and visitor numbers, this will encourage the future
development of the commercial and creative
sector
CONSTRAINTS
Possible concerns around traffic management,
capacity and parking.
Concerns from landowners or difficulty in engaging
all landowners in the process.
83
New Municipal Park
A new high quality municipal park, delivered in line
with population growth, for use by both residents
and visitors.
Cost
$$-Moderate prepared as background for the Public Space
When To Deliver
6-10 years
Lead Organisation/s
The City of Greater Bendigo
Supporting Organisation/s
Parks Victoria
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
Associated Project/s
Bendigo Creek Improvement
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Bridge Street Hospital Precinct
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan
Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan
Implementation
Themes
OVERVIEW
With future population growth, there will be a
need for an additional municipal park* which
would ease the pressure on existing parks.
This would need to be considered in the context
of the quantity and quality of open space already
provided within an area and more broadly.
The Strategic Context and Issues Report recently
Strategy (due for consultation in late 2017)
identifies that across the City there are a large
number of open space reserves, and that per
person the City is very well catered for in terms of
quantity of open space. However many of these
reserves are considered to be of a low quality.
The provision of one large open space reserve,
which is of a high quality and a reduction in the
number of smaller local spaces which are of a
low quality, may improve the usable open space
for residents in a given area. It would also be
likely to encourage greater use by residents and
visitors.
LOCATION
To be determined
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
The City is currently preparing a Public Space plan. A
draft of which is likely to be available for consultation
in the second half of 2017. This project would need to
be informed by this Public Space Plan.
BENEFITS
The large municipal parks of
Bendigo including Rosalind Park, Lake Weerona
and the Botanical Gardens are key tourist and
event attractions. There is the potential for a new
municipal park in a growth area to be the same
thereby attracting residents and visitors and
encourage new businesses into the area.
Delivery of a high quality open space reserve
would encourage its use and thereby improve the
health of the community.
This would lead to environmental improvements
through carbon capture and new habitat corridors.
CONSTRAINTS
A site would need to be identified which would
address gaps in the open space network, this
could be contentious.
A need to potentially purchase land which might
require land consolidation and amending the
planning scheme.
With the likelihood of lower rainfall in future years,
the ongoing watering of the reserve would need to
be considered.
*When we are referring to a municipal park we
are referring to a park which has similar attributes
to Rosalind Park or Botanical Gardens, not
necessarily in size.

84 Plan Greater Bendigo

New Recreational Precincts in Growth Areas
Build new recreation precincts in growth areas, to OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
support 10 minute neighbourhoods and strengthen IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
community connections. Commensurate with the population growth in STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
the City, there will be a need to develop new No.
recreation precincts. A recreational precinct
Cost
among other things may include a community
$$$$-Significant pavilion, change rooms, ovals, courts and a car BENEFITS
park.
Reduced impacts on existing recreation facilities
When To Deliver
Developing new recreation precincts in line with reducing the cost to maintain these facilities.
population growth will offer more formal and Can be located strategically in growth areas,
10-15 years passive sporting activities, as well as social and building on 10 minute neighbourhoods.
cultural uses in growing areas. Modern facilities that meet current and future
Lead Organisation/s demand.
This project would see the roll out of new
City of Greater Bendigo Recreation precincts would provide a site
recreation precincts in the growth areas using a
for the community to gather and will assist in
staged approach.
Supporting Organisation/s strengthening community connections.
Sport and Recreation Victorian Having recreational facilities in a local area will
Department of Environment, Land, Water, make them more accessible and encourage
and Planning LOCATION use leading to improved community health and
Regional Development Victoria wellbeing.
Suburbs identified;
State Sporting Organisations
Maiden Gully CONSTRAINTS
Associated Project/s Marong
Strathfieldsaye Finding appropriate sites for new facilities or
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply expanding on existing sites.
Water Sensitive Urban Design There may be a need to rezone land or to vary
planning controls requiring a planning scheme
Themes amendment.
This will be a very expensive project and there
will need to be a substantial amount of work to
determine the costs involved for each precinct.
Will require the connection of services including
water, sewerage and natural gas which may be
expensive.

Plan Greater Bendigo 85

New Schools to Meet Growing Demand
Plan for new schools in line with population OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
growth, continuing to ensure education is IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
accessible for all and encouraging retention. The City is an attractive destination for families, STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
particularly those from other rural areas and Not directly
those who may be seeking a regional lifestyle
Cost or priced out of the Melbourne market. There The Department of Education is reviewing its 10 year
$$$-High was a net migration of close to 900 school aged Education Plan.
residents between 2006 and 2011. The Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth
When To Deliver Certain suburbs in particular are expected to Plan identifies the need to plan for facilities and
grow rapidly in the coming years including Huntly, infrastructure needed to deliver education and training
6-15 years Maiden Gully, Marong and Strathfieldsaye. Due that supports growth.
to the housing provided in these areas, many of
Lead Organisation/s the households moving in to these suburbs are
BENEFITS
Department of Education and Training young families. This will mean a need to plan for
a future increases in students to existing primary This would reduce the pressure on existing
Supporting Organisation/s and secondary schools. education providers.
Could improve the quality of education by
City of Greater Bendigo Bendigo currently has four schools offering senior
increasing student/teacher ratios.
Transport for Victoria secondary level of education (for the completion
Can be located strategically in a growth area,
Private Sector of VCE), one of which is a government school
building on 10 minute neighbourhoods and reduce
and the remaining independent. In Maiden
Associated Project/s the distance some students need to travel to
Gully the Marist College (independent) forward
access education.
Libraries Empowering Communities planning includes the provision of senior
Provide the community with increased choice of
Early Learning and Development Hubs secondary education by 2021, which will provide
education providers.
Youth Hub additional places in the west of the municipality.
Australias Regional Bicycle Capital In terms of senior secondary aged students CONSTRAINTS
Bendigo Metro Rail population projections for Greater Bendigo
anticipate an increase of 73 per cent in the Funding.
Themes number of residents aged between 16 and 18 Finding an appropriate site and location.
from now until 2036 (from 4,381-6,023). This
could mean based on existing enrolments, and in
the absence of any new schools that in 20 years
there will be an additional 900 students each
year.
This project would support planning for the future
provision of schools and setting aside land early
in the process.

86 Plan Greater Bendigo

New waste management facility
OVERVIEW
Plan to provide an alternative waste management
facility such as an advanced treatment facility
following the closure of the Eaglehawk Landfill. The current practice of sending waste to landfill
is expensive and unsustainable.
With the Eaglehawk Landfill likely to reach
capacity by 2021, the City needs to plan for a
solution to the closing of this landfill in the near
future.
Cost This presents an opportunity to find an innovative
$$$-High solution to the closure of this landfill. This might
include the development of an advanced waste
When To Deliver treatment facility that can derive energy from
waste, which is not currently recycled or treated.
3-5 years Examples of innovation in this space include the
construction of a Waste to Energy Plant by Yarra
Lead Organisation/s Valley water to process commercial organic
Private sector waste and the Pryolisis Plant (using tyres and
mattresses for agricultural diesel and on-site
electricity) to be built in Koorlong.
Supporting Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo and other regional This project would involve undertaking a
Councils feasibility analysis to encourage investment and
Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource to find a suitable location for such a facility.
Recovery Group
Environmental Protection Authority
Department of Environment, Land, Water and LOCATION
Planning
To be determined
Coliban Water
Sustainability Victoria
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Associated Project/s
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Composting Facility
Yes.
Themes The development of an Alternative/Advanced Waste
Treatment Facility by the private sector is an action
set out in the City of Greater Bendigo Environment
Strategy 2016-2021.
Plan Greater Bendigo
An action of the City of Greater Bendigo
Waste and Resource Management
Strategy 2014-2019 is to support economic
development opportunities utilising waste streams as
a resource, as well as supporting trials of innovative
approaches or technology.
The Draft Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource
Recovery Implementation Plan discusses
opportunities for small-scale technologies targeted to
particular material streams with high calorific value
and to co-locate energy from waste technologies with
water treatment plants. Specifically the Plan identifies
opportunities at Eaglehawk Landfill for further
reprocessing of materials in the vicinity and feedstock
for energy from waste facility opportunities (poultry
waste and East Bendigo industrial area).
BENEFITS
No methane generation
Reduced transportation costs
Reduced payment by the City of landfill levies to
State Government
It may involve collaboration between various
municipalities
CONSTRAINTS
Regulatory barriers such as EPA and planning
scheme issues
May be more expensive than landfill to run
Volumes of waste required to be viable may
need to import waste
Will need the private sector to run
87
Open Data
OVERVIEW
Make more Council data publically available,
increasing transparency, improving decision Council holds a wealth of data from information
making and leading to greater accountability. on walking and cycling paths and open spaces,
through to data on flooding.
By making more Council data publically
available this will enable residents to be able to
access this data. It will encourage innovation
Cost and the generation of apps to make the lives
$-Low of residents easier. For example, people have
developed apps to plan a walking trip using the
When To Deliver shadiest path available. There is also a website
(planningalerts.org.au) where residents can be
emailed alerts of when a planning application has
1-2 years been lodged near them.

Lead Organisation/s This would be a pilot project which may enable a

more widespread roll out of government agency
City of Greater Bendigo data.
Supporting Organisation/s
To be determined IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN BENEFITS
Associated Project/s EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? Provides community members with access to
Smart Transport Yes. publically available data.
Co-working space Increases Council transparency and accountability.
Identified in the Greater Bendigo City Council ICT
Strategy 2016.
Themes CONSTRAINTS
Ensuring the data is kept current.
LOCATION Can only use publically available data.
Greater Bendigo

88 Plan Greater Bendigo

Regional Food Hub
The presence of a Food Hub in the City centres OVERVIEW LOCATION
would promote healthy eating and would
City Centre
help to improve food security, particularly for
disadvantaged residents.
The City has a thriving community food sector.
This includes the Bendigo and Heathcote
Community Farmers Markets, the Bendigo Community
Food Network and the Bendigo Regional Food Alliance.
Cost
$$$-High Food production in the Loddon region includes livestock
and horticulture, with vegetable, fruit and nut production
totalling $419 million of agricultural product.
When To Deliver
Despite the accessibility of fresh food in the City, close
to one in 10 households suffers from food insecurity,
3-5 years which is almost double the figure for Victoria. This
has seen the emergence of an emergency food relief BENEFITS
Lead Organisation/s sector that includes organisations such as Foodbank
This project would help to tackle the significant
Victoria, SecondBite and the Establishment of Bendigo
Need to establish a board/steering Foodshare. issue of food insecurity in the community.
committee Within 12 months this project would lead to the
This project would see the development of a Food Hub creation of 16 jobs and would lead to a $2.62
Supporting Organisation/s in the City. A Food Hub coordinates some aspect of
million increase in total output to the Citys
the production, processing and/or marketing of food to
City of Greater Bendigo economy with the likelihood of further jobs due
meet local demand for fresh food. An example of a Food
Transport for Victoria Hub is CERES located in East Brunswick Melbourne, to an increase in local food purchasing
which runs a number of social enterprises including a Within five years the creation of 30 jobs and
Associated Project/s grocery, caf and online organic supermarket, as well $4.75 million increase in total output to the Citys
Sustainable agriculture as its environmental education programs and urban economy.
agriculture projects. This project would help to encourage more
Themes There has already been a study to establish a preferred regional food production.
Food Hub model. The proposed model is to establish a It would help to improve health and wellbeing by
permanent and expandable base for emergency food encouraging residents to eat more fresh food.
relief operations, with other revenue generated activities
added to boost the financial viability of an expanded CONSTRAINTS
operation. This would include the provision of coolroom
and freezer storage, aggregation of wholesale produce, Would need to establish a governance
cooking demonstrations, the provision of RTO training arrangement.
courses and a weekly Peoples Market. The model has Estimated to take five years to establish its full
been estimated to generate a return of $27,000 in potential and while it is estimated that a profit
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN the first year, increasing to $336,000 in the fifth would be generated within the first year, this
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? year. is based on financial modelling derived from
Yes. Food Hub Feasibility Study - outlines in detail the community consultation.
preferred Food Hub model. Achieving Corporate Social Responsibility may
ultimately introduce other commercial entities in
the food space.
Plan Greater Bendigo 89
Regional Wetland
OVERVIEW The management and maintenance of the Creek was
Establish a regional wetland at Huntly Streamside a recurring theme throughout consultation.
Reserve along the Bendigo Creek providing a high
quality natural asset for the community. This project would establish a regional wetland City of Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy (2016-
along the Bendigo Creek in an area known as 2021) identifies and action around restoring natural
the Huntly Streamside Reserve. The Reserve is waterways with the Bendigo Creek listed as a flagship
currently managed by Parks Victoria and listed as project.
Cost
a natural features reserve. North Central Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 - sets
$$-Moderate
out a regional goal for priority waterways (of which the
Bendigo Creek is identified as) to maintain or improve
When To Deliver LOCATION
ecologically healthy or representative rivers.
CA 19A Leans Road (Crown land along Bendigo
6-10 years Creek)
BENEFITS
Lead Organisation/s This would deliver a great natural asset and the
Parks Victoria provision of high quality public space.
Department of Environment, Land, Water It would deliver a destination along the Bendigo
and Planning Creek Trail.
Potential to be used to educate community or in
Supporting Organisation/s school programs.
City of Greater Bendigo It would help to ameliorate impacts of
North Central Catchment Management urbanisation.
Authority It would protect against erosion (i.e. take low flows
Coliban Water away from levee along Bendigo Creek).
Regional Development Victoria There is the opportunity for inclusion/capacity
Dja Dja Wurrung building with Traditional Owners.
North Bendigo Landcare Group Potential to increase habitat for the nationally
vulnerable Growling Grass Frog.
Associated Project/s
Bendigo Creek Improvement CONSTRAINTS
Water Sensitive Urban Design There would need to be funding to establish and
New Municipal Park to then manage the wetland.
Managing Groundwater Turning a Problem IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN There are existing mining licences on land.
into a Resource EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES? The Bendigo Creek has cultural heritage
significance.
Themes Not directly.
There would be a need for sufficient water supply
Northern Corridor and Huntly Local Structure Plan to maintain wetland plants.
(2005) - identifies the importance of the Bendigo
Creek in Epsom and Huntly to the local community.

90 Plan Greater Bendigo

Rosalind Recreation Precinct Master Plan Implementation
Implement the high priority initiatives within the
Rosalind Park Recreation Precinct Master Plan to
reinforce the appeal of Rosalind Park as the Citys
highest profile public space and one of its most
significant cultural and visitor attractions.
Cost
$$-Moderate and is integral to the character and experience
When To Deliver
1-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Supporting Organisation/s
Various sports clubs and user groups
Camp Hill Primary School
Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Courts Victoria
Department of Justice
Associated Project/s
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre
Bendigo Creek Improvement
Micro Energy Network for the View and
Barnard Street Precinct
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Bendigo Law Courts
Reclaiming Public Space
Improve the Pedestrian Experience in Pall
Mall
Themes
OVERVIEW
The Rosalind Park Recreation Reserve Precinct
Master Plan was prepared by the City in close
consultation with the community and was
adopted by Council in December 2014.
Rosalind Park is Bendigos preeminent city park
of Bendigo. The Park Precinct combines a
wide variety of spaces and functions, including
historic parkland, sporting facilities and clubs,
institutions including Bendigo Senior Secondary
College, Camp Hill Primary School, and the new
Ulumbarra Theatre.
The Rosalind Park Precinct Master Plan sets a
framework for the future development of Rosalind
Park over the next 20 years. This Plan focuses
on maximising parkland space, improving
pedestrian access and circulation, and enhancing
the presentation of the Precinct.
This project would see funding provided to
deliver the high priority initiatives within the
adopted Master Plan.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The Victorian Emergency Management Strategic
Action Plan 2015-2018 sets out priorities and actions
that support co-location of emergency management
services, including an investment plan that identifies
shared procurement and co-location opportunities and
future investment requirements across all asset types
and capital infrastructure.
Plan Greater Bendigo
LOCATION
Rosalind Park, central Bendigo.
BENEFITS
A significant increase in the availability of passive
open space.
Improved pedestrian access and park presentation
to attract more visitors to the space.
Improved community health and wellbeing by
providing an accessible alternative to organised
sport.
The opportunity to build social networks and
increase civic participation.
Environmental improvements including better use
of water and increased vegetation.
CONSTRAINTS
There is still a large amount of detailed design
work to be undertaken before projects can be
implemented.
While there was consultation on the Master Plan
itself some projects may be contentious such as
reviewing parking restrictions, parking availability
and vehicle access conditions.
At the time of adoption, Council resolved that any
proposed changes to car parking provision within
the Rosalind Park Precinct, will remain subject to
full prior investigation and a replacement strategy.
91
Services Hubs in Key Centres
The co-location of key services in certain areas
promoting more efficient delivery, communication
and coordination, and facilitate greater cooperation
between agencies.
Cost
$$-Moderate be contentious from a staff and/or community
When To Deliver
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
Department of Environment, Land, Water
and Planning
Supporting Organisation/s
Emergency Management Victoria
Country Fire Authority
State Emergency Service
Associated Project/s
Outer arterial road
Improved Bendigo-Marong Links
Facilitating Development on State
Government Land
Community Hubs for Rural Areas
Themes
OVERVIEW Fit for purpose facilities.
This may free up land in strategic
locations to be used for other
This project would see the co-location of certain purposes.
services within some suburbs and towns.
As the population grows, and as priorities CONSTRAINTS
change, there will be a need to expand and
Moving services from an existing location may
relocate certain State Government services.
This project will determine if there are priority perspective.
locations and services where this should occur, Certain services have response time targets and
undertake a feasibility study and to set aside land these would need to be retained through any
to enable this to happen. move.
This would require funding to establish and
relocation of existing services.
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Not directly.
The Victorian Emergency Management Strategic
Action Plan 2015-2018 sets out priorities and actions
that support co-location of emergency management
services, including an investment plan that identifies
shared procurement and co-location opportunities and
future investment requirements across all asset types
and capital infrastructure.
LOCATION
To be determined
BENEFITS
Co-location provides close relationships between
agencies and overhead savings for government.
There would be efficiency gains.
This would help with communication and
coordination in an emergency situation.

92 Plan Greater Bendigo

Small Towns Connectivity
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
Improve public and active transport connections IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
in small towns leading to a more connected and STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
For rural communities, access to local community
healthier community.
transport and enabling connections to public Not directly.
transport services is vital.
Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport
This project will see improved transport Study a freight study is a key action within this
connections between small towns and rural strategy.
communities to enable access to services,
Cost education and employment. The City is currently preparing a Freight Study.
$-Moderate
BENEFITS
When To Deliver
Encourage use of localised shops and commercial
LOCATION centre.
5-10 years Small towns and communities within the Greater Reduce pressure on central Bendigo.
Bendigo municipality. Ease traffic congestion.
Lead Organisation/s Improve community health and wellbeing.
Transport for Victoria Provide opportunities for people to connect with
others.
Supporting Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo CONSTRAINTS
VicRoads Funding.
Private sector Changing stigma associated with car travel and
public transport.
Associated Project/s Building sufficient patronage.
Bendigo Metro Rail

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 93

Smart Parking
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
Make parking in the City Centre easier by
IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
installing sensors, and developing an app to This would require the installation of sensors POLICIES?
locate and pay for parking. under all on-street car parks throughout the No.
Bendigo City Centre and would enable the
detection of vehicles entering and exiting parking While not explicitly referenced in existing strategies,
spaces. this is a fairly new technology which has now been
rolled out successfully in a number of cities and
Cost Fees could then be determined on usage. suburbs within Australia.
$$-Moderate There would be a corresponding development/
use of existing app to help people find available
BENEFITS
When To Deliver car parking spaces and to pay for parking. This
would stop the need for rummaging around to try Would make it much easier and convenient for
and find coins. residents and visitors to locate and pay for parking
1-2 years in the City Centre.
Vehicle travel is likely to be reduced, as there will
Lead Organisation/s be less driving around, trying to locate a car park.
LOCATION
City of Greater Bendigo Environmentally there would be a reduction in
City Centre vehicle emissions.
Supporting Organisation/s It would also allow for data to be recorded on the
VicRoads utilisation of car parks.

Associated Project/s CONSTRAINTS

Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre May work to discourage people from using active
Open Data transport to access the City Centre.
While paying for usage may work out to be
Themes cheaper in a number of instances, a number of
people would like to see free car parking in the
City Centre.
There may be people reluctant to use the
technology or who dont have a Smart Phone, so
at least in the short term there would be a need to
still allow for an alternative in terms of payment.

94 Plan Greater Bendigo

Smart Transport
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
Support Bendigo as a Smart City by running a trial Self-driving vehicles are likely to become a reality STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
of an autonomous transport network at some point in the future with the likelihood that Not directly.
this could reshape our cities.
VicRoads Towards Zero 2016-2020 - states the
This project would establish an autonomous government will facilitate a trial in Victoria of vehicles
transport network as a best practice model/ with automated technology to help inform its future
Cost leading example. development and adoption.
$$$-High This is one project but there may be other
technological opportunities which could occur
When To Deliver over the next 10 years around Smart Transport
BENEFITS
including car sharing, green buses, and digitally This could lead to the more efficient use of road
6-10 years connected public transport. space and reduce the need for car parking.
Improved access for community members who
Lead Organisation/s may not otherwise be able to drive.
LOCATION Potential to be a world leading example for
VicRoads
Greater Bendigo autonomous cars.
Supporting Organisation/s Pitching the City as a test environment could
attract significant investment.
City of Greater Bendigo This may lead to reduced congestion.
Transport for Victoria
Department of Environment Land Water and
CONSTRAINTS
Planning
This may not lead to reduced congestion and
Associated Project/s could lead to more cars on the road.
Smart Parking Would make driving easier and would not
encourage the uptake of active transport.
Themes Hard to know exactly when autonomous vehicles
will be more widely available.
Would require the capture of new technologies.
Community attitudes around the use of
autonomous vehicles.

Plan Greater Bendigo 95

Smart Train Transport
OVERVIEW
Improvements on the Bendigo to Melbourne train
including providing an on train Wi-Fi service There are still a number of Wi-Fi and phone
for the entire journey, and installing a business blackspots on the train route from Bendigo to
carriage.
Melbourne, as well as north of the Bendigo
line. Providing Wi-Fi would enable workers
and students the opportunity to use their trip
Cost more productively. In the absence of a faster
$$$$-Significant train, given the return journey from Bendigo to
Melbourne is around four hours, this becomes
even more important for those commuting daily
When To Deliver or multiple times a week.
Other improvements from a business perspective
3-5 years
would include installing a business carriage,
providing power point connections, and offering
Lead Organisation/s
tea and coffee.
Transport for Victoria
Telecommunication providers This project would see the provision of a Wi-Fi
service for the entire train journey, as well as
Supporting Organisation/s other improvements to promote train use for
business purposes.
V/Line
Associated Project/s
LOCATION
Bendigo Metro Rail
Smart Transport Bendigo to Melbourne Train and north of the Bendigo
line to Echuca and Swan Hill
Themes
96 Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
This is a long term action in the Railing Ahead
advocacy project.
BENEFITS
Being more easily able to use the train journey for
work would better encourage and enable residents
to commute to Melbourne for part of their working
week.
Would encourage more residents and visitors
to use the train as their preferred travel
mode, leading to environmental and health
improvements.
Carbon emissions from rail are substantially less
than by car.
Regional liveability depends on access to services
and jobs.
CONSTRAINTS
The time of two hours to get to Melbourne by
train from Bendigo means this is not a realistic
alternative for daily travel for many people.
This would need to be considered in conjunction
with the frequency and timing of trains to and from
Bendigo.
Sustainability centre
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
To establish a Sustainability Centre for education Would encourage eco-tourism into
and recreation, enabling better appreciation of the Being surrounded by Box Ironbark Forest, Bendigo.
Box Ironbark Forest. Bendigo is known as the City in the Forest. Generate greater appreciation for the forest
There is the potential to capitalise on this by surrounding the municipality.
encouraging greater use of the national park. Could be used as a way of educating and
involving students in the natural environment.
Box Ironbark forests are only found in a stretch of
Celebrate the culture of the Traditional Owners
country from Ararat in the west to Chiltern in the
Cost northeast. They also have a distinct role in terms
of indigenous and post contact heritage. CONSTRAINTS
$$$-High
The construction of a Sustainability Centre Would introduce a commercial operator into the
When To Deliver would be used to celebrate the Citys flora and natural environment.
fauna setting. It could be used for education and There is the potential to damage the forest if not
active recreation opportunities would be one carefully managed.
10-15 years
way encourage residents and visitors to better
Lead Organisation/s appreciate the forest. The Sustainability Centre
could offer guided walks, information and an
Parks Victoria observation deck.
Supporting Organisation/s
Transport for Victoria LOCATION
Department of Environment, Land Water and Within the Box Ironbark Forest
Planning
Dja Dja Wurrung
City of Greater Bendigo IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Regional Development Victoria EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
La Trobe University
Not currently identified
Associated Project/s
Restoration of the Bendigo Bushland Trail
Water Sensitive Urban Design

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 97

Urban Forest
Greening all transport corridors in the City using
a staged process, encouraging greater use and
improving health and wellbeing.
Cost
$$$-High being prepared to guide future works.
When To Deliver
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Supporting Organisation/s
Transport for Victoria
Heritage Victoria
Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation Inc
VicRoads
Associated Project/s
Bendigo Creek Improvement
Bendigo Low Line Walking and Cycling
Corridor
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
OVERVIEW
While the City already has a growing urban
forest, there is the potential to improve and
expand it to make it more interconnected so it
provides the most benefit to the community.
Greater Bendigos urban trees enhance the local
environment and are valuable community assets.
With the likelihood of increased heatwaves
through climate change, the greening of corridors
providing shade will be particularly important.
This project would see the staged rollout to the
greening of transport corridors across the city.
Priority areas would include those areas with
few existing trees, areas with high numbers
of pedestrians and/or cyclists, areas of social
vulnerability and those subject to localised
flooding.
LOCATION
Across the urban areas of Greater Bendigo
CONSTRAINTS
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED
IN EXISTING STRATEGIES/
POLICIES?
Yes.
This is identified as a flagship project on pages 31-32
within Councils adopted Environment Strategy (2016-
2021).
An Urban Forest or Greening Strategy is currently
BENEFITS
Increased Shade.
Improved amenity.
Energy savings in buildings.
Improved Connection to nature.
Carbon storage and sequestration.
Habitat for wildlife.
Rainfall and stormwater interception.
Wind abatement.
Possible access to fresh food.
Cost, water use and additional workload related
to watering trees (even if drought tolerant species
were selected).
Would need to work with private developers to get
this project up and running on private land.

Themes

98 Plan Greater Bendigo

Water Sensitive Urban Design
OVERVIEW LOCATION
Implement Water Sensitive Urban Design Urban areas
infrastructure improving water retention. Improve/implement water sensitive urban design
(WSUD) infrastructure to slow water runoff,
keep more water in the urban landscape, enable IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
Cost multi-use of drainage assets, such as creeks and EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Unkown
easements. Yes.
When To Deliver The current practice of rapidly moving stormwater An action of the City of Greater Bendigo
from the urban environment results in less water Environmental Strategy 2016-2021 identifies the
availability for vegetation/trees and creates use of WSUD principles in the construction and
10-20 years downstream flooding issues in drains and management of open space as well as residential and
waterways. commercial development.
Lead Organisation/s
The City recognises the need to retain water in The Citys Urban Stormwater Management Plan 2013-
City of Greater Bendigo
the urban environment to maintain green cool 2016 incorporates WSUD into all actions identified in
Supporting Organisation/s spaces to mitigate the effects of summer heat the Plan.
and to slow water runoff to reduce downstream
Coliban Water flooding.
North Central Catchment Management BENEFITS
Authority Through the implementation of water sensitive
VicRoads urban design (WSUD) features there is the Improved landscape outcomes.
potential to incorporate alternative water Mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Associated Project/s harvesting opportunities and diversify water Reduces the need for increased drainage
supply options to meet the needs of a growing infrastructure.
Bendigo Creek Improvement
city. Opens opportunity for connection (lake/walking
Securing Bendigos Long Term Water Supply
paths).
Urban Forest Currently, through membership of the
Improved community spaces.
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive
Provides opportunities for food production.
Implementation Cities, the City is looking for design solutions that
Wolstencroft Street Park are effective and affordable for application in a
Plan for Increased Growth in the City Centre north of the divide Bendigo location. CONSTRAINTS
Facilitating Development on State Funding.
This project would identify options for WSUD
Government Land Upgrading existing infrastructure may be costly.
infrastructure in a retrofit capacity in existing
Model Development Existing residential, commercial and industrial
development as well as contemporary solutions
in new developments, to mitigate localised development.
Themes
flooding and to hold water in the system longer.

Plan Greater Bendigo 99

Wolstencroft Street Park
Develop Wolstencroft Street Park into a passive
space recreation area encouraging residents
to make better use of the park and improving
community connectedness.
Cost
$$-Moderate Engineering Units are working collaboratively to
When To Deliver
3-5 years
Lead Organisation/s
City of Greater Bendigo
Supporting Organisation/s
Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning
North Central Catchment Management
Authority
Dja Dja Wurrung
Environmental Protection Authority
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
Would offer an opportunity to
Establishing a passive space recreation area improve social inclusion and community health
where an undeveloped open space currently and wellbeing.
exists. Development of such a park within an Would promote urban biodiversity.
existing residential area will provide increased Would enable better integration with the Back
recreation, social and cultural uses. Creek linear corridor.
There are issues with contaminated soil on
the site and the Citys Waste Services and CONSTRAINTS
Contaminated soil due to previous brickworks
resolve issues. operation and landfill.
Uncertainty around the outcomes and cost of
works to implement that Masterplan due to the
LOCATION need for further soil testing and containing/treating
landfill gas.
67 Havlin Street East Flora Hill
IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
The City of Greater Bendigo Open Space Strategy
(2005) identified the development of a Wolstencroft
Street Park Land Master Plan, which was produced
in 2008. The Master Plan includes a range of passive
recreation opportunities.

Associated Project/s
Water Sensitive Urban Design

Themes

100 Plan Greater Bendigo

Youth Development Hubs
Integrated facilities that enable young people to OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
meet and run activities, participate in education IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
and skill development, receive support and There are a number of areas in Greater Bendigo STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
encouragement, and respond to priority health and which experience significant disadvantage, lower
wellbeing needs. Not directly.
education levels and disengaged youth. There
are also a number of growth areas where the The City is currently preparing a Greater Bendigo
Cost population of young people is expected to grow Youth Strategy. Youth Development Hubs have come
substantially in the coming years. up during feedback on the preparation of this strategy.
$-Low
To support these young people, Youth A youth hub was also a project identified by the
When To Deliver Development Hubs provide: Citizens Jury.
Spaces where Youth Workers can build trust
1-2 years and rapport. BENEFITS
commencing with a Youth Development Hub in Bendigo Central and Meetings spaces for young people to plan
then ongoing with a staged roll out in disadvantaged suburbs and growth Modern community facilities that meet current and
and make decisions.
areas to meet need. future demand for young peoples participation in
Workshop and training spaces.
Lead Organisation/s community life.
Links and support for work opportunities.
Access by young people to information and
Spaces for art/music/activities.
Would need to be a partnership between advice, counselling, training and education
Spaces for priority services eg: health and
agencies and government options.
wellbeing, counselling.
A place young people identify with that is
Supporting Organisation/s WiFi and access to social media.
connected to the broader community.
Fun and safety.
Secondary schools, Netspace and TAFE Provides young people with activities and events.
Bendigo Community Health Services
Youth Development Hubs are best constructed
Provides young people with a sense of place.
Headspace close by or connected to other community and
Primary Care Partnerships private infrastructure such as secondary colleges,
Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Community Centres, Libraries, shopping centres CONSTRAINTS
Network and public transport. The Citys limited capacity to provide resources
Anglicare to construct and staff to run Youth Development
Haven Homesafe This project would see the staged roll out of
Youth Development Hubs with the priority being a Hubs.
Department of Education and Training
Department of Health and Human Services Hub within the City Centre. Limited resources available from State
Community groups government and the community.
Accredited Training agencies Capacity of a single community agency to take the
Victoria Police
LOCATION lead
Bendigo central
Associated Project/s Areas where the population of young people is
Increasing and Maintaining Public Housing projected to grow significantly eg: Maiden Gully,
Libraries Empowering Communities Huntly and Strathfieldsaye
Areas with significant levels of disadvantage eg
Themes Eaglehawk/Long Gully and Kangaroo Flat

Plan Greater Bendigo 101

 Privately Led
102 Plan Greater Bendigo
PRIVATELY LED PROJECTS
Aspire Precinct 104
Conference Centre and Boutique Hotel 105
Great Stupa 106
Model development 107

Plan Greater Bendigo 103

Aspire Precinct
OVERVIEW BENEFITS
The development of Australias first community Predicted to attract an additional
driven and interpretive interfaith precinct, The construction of a multi-purpose public space 41,000 visitors into the region.
promoting community cohesion and economic which will act as a Gateway to Bendigo. Foster social cohesion and entrepreneurships.
growth. Job creation.
The Aspire Precinct will encompass an exhibition
space, indoor and outdoor areas for community
gatherings, an education and resource centre CONSTRAINTS
and a business hub. Privately led project.
Cost
Funding has already been provided from the
$$-Moderate State Government for Part A of the project. This
project would be for the funding of Part B.
When To Deliver

1-2 years LOCATION

High Street
Lead Organisation/s
Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation

Supporting Organisation/s
Regional Development Victoria

Associated Project/s
Bendigo Chinatown
Bendigo Tramways
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment
Great Stupa

Themes

IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN

EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
No

104 Plan Greater Bendigo

Conference Centre and Boutique Hotel
OVERVIEW IS THIS PROJECT
The development of a new conference centre IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
and boutique hotel located in or within walking This project would see the development of a new STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
distance of the City Centre, broadening the visitor conference centre and boutique hotel.
Yes.
appeal and the opportunity for more events.
The second part of this project would be the
Bendigo CBD Plan - identifies the need to
development of a new boutique, upmarket hotel.
investigate the feasibility of additional quality visitor
This would help to attract higher yield visitors and
accommodation within the City Centre, including a
to encourage more people into the City Centre
Cost large scale five star hotel.
outside of business hours. This would support the
$$$-High tourism and retail economy within the City. Economic Development Strategy - states that a threat
to the economy in Bendigo is the strong competition
but would be funded all or in part by a private developer.
for the attraction of tourism and major events from
other regional cities.
When To Deliver
LOCATION BENEFITS
Within or within walking distance of the City Centre
10-15 years This would lead to an increase in direct and
Lead Organisation/s indirect employment in the City.
It would help in attracting skilled and talented
Private Developer
individuals into the city.
Supporting Organisation/s It would encourage more events in the city
increasing tourism and economic activity.
City of Greater Bendigo
Regional Development Victoria
Transport for Victoria
CONSTRAINTS
This would require private developer interest.
Associated Project/s It may also require investment at the state or
Aspire Precinct local level to determine feasibility and to help the
Bendigo Chinatown project progress.
Bendigo Tramways There is the potential for tension with existing
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment facilities and it would be important to ensure
that this new venue offered an alternative to the
Themes existing offer.

Plan Greater Bendigo 105

Great Stupa
OVERVIEW
The completion of the Great Stupa of Universal
Compassion will make it a significant tourist
destination for domestic and international visitors, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is currently
being constructed. Already a major visitor destination,
supporting jobs and economic growth.
the Stupa is now approximately 60 per cent complete
and is fast becoming Bendigos leading tourist
attraction.
Cost
The completion of the Great Stupa will incorporate the
$$$$-Significant following elements:
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion including
When To Deliver hotel, restaurant, healing centre, retail stores,
Peace Park, dormitory accommodation and car
5-10 years parking.
Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery including Monks
Lead Organisation/s residence, meditation hall and retreat huts.
Atisha Centre including dining room, kitchen, gift
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion shop, meeting rooms and accommodation block.
Ltd Proposed 40 bed aged care facility.
Lama Yeshe Village including housing.
Supporting Organisation/s This project will see the completion of the Great Stupa
including remaining infrastructure and the return of
Regional Development Victoria the Jade Buddha, enhancing the visitor experience.
City of Greater Bendigo Once complete the Great Stupa will be the largest in
Bendigo Interfaith Council the Western World, making it a unique and majestic
Bendigo Manufacturing Group tourist venue, cementing Bendigos position as
Bendigo Tourism an international travel destination and a place of
Chinese Dragon Museum/Chinese Cultural multicultural and multi-faith expression.
Centre of Australia
Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services
Associated Project/s
LOCATION
Aspire Precinct
Bendigo Chinatown 25 Sandhurst Town Road, Myers Flat
Bendigo Tramways
Central Deborah Gold Mine Redevelopment
Themes
106 Plan Greater Bendigo
IS THIS PROJECT
IDENTIFIED IN EXISTING
STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Yes.
Identified in the adopted Economic Development
Strategy 2014-2020 and the Loddon Mallee Regional
Strategic Plan 2015-18.
BENEFITS
Economic benefits direct to Bendigo and flow on
effects to the region.
Provide new jobs in construction and on-going
servicing and administration of visitors to The
Great Stupa.
Increase visitation to the region from intrastate,
interstate and international visitors.
Encourage extended stays in Bendigo as a visit
to our facility requires a long stay and some travel
from Bendigo.
Cater to the wellness market with facilities
especially created for their needs.
Encourage new investment and complement other
investments in the designated region.
Result in strategic tourism industry development
as we partner with Aspire, Joss House and
Chinese Museum.
CONSTRAINTS
Funding.
Planning approvals.
Pre sales of housing being slower than
anticipated.
Model development
OVERVIEW
Using a private/public partnership model
to provide a best practice development,
incorporating Environmentally Sustainable This project would see Government owned land
Design, local energy and food generation, and the provided for a nominal fee to encourage a model
inclusion of a proportion of affordable dwellings. best practice development. The project would be
scored against a set of criteria potentially centred
around:
Cost
Best Practice Environmental Sustainable
$$$-High Design (ESD) principles.
but would be funded all or in part by a private developer. Best practice Water Sensitive Urban Design.
Percentage of affordable housing options.
When To Deliver Interactive public open space.
Use of local resources and suppliers where
possible.
Micro grid energy generation and smart
5-10 years technology.
Lead Organisation/s It would enable Local and State Government
Private developer to set the design brief and key drivers on what
State Government Agency or City of is to be achieved to meet both Local and State
Greater Bendigo Government objectives.
BENEFITS
Could be used as a demonstration
project for future projects inside and outside of the
City.
The opportunity to increase the supply of
affordable housing and diversity of housing.
Environmental benefits through reduced
Greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for
renewable energy generation.
Support 10 minute neighbourhood principles.
Would help to promote community connectivity
and social cohesion.
CONSTRAINTS
This is an innovative concept and there may be
difficulty in attracting a developer.
May be difficulty in finding a suitable site.
May require a planning scheme amendment to
facilitate.

Supporting Organisation/s
Department of Environment, Land, Water and LOCATION
Planning To be determined.
Department of Treasury and Finance
Coliban Water
VicRoads IS THIS PROJECT IDENTIFIED IN
EXISTING STRATEGIES/POLICIES?
Associated Project/s
Not directly.
Australias Regional Bicycle Network
Micro Energy Network for the View and However a number of Council and State Government
Barnard Street Precinct Strategies refer to compact city initiatives, as well as
Water Sensitive Urban Design the need for climate change mitigation measures.

Themes

Plan Greater Bendigo 107

Other ideas for Projects

As well as the projects listed in detail through this

report there were a number of other ideas for possible
projects. These projects have not been listed in detail
for various reasons including limited detail, a number
of similar projects or the project benefits were limited.

PROJECTS INCLUDE:
36 Hole Golf Course
60 Minute Rail to Melbourne
A new athletics complex
Bendigo Lawn Bowls Centre
Bendigo Stadium Expansion
Blue Zones
Expansion of the QEO
Improved Transport Connections to Outer Suburbs
Mountain Bike Path
New Recreation Water Reserve
Regional Soccer Facility
Regional Velodrome
Second City Centre
Tourism Light Rail
Improved generation & use of renewable energy
Future rural recreation facilities
Rural enterprise incubator
Improving links between the Hospital Precinct and
City Centre

108 Plan Greater Bendigo

References
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census <abs.gov.au>
Beer A, Kearns B & Pieters H (2007) Housing Affordability
and Planning in Australia: The challenge of policy under
neo-liberalism, Housing Studies, 22(1), 11-24
Bendigo Senior Secondary College, College Profile, <bssc.
edu.au/college/profile>
Bendigo Tourism, Tourism Research, <http://www.
bendigotourism.com/research>
Bureau of Meteorology, Summary statistics Bendigo
Airport, < http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/
cw_081123.shtml>
CERES, Welcome to Ceres, <ceres.org.au/about>,
City of Greater Bendigo, Community Access and Inclusion
Plan 2015-2018 <https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/
Document-Library/community-access-and-inclusion-plan>
City of Greater Bendigo, Commercial Land and Activity
Centre Strategy
<https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Document-Library/
commercial-land-strategy
City of Greater Bendigo, Environment Strategy 2016-2021
<https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Environment-and-
sustainability/Environmental-strategies-and-reports>
City of Greater Bendigo, Integrated Transport and Land Use
Strategy (ITLUS), < https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/
Document-Library/connecting-greater-bendigo-integrated-
transport-and-land-use-strategy>
City of Greater Bendigo, Liveability Indicators <https://www.
bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Document-Library/city-greater-
bendigo-report-liveability-indicators-2016>
City of Greater Bendigo, Greater Bendigo Public Space
Plan Strategic Context and Issues Report <https://indd.
adobe.com/view/fae9d65c-77ba-4952-92c3-9a9f03917b28>
City of Greater Bendigo 2014, Pioneers, Poppetheads
and Prosperity <https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/
Document-Library/pioneers-poppetheads-prosperity>
City of Greater Bendigo, Residential Strategy, <https:// Remplan, <remplan.com.au>
www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Document-Library/greater-
SGS Economics and Planning, Comparative costs of
bendigo-residential-strategy>
urban development: a literature review, Final Report,
Coliban Water, Waterplan 2055 <https://www.coliban.com. Infrastructure Victoria, July 2016, <http://yoursay.
au/site/root/resources/pdf/Waterplan2055.pdf> infrastructurevictoria.com.au/30-year-strategy/application/
files/1714/7546/2887/SGS_Economics_and_Planning_
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
Comparative_costs_of_infrastructure_across_different_
A Guide to Property Values, < http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.
development_settings.PDF >
au/property-and-land-titles/property-information/property-
prices> Rentschler R, Bridson K, Evans J, 2015 Social Inclusion the
Impact of the Arts in Regional Australia <http://regionalarts.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Stats-Stories-3-Social-
Water for Victoria <http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/
Inclusion.pdf>
water-for-victoria>
Sovereign Hill, 2016 Sovereign Hill Annual Report
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
<sovereignhill.com.au>,
Managing groundwater from Bendigo mines <http://www.
delwp.vic.gov.au/water/managing-groundwater-from- Sustainability Victoria, Victorian Local Government Annual
bendigo-mines> Waste Services Report 2013-14 <http://www.sustainability.
vic.gov.au/publications-and-research/research/victorian-
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
waste-and-recycling-data-results-201314/victorian-local-
Victoria in Future 2015, < http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/data-
government-annual-waste-services-report-201314>
and-research/population/victoria-in-future-2016>
Victorian Population Health Survey, 2014, Modifiable risk
Department of Housing 2017, Rental Report Tables
factors contributing to chronic disease in Victoria, <https://
September Quarter 2016 < http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-
www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/population-health-
the-department/documents-and-resources/research,-data-
systems/health-status-of-victorians/survey-data-and-reports/
and-statistics/current-rental-report>
victorian-population-health-survey/victorian-population-
Department of Social Services 2017, Settlement Reporting health-survey-2014 >
Facility <https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/
Weighing it up Obesity in Australia, House of
settlement-and-multicultural-affairs/programs-policy/
Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing,
settlement-services/settlement-reporting-facility>
<http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/house/committee/haa/
Essential Services Commission, Fact Sheet Coliban Water obesity/report/fullreport.pdf>
2015-16 Performance Report <http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/
document/water/36738-fact-sheet-coliban-water-2015-16-
water-performance-report/>
ID Consulting, Economy ID, <economyid.com.au>
ID Consulting, Forecast ID <forecastid.com.au>
National Institute of Economic and Industry Research
(NIEIR), 2016 <nieir.com.au>
Regional Development Victoria, Victorias Regional
Statement, <http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-partnerships/
regional-statement>
Plan Greater Bendigo 109
Appendix 1 Background, Existing Strategies and Future Growth

110 Plan Greater Bendigo

Existing Context
Background and Context
Being located 90 minutes north-west of the centre
of Melbourne, Bendigo is the geographic centre of
Victoria. With a population of around 108,500, Greater
Bendigo is now the second most populated regional
municipality (and the third most populated regional
city).
The City covers almost 3,000 square kilometres,
and includes a number of smaller townships and
rural areas from Heathcote through to Elmore. The 230,000 (Victorias Regional Statement 2016). While
majority of residents or around 81 per cent reside in Bendigo is by far the largest city, there are a number
the urban area, with the remaining 19 per cent living in of smaller cities and towns including Castlemaine,
the rural areas and townships, including Marong and Kyneton, Echuca and Maryborough, which not only
Junortoun. support their local residents, but are also important
tourist and visitor destinations.
The broader Loddon Campaspe Region includes
five other municipalities; Macedon Ranges,
Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields, Loddon and
Campaspe. The region covers around 19,000 square
kilometres encompassing a total population of

Kamarooka
Elmore

Raywood

Goornong

Huntly

Campaspe
Fosterville
Loddon

Marong
Bendigo
Bendigo
Junortoun
Central Axedale

Goldfields Mount Alexander Lockwood Strathfieldsaye

Eppalock

Macedon Ranges Costerfield

Ravenswood
Heathcote
Melbourne

Mia Mia

Redesdale

Map 1 - Location of City of Greater Bendigo Map 2 - City of Greater Bendigo

Plan Greater Bendigo 111

History of Bendigo
The City is located on the lands of the Dja Dja
Wurrung and Taungurung Aboriginal Clans who are
the traditional owners.
The gold discoveries of 1851 attracted thousands of
European setters to the Bendigo goldfield in a very
short space of time and virtually overnight a city was
created; by 1871 the population had reached 15,000
people (City of Greater Bendigo 2014). The city still
shows the wealth of this period through its many civic
buildings and boulevard streets, the most well-known
being Pall Mall which includes the Soldiers Memorial,
Alexandra Fountain and Vahland Drinking Fountain.
Within the region there are also still many examples
of the built heritage from mining - miners cottages,
shops, churches and hotels - and to this day heritage
tourism is one of the key regional attractions.
As well as architectural heritage, the natural
landscape has been essential in the growth and
Bendigo 1857 Bendigo 1916
112
development of Bendigo. Bendigo is surrounded Figure 15 - Migration to the City 2006-2011
by Box-Ironbark Forest which was heavily logged
for mining and industrial development in the 19th
century but has regrown to now make a significant
environmental and lifestyle contribution to the city,
creating a City in the Forest.
Pattern of development
During European settlement, Bendigo first developed
along its creeks and gullies. This development then
expanded generally in a linear pattern along transport
corridors, with satellite developments in rural towns.
Source: ID Consulting
By the 1980s while there was a greater amount of infill
development in all directions, the City still remains
fairly compact. By 2015 however the urban area of Bendigo is unique for a large regional Victorian city,
Bendigo extends almost 25 kilometres from north with the Box-Ironbark forests creating a natural barrier
to south and from east to west, and it is difficult in a preventing urban sprawl in a number of directions. As
number of areas to traverse the City without access to such, unlike other regional cities which may be able to
expand in a single direction, Bendigo is constrained in
a private vehicle.
its ability to further expand its boundaries.
Bendigo 1982 Bendigo 2015
Plan Greater Bendigo
Therefore while there will continue to be Greenfield
development in the Epsom-Huntly Corridor, Maiden
Gully and Marong, Strathfieldsaye and to a lesser
extent Junortoun, the City must focus on utilising land
within its existing residential areas. As such in 2005,
the City adopted an Urban Growth Boundary, which
was subsequently reviewed in 2015. The City is well
placed to be able to achieve this with around 40 per
cent of development already being infill.
As well as development in urban Bendigo it will be
important to focus on creating opportunities in rural
townships and other regional cities in the region, to
make these more attractive destinations particularly
for younger individuals and families.
Figure 16 - Migration into and out of the City from
Victoria 2006-2011
Source: ID Consulting
Why is our population growing?
The City is an attractive destination for residents
living in the other regional and rural areas throughout
Victoria, accounting for over half of all migration
between 2006 and 2011. Close to 40 per cent of all
growth into the City over this time was from Mount
Alexander, Loddon, Campaspe, Swan Hill and Greater
Shepparton.
The remaining migration is from overseas (29%),
Greater Melbourne (12%) and Interstate (6%), as
shown in Figure 15.
Settlement data from 2010 to 2015 shows that
residents choosing to settle in Bendigo from overseas
are from a variety of countries but the most common
include India, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, China
and the United Kingdom (Department of Social
Services 2017).
The City is an attractive location for young families,
with the greatest net migration being residents aged
between 35 and 44 years. This may be in part due to
job and educational opportunities over other smaller
regional cities and towns.
Recent infrastructure projects
There have been a number of significant infrastructure
projects which have been undertaken in recent years.
These have often been a collaboration between the
various levels of government with some also been
a result of corporate philanthropy. Where possible,
Plan Greater Bendigo will build on recent projects and
initiatives already underway.
The most significant recent public sector investments
include the $630 Million redevelopment of the Bendigo
hospital and the $86 Million Ravenswood Interchange.
Table 2 provides a summary of major projects
currently underway or recently completed.
Plan Greater Bendigo
There has also been a large amount of private sector
investment in the City in recent years including the
development of large housing estates, medium
density housing in and around the City Centre and
significant commercial and industrial development.
Table 1 - Recently completed, current and future
major projects
Bendigo Hospital Redevelopment
Bendigo Airport Redevelopment Project
Bendigo Library Redevelopment
Bendigo Art Gallery Extension
Bendigo-Kangan TAFE Redevelopment
Bendigo Metro Rail
Bendigo Stadium Expansion
Bendigo Groundwater Project
Bendigo Tennis Centre Redevelopment
Former Mining Exchange Redevelopment
Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre
Marong Business Park
Major Road works including Napier Street upgrade
and Ravenswood Interchange
New Technical School at LaTrobe University
Soldiers Memorial Expansion
St John of God Hospital Expansion
Ulumbarra Theatre
113
Recent Strategic Work
In addition to the various construction projects, there A number of these priorities are of relevant to Plan
have been a significant number of strategies and Greater Bendigo including:
plans completed in recent years across all levels of
Capacity improvements on the Bendigo, Swan
government. Plan Greater Bendigo will be informed
Hill and Echuca passenger rail lines as well as
and where relevant seek to implement actions from
increased services;
these strategies.
A railway station access improvement program,
The following section provides an overview of these
encouraging active and public transport;
key pieces of work.
Continuing to develop existing rail trails including
Federal Government the OKeefe Rail Trail.

Smart Cities Figure 17 Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Framework Plan
The federal government has allocated $50 million
to the Smart Cities initiative. The Bendigo Business
Council, supported by the City has been working on
a proposal to access funds from this initiative. The
collaboration and commitment to innovation within the
city should see it well placed in pitching for funds from
this initiative.

State Government
Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan (now
referred to as the Loddon Campaspe Regional
Growth Plan, LCRGP)
The LCRGP is the strategic land use plan for the
region to guide growth and change for the next 30
years. The LCRGP establishes a framework to help
achieve sustainable growth across the region. It
identifies that the majority of growth in the region will
be accommodated in urban Bendigo and that this will
help to drive investment and economic growth in the
region more broadly.
Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy
The Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy
establishes 10 priorities based on the challenges,
goals and trends of the regional transport network.

114 Plan Greater Bendigo

Recent Strategic Work
Victorias 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy
A major recent initiative was the development of
Victorias 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy prepared
by Infrastructure Victoria. Infrastructure Victoria was
established as a separate independent statutory
authority to provide advice and guidance to the
government on Victorias Infrastructure priorities.
Victorias 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy identifies
a total of 137 infrastructure recommendations made
over the short, medium and long term. Of these
recommendations 70 per cent are statewide, 20 per
cent are specific to Melbourne and 10 per cent are
specific to regional and rural Victoria.
There are a number of strategies which are directly
or indirectly relevant to the city. This includes as
an immediate priority the need for the delivery of a
new or refurbished integrated facility across justice,
health and human services. Also of relevance to the
City includes the focus on development and cycling/
walking in established areas.
The Strategy has been presented in parliament and
the government now have 12 months to respond.
Dja Dja Wurrung Land Use Activity Agreement
In March 2013 the State government and the Dja Dja
Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC)
on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owner
group, entered into a Recognition and Settlement
Agreement which recognises the Dja Dja Wurrung
as the traditional owner group on approximately
266,532 hectares of public land in Central Victoria.
The agreement settles four native title claims in the
Federal Court dating back to 1998. The agreement
relates to Crown lands and waters within the external
boundaries of the agreement area. Any existing
interest, such as licenses over Crown Land, are
unaffected by the Agreement. Similarly the Agreement
does not affect freehold land.
Water for Victoria
In late 2016, the Victorian Government released a
new long-term water strategy for Victoria to respond
to the impact of climate change and a growing
population, including recognising that the population
of the major regional centres including Bendigo is
likely to double over the next 30 years.
This strategy acknowledges the need to be more
efficient and innovative in the use of water, to plan for
a range of possible climate change futures while also
ensuring that water remains affordable for all.
Bendigo Integrated Transport Model (BITM)
The BITM is currently being prepared. It will be
a comprehensive database to model freight and
transport movements. This helps in assessing and
planning for proposed transport infrastructure.
Other projects
Other projects which may have implications for Plan
Greater Bendigo but have not yet been released
include the new State Housing Strategy, Plan
Melbourne update and new mapping of Bushfire
Prone Areas.
Plan Greater Bendigo
City Strategies
The City has completed a large number of Strategies,
Policies and Planning documents in recent years (as
shown in figure 18). Plan Greater Bendigo will is not
about writing another Strategy, it is about building on
an implementing these important projects.
Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021
The Council Plan sets out the direction for the City
over a four year period. Following the election of a
new Council in October 2016, work has begun on a
new Council Plan, now referred to as the Community
Plan 2017-2021 which will be completed by the middle
of the year.
Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP) 2015-2018
The MEYP focuses around the needs of children from
birth to eight years including their families and carers.
It recognises the importance of the early years on
healthy development throughout life.
Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan (MHWP)
2013-2017
Each Council has a responsibility to protect, improve
and promote public health and wellbeing within their
municipality. This ranges from regulation through to
health promotion. Following Council elections the
City is preparing a new plan as required by the Public
Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Consultation on this
plan will take place over the coming months.
Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)
The MSS sets out Councils strategic policy objectives
within the Planning Scheme. The MSS will be
reviewed in 2017.
Residential Strategy
The Residential Strategy adopts a compact city model
and establishes the Bendigo Urban Growth Boundary
115
Figure 19 Residential Growth Framework Figure 20 Overview of main transport corridors and activity centres in Greater
Bendigo

Huntly

Epsom

Eaglehawk

Marong Showgrounds
Airport

Maiden Gully

City
Centre

Strathdale
Golden Square

Kangaroo Flat

Strathfieldsaye
Lansell Square

Main Transit Corridors

Rail Corridors
Activity Centres
0 4
Specialised employment centres
Kilometres
Existing and proposed railway stations
Development opportunities
Urban Growth Boundary

116 Plan Greater Bendigo

where approximately 85 per cent of residential growth Figure 21 Overview of Activity Centres from CLACS
will occur, with the further 15 per cent in the Citys
small towns. The Residential Strategy sets out a
Residential Growth Framework for the Bendigo Urban
Area (figure 19). This includes key development sites,
Greenfield growth and future growth areas.
The Residential Strategy was recently implemented
into the planning scheme via Amendment C215.
Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020
Councils adopted Economic Developments Strategy
sets out a vision and a plan for Bendigo to be
acknowledged across Australia as one of Australias
most progressive cities.
Greater Bendigo Connecting Integrated Transport
and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS)
Instead of putting together a business as usual
approach with a focus on building and upgrading
roads, the ITLUS seeks to understand how Bendigo
functions, how the City can manage growth and
development so everyone benefits and to better use
existing resources and capacity. It is about investing in
public transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
to move people away from car use.
Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy
(CLACS)
The CLACS provides a framework as to how activity
centres are planned and managed over the next
two decades. It outlines the projected demand for
additional commercial floor space through to 2031.
The CLACS identifies that there will be significant
demand for new floor space over the next 15 years.
The majority of non-retail floor space is likely to
be concentrated within the city centre. This may

Plan Greater Bendigo 117

create issues for car parking if public transport is not
improved.
There is a need for Bendigo to attract more advanced
business services, including creative problem solving
businesses in IT, design, marketing, brokerage,
strategic planning, financial management and
specialised legal.
In terms of retail floor space, one of the great
opportunities in the City lies in cultural shopping.
Housing Strategy
The Housing Strategy considers in detail what the
future housing needs of the City are, what the current
supply of land available for development is and what
planning scheme changes are required to facilitate
development. Over the next 20 years (based on
current growth rates) an additional 18,000 dwellings
will be required. Housing needs will change, driven by
an ageing population and smaller household size. By
2036 it is expected that 20 per cent of the population
will be aged over 65 and 58 per cent of households
will have less than three people.
The Housing Strategy identifies that with a growing
population, the provision of affordable housing will
be a significant issue and there is a need for an
Affordable Housing Policy which has received strong
community support.
The City is currently working on an implementation
plan for this strategy.
Environment Strategy 2016-2021
The Environment Strategy draws the link between
community health and wellbeing and environmental
health, with action areas around equity, local
economy, health and community.
118
The Environment Strategy establishes as series of
20 year goals around the 10 principles of One Planet
Living. There are a number of goals of relevance
including 100% renewable energy generation, zero
waste sent to landfill and effective and well connected
road and pathway infrastructure.
It also identifies four flagship projects including:
Power to the people;
City in the forest, forest in the City;
Catalyse a local renewable and equitable energy
network;
A shared vison for restoring Bendigo Creek.
Public Space Strategic Context and Issues
Report
The City has consulted on an Issues and
Opportunities Paper and conceptual vision to inform
the preparation of a Public Open Space strategy for
the City.
The context report identifies that the City has an
abundance of highly accessible open space. However
the quality of this open space is often low and it is not
being provided or fairly funded across the community.
Further while there is considerable take-up of recycled
water, water use in public spaces is growing.
The issues and opportunities paper is being used to
inform a draft Public Space plan. It is expected this
draft plan will be released for comment in the first half
of 2017.
Waste and Resource Management Strategy
The Waste and Resource Management Strategy is
about finding ways to address existing and emerging
waste issues in the City.
Plan Greater Bendigo
Key initiatives include the introduction of a garden and
food organics waste collection and an education and
awareness campaign.
The City sees the cost and environmental impacts
of introducing a new landfill facility and is therefore
committed to mechanisms to prevent the need for this.
Active Living Census
Residents in Greater Bendigo have consistently
received low ratings on a range of health behaviour
indicators. To better assist in planning to improve the
health of the population and to guide infrastructure
improvements to recreation and public infrastructure
in 2014 Council undertook an active living census.
The census was mailed to every house in Greater
Bendigo and available online. The census was
completed by over 17,000 people. Council now holds
the most extensive database on the activity levels of
its residents of any local government in Australia.
Liveability Indicators
The City has developed a series of liveability
indicators. These are to enable the City to track its
progress over time and compare with similar locations
to see how well or poorly it is performing. By having
a consistent set of indicators similar to this would
allow for easy comparisons across the state to help in
determining where improvements need to be made.
Citizens Jury
In 2016, the City engaged newDemocracy Foundation
to undertake a Citizens Jury process (following
a Council resolution on 22 March 2016). 3,000
invitations were sent out to a random selection of
residents. From the responses received 30 jurors
were selected across different genders, age groups,
cultures with a mix of residents from urban and non-
urban areas.
The role of the jury was to: Advocate for a Dementia care Village site within
the City;
Discuss and compare the possible outcomes and
implications of each option they identify; Facilitate a housing project for the elderly, disable,
disadvantaged and homeless within the City;
Make evidence-based decisions, informed by
information on the operations of Council and Implement a Youth Hub by building or providing
expert evidence; the space.
Collectively make recommendations to Council at These initiatives have been considered in the
the end of the process. preparation of the draft Plan Greater Bendigo
Discussion Paper.
The jury met six times over 11 weeks, for a total of 30
hours, with each session open to the community to
attend as observers.
The jury made 44 recommendations.
Of relevance to Plan Greater Bendigo these included:
Creation of a small business incubator;
Council to review and evaluate public transport
between the City Centre and smaller towns;
Council to continue to review facilities to
determine if they meet current community needs
and to investigate selling unnecessary facilities or
offsetting costs through leasing or hire;
Encourage energy efficient and sustainable house
and property designs;
Encourage investment in a solar farm;
Adopt more advanced waste technology systems
and establish a waste-to-energy plant in the City;
Develop a bike path network to new
neighbourhoods including purpose built path
from City Centre to La Trobe University and
bicycle infrastructure at shopping centres, tourist
attractions and transport hubs;
Pursue the 10 minute neighbourhood concept;

Plan Greater Bendigo 119

Future Growth
Across Victoria, the population is estimated to
increase from the current figure of 6 million to close to Legend
Elmore - Rural North
8 million by 2031 and over 10 million by 2051. Huntly
Eaglehawk - Eaglehawk North
- Sailors Gully
The population in Greater Bendigo and the region Epsom - Ascot

is expected to continue to grow, with a forecasted White Hills - Jackass Flat

North Bendigo - California Gully

increase of 31 per cent over the next 15 years and a Long Gully - West Bendigo
- Ironbark

regional increase of 9.5 per cent.

East Bendigo
Bendigo
Strathdale

Within the City some suburbs are currently growing Kennington

Golden Square
and are expected to grow substantially faster than Maiden Gully
Marong - Rural West
others. Over the next 20 years, Huntly is expected Kangaroo Flat - Big Hill

to grow by around 225 per cent, Strathfieldsaye 133

Flora Hill - Quarry Hill
- Spring Gully - Golden Gully

per cent, Maiden Gully 131 per cent and Marong 107
Strathfieldsaye
Rural East

per cent. In contrast Strathdale is only expected to Heathcote & District

grow by 5 per cent and the Flora Hill-Quarry Hill-

Spring Gully area, 6 per cent. The various levels of
growth will create very different infrastructure needs in
different areas.

Table 3 - Regional Forecast Population Growth

2016 2021 2026 2031 Change no. Change %

2016-2031 2016-2031
Campaspe 36,814 37,371 38,055 38,786 1,972 5.4%
Central Goldfields 12,561 12,711 12,900 13,088 527 4.2%
Greater Bendigo 110,446 121,687 133,058 144,632 34,186 31%
Loddon 7,268 7,064 6,864 6,710 -558 -7.7%
Macedon Ranges 46,023 49,599 53,470 57,487 11,464 24.9%
Mount Alexander 18,239 18,729 19,301 19,968 1,729 9.5%
Regional Pop 231,350 247,162 263,648 280,669 49,319 21.3%
Source: Victoria in Future 2015 population projections

120 Plan Greater Bendigo

An ageing population Table 4 - Residents aged 70 years and over
One significant demographic challenge will be 2016 2016 % 2026 2026 % 2036 2036 %
providing adequate infrastructure and services to meet
the needs of an ageing population. While across all Bendigo 684 11.3 1,047 13.7 1,312 14.9
suburbs it is expected that the proportion of residents Eaglehawk Eaglehawk North Sailors 677 10.8 878 12.5 1,039 14.3
over 70 years will increase, in certain areas including Gully
Heathcote & District and Long Gully-West Bendigo- East Bendigo 339 14.9 417 15.8 496 17.3
Ironbark it is forecast that close to one quarter of all
Elmore Rural North 771 10.4 445 12.4 523 13.8
residents will be aged over 70 by 2036 (compared
with 14.3% for the City). Epsom Ascot 332 6.9 571 10.6 765 13.9
Flora Hill Quarry Hill Spring Gully 879 9.0 1,046 10.2 1,167 11.3
An ageing population is likely to create challenges for
Golden Gully
all levels of government through increasing health and
aged care costs. Golden Square 1,198 13.0 1,504 14.5 1,7 16.2
At a local level, an ageing population goes further to Heathcote & District 798 20.9 961 23.2 1,012 24.2
support the need for 10 minute neighbourhoods, with Huntly 207 6.2 607 8.5 1,028 9.4
appropriate and accessible housing to suit the needs Kangaroo Flat Big Hill 1,842 16.3 2,476 20.0 2,896 21.6
of individuals as they age. There is a need to better
Kennington 1,000 16.5 1,092 17.5 1,144 18.4
plan to enable individuals the ability to socialise and
to access medical services and shops within walking Long Gully West Bendigo Ironbark 718 14.7 967 19.2 1,235 23.2
distance or via public or community transport, as well Maiden Gully 239 4.9 539 7.7 864 7.6
as ensuring accessible public spaces and facilities. Marong Rural West 321 7.0 555 8.5 841 8.9
It may also be important to proactively consider North Bendigo California Gully 1,226 13.9 1,391 14.9 1,550 15.8
initiatives that encourage new young people to locate Rural East 522 6.9 952 10.9 1,255 13.3
into certain townships and areas, benefiting the
community, economically and socially. Strathdale 828 13.9 1,034 16.9 1,134 18.2
Strathfieldsaye 334 5.9 752 8.2 1,327 10.0
White Hills Jackass Flat 420 9.7 721 12.0 1,001 14.2
City of Greater Bendigo 12,911 11.4 17,956 13.4 22,538 14.3
Source: Forecast ID

Plan Greater Bendigo 121

Future commercial development Figure 24 Projected Floorspace Demand 2021
Councils adopted Commercial Land and Activity
Centre Strategy estimates to support the expected
population and employment growth, there will be an
additional 232,000 square metres of commercial floor
space in the City required by 2031.
Table 5 Forecast additional floorspace requirements
in Greater Bendigo

By 2021 By 2031
Specialty retail 56,600 89,700
and hospitality
Supermarket 3,100 20,100
Office 24,400 21,300
Department 3,200 13,200
store
Source: Commercial Land Use and Activity Centre Strategy
The majority of commercial and associated jobs are
expected in the City Centre. This means it is essential
to both improve connections and accessibility into
the City Centre in line with population growth. By
encouraging new development and new residents to
move into the City Centre and surrounds over time,
this will also help to encourage new businesses to
establish and to promote economic growth.

Source: Commercial Land Use and Activity Centre Strategy

122 Plan Greater Bendigo

Figure 25 Projected Floorspace Demand 2031

Source: Commercial Land Use and Activity Centre Strategy

Plan Greater Bendigo 123